MISSION
The mission of Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC), Office of Disabilities (DS) is to meet the federally mandated responsibility to provide equal access and opportunity to programs for students with disabilities enrolled at TMCC.
LAWS IMPACTING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Any student with physical or mental disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, speech or language impairments, learning disabilities, or other health related impairments may qualify for services providing that the disability or impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities. Once eligibility has been established the DS coordinator will notify the student and develop a program plan to satisfy reasonable accommodations. The types of support services provided vary according to the needs of the student.
In order to access services the individual must do the following:
- Self-disclose her or his disability to the DS Coordinator’s office and request services.
- Complete a Disabilities Services Application and Release of Information form.
- Provide appropriate documentation regarding her or his disability.
- Provided current documentation (within the past 3 years) from a credentialed professional;.
Note:
Acceptable documentation should be your most recent psychological evaluation, IEP (if applicable), or medical report from a physician that clearly states a diagnosis and gives suggestions for appropriate accommodations.
EXAMPLES OF ACCOMMODATIONS
Some examples of accommodations may be reading of exams, extended time during testing, enlarging of printed texts, and testing in a quiet environment.
EXAMPLES OF DISABILITIES/IMPAIRMENTS
- Mental Disabilities
- Physical Disabilities
- Hearing or Vision Impairments
- Speech-Language Impairments
- Learning Disabilities
- Other Health Impairment(s) (ex-ADHD)
RELATED SERVICES
The DS office works collaboratively with TMCC faculty, and with other academic and support services on campus, to devise appropriate and reasonable accommodations to eligible student with disabilities
Based on the needs of the student, a referral to local agencies for additional support services might be warranted. Students will also be coached on developing self-advocacy skills to increase independence and self-sufficiency as a college student and within the world of work.
*Students must self-disclose in order to receive disability services.
*Students must provide copy of disability diagnosis or sign a release of information to request a diagnosis.
See Joe LaFountain for applications in room A103 – Student Services.
GOALS
*Promote appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
*Promote equal access and opportunity for all TMCC faculty, administrators, staff, and students.
*Serve as a referral resource for faculty and student staff on issues regarding disabilities.
*Refer students to local agencies based on individual needs.
*Encourage self-advocacy for students with disabilities.
College Counselor/Disabilities Accessibility Coordinator
Authorization for Release of Information
Joe LaFountain, MSW
Phone (Direct):701.394.4212
Phone (Office): 701.369.6060 ext.1036
e-mail: tmcccounseling@tm.edu
Office: A103