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DISABILITY SERVICES

Everyone deserves equal access to learning. Disability services staff located in the Center for Student Success work with students, faculty, and staff to reduce barriers and support student success.

We follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure qualified students with disabilities have equal access to courses, programs, services, and campus activities.

If you have a disability or health condition that may impact your access to classes or campus services, we encourage you to connect with us.

Application for Student Accomodations

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Who Can Receive Accommodations?

Students with physical, mental health, learning, or medical conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities may be eligible for accommodations. This can include both permanent and temporary conditions.

Eligibility is determined through an interactive process, which is a conversation about your experiences, how your condition impacts you in an academic setting, and what support may be helpful. Documentation may also be part of this process.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment that helps provide equal access to learning without changing essential course requirements or academic standards.

Examples of accommodations may include:

Extended testing time
Alternative testing locations
Note-taking support
Assistive or accessible technology

Accommodations are individualized and based on functional limitations, not just a diagnosis.

How to Request Accommodations

Requesting accommodations is a straightforward process:

Self-Identify as having a disability and/or diagnosis.
Submit an accommodation request form. Share documentation, if available (you are still encouraged to meet with us even if documentation is not yet available).
Meet with disability services staff to discuss your needs. This conversation is part of the interactive process required under ADA and Section 504 and helps determine reasonable accommodations.

After Accommodations Are Approved

Once accommodations are approved, students are responsible for sharing their accommodation letters with instructors each semester. Accommodations are not automatically applied, they need to be requested by the student with each instructor.

Disability services staff are available to support students if questions or concerns arise during the term, or if accommodations are not working as expected.

Student Responsibilities

Accessing Your Accommodation Letter

In addition to being emailed to you, your Accommodation Letter is stored in your Starfish student profile and is accessible to you and your instructors throughout your enrollment.
How to View Your Accommodation Letter:
- Login to Starfish.
- Click on the three lines in the top left corner.
- Go to your Messages.
- Your Accommodation Letter will always be available here.

Sharing Your Accommodation Letter

Provide your Accommodation Letter to each instructor as early as possible in the semester.
Allow reasonable notice for implementation (at least one week for most accommodations and two weeks for final exams).
You are encouraged to share your letter even if you do not anticipate using accommodations, as needs may change.
Keep a copy readily available for reference.

Sample Email to Instructors

You may use the template below when sharing your Accommodation Letter. Replace the text in parentheses with your information.

Dear Professor,

My name is (your name), and I am enrolled in your (course and section number) this semester. I have an Accommodation Letter through KCC disability services and would like to request accommodations for your class. My Accommodation Letter is attached.

I plan to attend office hours (date/time) to discuss how these accommodations will be implemented in your course.

Thank you,
(Your name)

Meeting with Your Instructor

Meet one-on-one during office hours or a scheduled appointment.
Review each requested accommodation and discuss how it will be implemented in the course.

Following Up

Students are strongly encouraged to follow up by email after meeting with an instructor to summarize the agreed-upon accommodation plan. This helps:

Create a written record of the discussion
Clarify expectations for both the student and instructor
Support ongoing communication throughout the semester

Instructor Responsibilities

Instructors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and facilitating approved accommodations listed on the Accommodation Letter.

Treat Accommodation Letters as confidential and share only with individuals directly involved in implementation.
Do not disclose a student’s disability status to others, including classmates.
Make reasonable efforts to meet with students individually, even if you believe a meeting may not be necessary.
Review Accommodation Letters carefully, as accommodations are individualized.
Collaborate with students to clarify course expectations and implementation plans.
Contact disability services staff with questions or concerns at the earliest opportunity.

The Differences Between High School and College Accommodations

High School	College
High schools are required to identify students with disabilities.	Students are required to self-identify and provide documentation of disability.
IEP is developed by a team of professionals, and classes are arranged for the student.	Students are responsible for developing their own academic goals, as well as self-advocacy. The IEP is a K-12 document only.
Student accommodations are determined on a yearly basis.	Students must request accommodations.
Parental involvement is mandatory.	Parental involvement is limited as students are recognized as adults.
Students attend classes 5 days/week, 6 hours/day.	Students spend 12-16 hours per week in class.
Public school district is responsible for costs for provision of public education and accommodations	Students are responsible for paying university tuition and personal accommodation needs.
Teachers may provide one-to-one feedback on daily classroom performance.	Professors expect students to meet syllabus requirements and are available for meetings with students during office hours.
Parents and teachers may closely monitor students’ study habits.	Students are responsible for developing study habits that lead to their own success.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are answers to frequently asked questions about disability services staff at KCC.

Do I have to disclose my disability to anyone at KCC?

You are not required to disclose your disability to the College. However, if you are requesting academic accommodations, you must self-identify to the Center for Student Success by submitting documentation of your disability.

Once accommodations are approved, they apply from that point forward. Accommodations are not retroactive, and grades will not be adjusted for work completed before eligibility was established.

If I want accommodations to be available at the beginning of the semester, when should I start the request process?

It is recommended to initiate accommodation requests 6 weeks before the start of the semester.

You may request accommodations at any time during the semester. However, accommodations are not retroactive, and grades will not be changed for work completed prior to approval. Additionally, some accommodations require advance planning and cannot be implemented immediately, so early communication is strongly encouraged.

Do I have to use all my accommodations in every class?

No. Accommodations are individualized and may not be necessary or appropriate in every course. If you choose not to use an accommodation in a particular class, you will not be able to apply it retroactively later.

If you believe you need different or additional accommodations for a specific course, contact the disability services staff as soon as possible so your request can be reviewed.

Who informs my instructors about my accommodations?

It is your responsibility to inform your instructors when you are ready to use your accommodations. Accommodation Letters are stored in your Starfish student profile and are available for both you and your instructors to view at any time (see instructions above on how to access).

Your Accommodation Letter outlines your approved accommodations but does not include your diagnosis or disability details. When you choose to share your letter, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor to discuss how your accommodations will be implemented in their course.

What if I’m struggling to understand accommodation language and how to apply an accommodation?

Contact the disability services staff as soon as possible. Our staff can assist with communication, clarify accommodation expectations, and help resolve concerns to ensure you have equitable access to your coursework.

ADA Grievance Process

Students with concerns about accommodations or accessibility barriers are encouraged to contact disability services staff first so we can work toward a resolution.

If concerns cannot be resolved, students may follow the college’s established grievance or appeal procedures related to ADA and Section 504.