Fast Facts
College Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are provided to eligible students with a documented disability to ensure equal access and full participation in the educational setting. Some common academic accommodations may include the ability to record a class lecture, receive extended time on tests, take tests in a reduced-distraction location, use adaptive and assistive technology, and utilize interpreters. Accommodations can make a big difference in student learning, success, and engagement. In a post-secondary college setting, it is the responsibility of the student to register with the Accessibility Office (TAO) and provide current documentation of their disability.
Where do you start?
The student should begin by learning more about the Accessibility Office (TAO) at Bucks. The Accessibility Office works with students to create an accommodation plan based on the student's diagnosed disability. The only way to get accommodations at Bucks is through this office. The student is responsible for making the initial contact with the office, inquiring about what type of documentation is required for their disability, the steps they need to take to receive accommodations, and understanding the policies and procedures regarding the implementation of accommodations.
Register with the Accessibility Office (TAO)
Once a student is accepted as a student at Bucks, the student can begin the process for Registering for Accommodations.
Start the Accommodation Process Early
Once the student submits a Pre-Intake form and documentation to our office, a TAO learning specialist will review the student's documentation. After documentation is received and reviewed, a representative from TAO will contact the student through their Bucks email to set up an Intake appointment to discuss needs and reasonable accommodations.
Students may want accommodations for the placement tests or to request books in alternate formats; this process can take up to six (6) weeks. The TAO Representative will authorize accommodations based on documentation and intake information.
Provide Accommodation Letters to your Instructors
TAO will provide a Faculty Memo for the student to give to their professors. After accommodations are approved by TAO, it is the responsibility of the student to provide the instructor with a copy of their Faculty Memo and to make an appointment with the instructor(s) to discuss their accommodations.
Meet all the course requirements regardless of accommodations
Please note that all curriculum, activities, exams, and assignments are the same for all students in college. Every student, regardless of approved accommodations, must meet course learning outcomes expectations and in order to receive college credits and satisfactory grades.
Tips for Success
- Keep in mind that policies & procedures may differ from college to college. Review the disability service policies and procedures for each of the colleges you apply.
- IEP forms alone may not be acceptable as documentation of a disability. We will look at a student's whole picture in our intake process and may request additional documentation to substantiate the need for accommodations.
- Your disability information is kept confidential. When you receive your Faculty Memo, it will not specify your disability, only the accommodations you receive. Students can disclose their disability to their instructors at their discretion.
- Although students can request accommodations at any point in the semester, it is advisable to do so at the beginning of each semester. Accommodations are not retroactive and only begin at the time the student registers with accommodations and receives their Faculty Memo.
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