DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
OVERVIEW
Jones County Junior College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities through the Office of Disability Accommodations (ODA). ODA verifies eligibility for accommodations and works with eligible students to develop and coordinate plans for the provision of accommodations.
The Office of Disability Accommodations is committed to creating a positive campus environment where students with disabilities are encouraged to pursue careers on the basis of personal interest and ability. Reasonable accommodations are offered in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ELIGIBLITY
Eligible students include those who are enrolled in degree and non-degree programs offered by Jones County Junior College, are considered qualified to meet all college program requirements despite a disability, and meet the definition of disability as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA. The definition of disability includes any person who"...has a physical, emotional, or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of life's major activities; has a record of disability or is regarded as having a disability." (P.L. 101-136) In determining if a student is qualified to meet all program requirements, the college must base its decision on the skills, interests, and aptitudes of a student and not on presumptions that would arbitrarily exclude a student from participation in a program or activity.
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING SERVICES
In order to receive reasonable accommodations for a disability, students must file an application with ODA and provide current documentation of a disability. After an application is filed, students schedule an appointment with the ODA Director and establish a plan for reasonable accommodations and services. ODA may perform a substantive review of, and explore alternatives to requested accommodations. Accommodation plans are reviewed and updated each semester. Students are expected to follow ODA procedures for using services and to maintain regular contact with the Director so that progress can be monitored and accommodations adjusted whenever appropriate.
