Self Identification

Section 504 and the ADA are not self-executing.  To obtain the protection of these laws and receive services, each individual must show that he/she is an individual with the disability and request reasonable accommodations. Some students will choose not to identify themselves as a person with a disability because of shame or past negative experiences in High School or because they believe they can be successful without special services.  Legally, it is the students right to self identify or not to self identify.  Students are entitled to accommodations only if they request accommodations with the Disability Resource Center. The college faculty is not obligated to provide accommodations for students with disabilities without proper notification from the Disability Resource Center. Students are strongly encouraged to request accommodations at least four weeks prior to the first day of instruction.  The college can not guaranteed that accommodations will be available on the first day of instruction for those students who choose to request services later than ten business days prior to the first day of instruction.  However, students have the right to self identify and request accommodations at any time during their enrollment at the college.