Prior to receiving any disability-related service or accommodation, students must present recent documentation (generally less than three years old) that clearly demonstrates the nature of their disability and the appropriateness of the accommodation requested.
Disability is defined as a permanent, longstanding significant condition that substantially or significantly limits one or more of the major life functions (including but not limited to: seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, learning, working, concentrating, etc).
Students with qualifying disabilities may be eligible, under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA), for reasonable accommodations that will support equal opportunity and inclusion in College programs and services.
Documentation from a credentialed examiner is required to substantiate the presence of a possible disability and to establish the possible need for accommodations CCRI. These guidelines are summarized below.
Temporary conditions are NOT regarded as ADA eligible, however, depending on the nature of the temporary condition and on the availability of resources, environmental supports may be provided.
The Community College of Rhode Island best practices of documentation guidelines that are outlined by AHEAD, the Association of Higher Education and Disability. In brief, the seven essential elements are:
Note: The Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 broadened the definition of disability in the number and types of conditions that could be considered. The new law also strengthened the importance of quality, detailed documentation in determining who is eligible for accommodations. Many conditions may now be considered a disability, but in order to qualify for accommodations, a major life function must be significantly, amply or substantially limited in the college environment.
(For example: a person may be considered "disabled" with a diagnosis of ADHD; but the same person with mild-moderate limitations to a major life function may not be eligible for accommodations. However, the person whose documentation demonstrates substantial, significant or considerable impact to a major life function, may be eligible for accommodations.)
All determinations are made on a case-by-case basis.
Name | Department |
---|---|
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Neuropsychologist, Psychiatrist, Neurologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician |
Chronic Illness/Health | Gastroenterologist, Rheumatologist, Endocrinologist, Internal Medicine, or other physician knowledgeable to condition |
Developmental Disability (such as Asperger Syndrome) | Neuropsychologist, Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician |
Head Injury/TBI | Neurologist, Neuropsychologist |
Hearing | Audiologist (CCC-A), Otolaryngologist |
Learning Disabilities | School Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Neurodevelopmental Physician |
Mental Health or Psychiatric Psychiatrist | Clinical Psychologist, Social Worker (LICSW), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner |
Mobility/Physical Physical | Therapist, Orthopedic Surgeon, other physician knowledgeable to condition |
Speech and Communication Conditions | Speech Language Clinician |
Vision | Optometrist, Ophthalmologist |
Updated Oct. 2009 - CCRI
Please Note:
Academic success is more likely if ALL accommodations and services are in place within the first two weeks of the semester.
. . Please Plan Ahead!
Academic Calendar
This page developed and maintained by Disability Services for Students. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected] .