Highline Community College offers support services for students with disabilities to ensure access to programs and facilities. At Highline, it is the office of Access Services that directly assists students with disabilities by providing classroom and campus accommodations. Students with disabilities, who wish to request auxiliary aids and services, should contact the Access Services Office, located in the Outreach Center, Bldg 99, Suite 180.

What is the process for students to request academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services to accommodate a disability?

Schedule an intake interview with the Access Services Program Manager. Contact the Access Services office by calling (206) 878-3710 ext. 3857 or TDD: (206) 870-4853.

Submit documentation to verify eligibility. Diagnostic information shall be kept in a confidential file in the Access Services office and will only be used to develop appropriate accommodations and in supporting a student's progress at Highline Community College. The responsibility and cost for providing professional documentation shall be borne by the student.

During the intake interview the student and Access Services Program Manager will develop a plan for classroom accommodation. Support services in this plan are determined on an individual need basis and may be re-evaluated as needed. The student will be given instructions on the process for securing each of the agreed-upon accommodations.

A “Letter of Accommodation” will be generated that is signed by the student and Access Services Program Manager as soon as the student’s file is complete. The completed file must contain the following:

• Documentation of disability
• Student information sheet
• Release of information for internal communication and tracking processes
• Signed copy of “Student Responsibilities”
• Approved academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and services

The student is responsible for delivering the “Letter of Accommodation” to instructors at the beginning of each quarter.

Note: A temporary disability such as, a broken leg or arm or other short term limitation, which may cause interference in a student's ability to participate in programs, services and activities, will be treated on an individual basis. The same policy for disability documentation will apply and the information must be current in order to support the need for accommodation, and/or temporary disability parking.

How do I know what type of academic accommodation a student needs?

The specific accommodation(s) that a student is eligible to receive will be clearly stated in the “Letter of Accommodation”. It is the student’s responsibility to present the “Letter of Accommodation” during the first week of class, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Instructors having questions regarding a student’s accommodations are encouraged to contact Jenni Sandler, Access Services Program Manager, at extension 3474.

What legislation covers higher education institutions?

Federal laws include Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, both of which cover colleges and universities. In 1994, Washington State passed legislation adding new sections to 28B.10 RCW that expresses the same intent as Section 504 and the ADA.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by an entity or institution receiving federal funds. Section 504 defines a person with a disability as “...someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

Section 202 of the American with Disabilities Act, 1990 states that, “ No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of any public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity.

What are the implications for higher education institutions?

• Students with disabilities must be afforded an equal opportunity to participate in, and benefit from all post-secondary education programs and activities. That includes any course, course of study, or activity offered.
• Reasonable, effective disability accommodation should not compromise essential academic competency requirements. The objective is equal access and opportunity to complete essential academic competencies.

May an instructor ask if a student has a disability, and, does an instructor have the right to know specifics regarding a student’s disability when providing an accommodation?

It is not appropriate for an instructor to ask a student if they have a disability. It is important, however, for an instructor to notify all individuals in their class of services available for students with disabilities, as well as how to access those services. Including a statement in one’s course syllabus is a helpful way to provide such notification. An example of such a statement might include: “Students who have a disability and require classroom accommodation should contact the Access Services office, located in building 99, or call ext. 3857 for an appointment.”

It is important for instructors to ask clarifying question concerning the specific process for meeting an individual students accommodation needs. It is not appropriate to ask a student about their medical diagnosis and a student need not inform the instructor about the specifics of their disability (although some students may make a personal choice to do so). Detail about a student’s disability is confidential and may not be shared, unless the student has signed a release.

What might I do if I have concerns or questions regarding a student’s accommodations?

If you have concerns regarding an accommodation, you should contact the Access Services Program Manager. You should, however, continue to provide the accommodation. The Access Services Program Manager will work closely with the instructor and student in resolving any concerns or questions related to classroom accommodations.

You can visit the Access Services website for more disability related information and the process for disability accommodation at: http://flightline.highline.edu/access/.

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Department of Human Resources | Highline Community College
 2400 S. 240th Street | P.O. Box 98000, M.S. 99-200
 Des Moines, WA  98198-9800
 Phone:   (206) 878-3710, ext. 3812 | Jobline: (206) 870-3751
 Fax: (206) 870-3773 | TTY:  (206) 870-4853