Frequently Asked Questions
I am a parent or guardian. Can I set up accommodations on behalf of my child?
No. While parents or guardians are welcome to attend the intake meeting, the student must be present and give permission for their parents or guardians to attend.
How are college accommodations different from my IEP or 504?
In Kindergarten through High School, the schools are responsible for identifying and testing students with disabilities. In college, students must self-identify, make their own arrangements, and pay for testing if needed themselves.
Do my accommodations transfer from High School to College, or between colleges?
No. Accommodations do not automatically transfer. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Student Accessibility of their need for accommodations at each institution.
Will I receive the same accommodations in College that I received in High School?
It depends on the accommodation. In college, accommodations include services that give the student equal access to educational resources. Success is entirely up to the student, and tools such as success advising and tutoring are available to all students. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out and utilize these services.
Is this accommodation available in College?
Reduced assignments (submitting less work than required) – No. Students are expected to complete all of the assignments.
Grading Modifications – No. Students are graded on the same scale as all other students
Repeating tests or assignments for a better grade – No, unless the instructor has provided this option to all students in the class.
Extended time for assignments – Yes, but on a very limited basis. Not all assignments can be extended, and what can be extended and the time frame can vary from course to course. Students are required to request extended deadlines from their instructor prior to the due dates. An assignment that is not submitted by the new deadline is subject to any penalties the instructor may impose, including a 0 for the assignment.
Screenreader/ audio books – Yes. Screenreading software is available and we can provide digital copies of textbooks if digital copies are not already available for rent or purchase.
Extended time for tests – Yes. Extended time is available for tests. However, this does not extend the test deadline. The test will automatically close when the deadline is reached, and you will not be able to restart it. Please ensure you begin the test early enough to utilize your full extended time before the deadline.
Quiet/ Separate testing space – Yes. Separate testing spaces must be reserved through The Office of Student Accessibility at least 2 business days prior to each test, and the student must also notify their instructor 2 business days prior to the test.
This is not an exhaustive list of all accommodations. During the intake meeting the student will have the opportunity to discuss their challenges, previous accommodations, and how their accommodations have helped them to create an individualized accommodations plan.
When should I request accommodations?
Accommodations can be requested at any point during the semester; however, they are not retroactive. Students should complete the intake and submit documentation as soon as possible so that accommodations can be arranged by the beginning of the semester.
What documentation do I need?
For more information on accepted document requirements, please see Documentation Guidelines.
Contact
Nicole Stephens
Student Accessibility Coordinator
accessibility@brcc.edu
(540) 453-2559
VA Relay 711