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Answers to frequently asked DSS questions
Disability Support Services (DSS) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that students have access to their education -- and to working with instructors to make sure this process is as transparent, responsive, and supportive as possible.
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes persons who have a record of such impairment and those who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The degree of impairment must substantially limit a major life activity (e.g., walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, and communicating.) Some examples include specific learning disabilities, visual impairments, and psychological conditions.
A reasonable accommodation is support that lowers or removes a barrier caused by a disability or disabling health condition. An accommodation is a means to provide equal access to an individual who is experiencing a substantial limitation in one or more major life activities. For example, a student who experiences processing delays in reading and writing may need more time on time-constrained assignments, like an in-class exam. Accommodations are a means to provide access, but do not guarantee success. It’s up to the student to use their skills and strategies to be successful.
Information related to a student’s disability is not shared with instructors. A Notice of Academic Accommodations is emailed to your faculty each quarter. You will also be emailed a copy. This notice focuses on accommodations and does not share disability-specific information. It is up to students to decide what information beyond accommodations they do or do not feel comfortable sharing. A student should never be required to share disability-specific information with their instructors.
Students can request changes to their accommodations at any time. To request additional accommodations, students can reach out to their DSS counselor to discuss whether or not an accommodation can be added and if additional documentation is needed.
A student may not receive the same accommodations they had at a previous institution. Documentation is reviewed and decisions are made independently from other institutions because colleges and universities have different processes and accommodations they provide. It can be helpful for students to provide documentation of previous accommodations used with their application to DSS. This allows DSS to determine accommodations that may be similar if they are eligible based on MCC policies.
Family or members of the student’s support system can absolutely be a part of the accommodations process if a student would like. Before someone else can be a part of the accommodations process with students, students will need to complete a consent form that grants permission. Students can contact their DSS counselor directly to request a consent form.
No. Students are not required nor should they be asked to disclose the nature of their disability. Additionally, students should not be asked to provide faculty and staff with copies of their disability documentation.
If you disagree with an accommodation decision made by DSS, please contact Hollie Knake, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs to discuss your concern.
To Request sign language interpreting services, contact the MCC educational interpreter:
Ronda Rankin 531-622-2128, rrankin@mccneb.edu