Saint Paul College
A Community & Technical College

Disability Services

Saint Paul College is committed to providing optimal educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. The Disabilities Services Office provides direct assistance such as information, referral, advocacy, support, and academic accommodations for students. In general, accommodations are made on an individualized and flexible basis. It is the responsibility of students to seek assistance at Saint Paul College and to make their needs known.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Disability Services exists to foster programmatic and environmental access to students with cognitive, physical, sensory, and mental/emotional disabilities. Our services allow students with disabilities to have the same opportuniities as non-disabled students in achieving their educational goals. These rights and responsibilities have been documented so that we can work together towards that end. The Disability Services Office also serves as a resource on disability issues to the college and the community.

Procedures for Obtaining Services

All students who wish to receive services through Disability Services must meet with the coordinator and complete an application for services. Documentation should be presented at this time. Available services will be explained and those deemed appropriate will be provided upon the student’s request.

Student Rights

1. The right to be treated with dignity and respect by all staff and employees at the College.
2. The right to have information regarding your disability and services you receive kept confidential and disclosed only on a need to know basis required to provide services and advocate for your needs.
3. The right to receive high quality services and assistance in accordance with our policies and procedures.
4. The right to evaluate the services you receive and bring to the Director’s attention concerns or problems related to the delivery of our services.
5. Students have a right to appeal a denial for services requested. All denials will be documented and kept on file by the coordinator. If a denial of the accommodation is determined a grievance request may be made by the student. Grievance forms are available in the Disability Services Office.

Eligibility

Any person who has a documented disability, permanent or temporary, is a student or prospective student at Saint Paul College, and is found qualified for educational programs and activities, is eligible for services. Documentation must be provided by an appropriate professional and be current to reflect an adult level of functioning and present status. It should include diagnosis of the disability, how the disability impacts a major life activity, length of recovery if the disability is temporary, functional limitations and recommended accommodations, if known. For learning disabilities, a current, complete psycho-educational evaluation is appropriate.

Student General Responsibilities

1. Students are responsible for adhering to all college and office policies
2. Apply for services in a timely manner.
3. Provide documentation of your disability so that appropriate services may be determined.
4. Notify Disability Services promptly of local phone or address information so that you may be reached if needed.
5. Notify Disability Services promptly of schedule changes (courses added or dropped, room changes, etc.). This is especially important if you are receiving note-taking assistance and/or textbooks on tape.
6. Participate in evaluations honestly and in a timely manner as requested.

* Unless we hear from you, we assume that things are going fine and you are receiving the accommodations you requested. However, if you are experiencing difficulty, let the Director of Disability Services know in a timely manner, and we will be happy to assist you.

A sample of services available to remove environmental and programmatic barriers related to a disability are:

• advocacy
• support, counseling
• information and referrals
• early registration
• physical access accommodations
• assistive listening devices
• academic accommodations
• sign language interpreters
• assistive computer software
• note-taking assistance
• test accommodations
• taped materials and other alternative formats
• adaptive equipment
• other services as deemed appropriate by staff
• assistance with course selection and program advising

Saint Paul College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. No person shall be discriminated against with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and all other federal and state laws regarding equal opportunity. Inquiries regarding compliance may be addressed to the Dean of Student Development and Services, 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102, 651.846.1362.

Section 504 and the ADA

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Persons with disabilities have the right to equal opportunity for education as prescribed by law. Disability Services is responsible for creating a barrier-free environment while empowering students to grow towards independence and self-assertion.

Complaints or concerns should be directed to the ADA/Disability Services Designee at Saint Paul College: Shai Wise, Room 155, 651.846.1547 Voice/651.846.1548 TTY.

• Accessibility & Web Resources

Questions

Any questions should be directed to the Disability Coordinator at 651.846.1547 (voice) or 651.846.1548 (TTY).

Persons with disabilities have the right to equal opportunity for education as prescribed by law. Disability Services is responsible for creating a barrier-free environment while empowering students to grow towards independence and self assertion.

This information can be made available in alternative formats upon request.