Students with Disabilities

Handbook for Students with Disabilities

The purpose of the Disability Services Office at Lee College is to assist individuals with disabilities with accommodations and services that will promote their success and integration into college and college related activities.  The Counselor for Students with Disabilities works with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal opportunity to all programs.  For credit courses, continuing education, and community events, individuals will be provided equal access. 

Lee College provides services and assistance to any individual who has a physical and or learning disability which substantially limits one or more of his or her life activities. The following are common services available to students with disabilities:

• Advocacy to faculty, staff, and administration
• Classroom notetakers
• Peer tutoring
• Sign language interpreters
• Testing modifications
• Access to textbooks on tape
• Readers and/or scribes
• Assistance with registration
• Loan of tape recorders
• Use of closed circuit television
• Referral for diagnostic evaluation and community resources
• Use of motorized scooter
• Loan of portable FM loop listening device
• Other services as needed

The Office for Disability Services works closely with Texas Department of Rehabilitative and Assistive Services (DARS). Funds are also received from Carl Perkins Technical Vocational Grant for assistance with notetaking and tutoring services and sign language interpreting services.  The following policies and procedures were written to ensure compliance with state and national law and consistency of services.  Policies and procedures may be occasionally updated to better serve students with disabilities and the College.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that:

"No otherwise qualified individual in the United States...shall, solely by reason of... handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

A "qualified person" is defined as one who meets the requisite academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the postsecondary institution's programs and activities.  Section 504 protects the civil rights of individuals who are qualified to participate and who have disabilities such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Blindness or visual impairments
• Cerebral palsy
• Chronic illnesses (to include AIDS, arthritis, cancer, diabetes)
• Deafness or hearing impairments
• Drug or alcohol additions (Section 504 covers former users and those in recovery programs)
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Mental retardation
• Orthopedic limitations
• Specific learning disabilities
• Speech disorders
• Spinal cord or traumatic brain injury

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the civil rights guarantee for persons with disabilities in the United States.  It provides protection from discrimination for individuals on the basis of disability.  The ADA extends civil rights protection for people with disabilities to employment in the private sector, transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and local government, and telecommunication relay services.  

Commonly asked Questions Regarding the ADA and Section 504:

Q: May colleges deny services if a student refused to document his or her disability?
A:  Yes.  A college has no obligation to provide services to a student who refused to provide documentation of his or her disability.

Q:  Can a college be held liable under the ADA if it is unaware of a student's disability?
A:  No. The college's obligation to provide a reasonable accommodation applies only to known disabilities.

Q:  Does an institution have any obligation to lower its admissions standards for individuals with disabilities?
A:  No.  An applicant's disability should play no part in an admission decision and the institution has no obligation to lower its admissions standards to admit an applicant with a disability.

Q:  What is the scope of the college's obligation to provide auxiliary aids or services to students with disabilities in the classroom?
A:  An educational institution has a duty to provide reasonable accommodations in the classroom for students with known disabilities when services have been requested in a timely manner.

Q:  Does a college have any obligation to provide personal services or devices?
A:  No. An educational institution is not required to provide a student with a disability with personal or individually prescribed devices.

Q:  Must an institution lower its academic standards to accommodate a student with a disability?
A:  No. But it should be noted that a college may be required to take some modifications to its academic requirements to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of the student's disability.

Q:  Does an institution's obligation extend to providing accommodations during a test to a student with a disability?
A:  Yes.  Reasonable accommodation must be provided if appropriate notice is given.

Q:  Must an institution's library materials be accessible to students with disabilities?
A:  Yes.  The institution has an obligation to ensure that students have effective access to library materials.

A variety of support services are available to individuals with disabilities.  All services must be requested each semester of attendance.   To request services, the following steps should be taken:

1. Individuals needing special services should meet with the Counselor for Students with Disabilities to request any assistance or accommodations.
   • To this meeting, the student should bring appropriate documentation of the disability if necessary
   • The counselor will discuss the services and accommodations that are the most appropriate for the individual and will acquaint the student with the process for securing those services.
2. Several forms will be completed at this time
   • For first time meetings, an initial Intake Form will be completed indicating personal information, the disability, and possible outside resources that the student is receiving.
   • The Accommodation Request Form lists the accommodations necessary based on the student’s disability.   This form is completed at the beginning of each semester.
   • Release of information form in order to give students control of what information is released to whom.
   • If the student is a client of DARS, a form is completed to assist the agency in proper payment of tuition. 
3. To ensure consistency, all accommodations should be requested through the Office for Students with Disabilities.  Accommodations given directly from the instructor are not considered part of disability services.

In order to ensure appropriate accommodations, documentation is required.  The documentation must be from an appropriate professional capable of diagnosing a particular disability/disorder.  Confidentiality of records is required by law and all records are kept within the Office for Students with Disabilities.  The following are guidelines for such documentation.

1. The report must include a definitive diagnosis and should list the functional limitations associated with the diagnosis.
2. Individuals with sensory, physical, or other health impairments are required to provide written documentation in the form of medical reports or a letter from a medical doctor detailing the disability.
3. A letter from a DARS counselor outlining the disability and possible educational recommendations will be accepted for those individuals with sensory, physical or other health impairments.
4. Individuals with learning disabilities may present one of the following:
   • A copy of the Comprehensive Individual Assessment from their high school diagnostician.
   • A letter or report from a licensed psychologist, diagnostician or other professional knowledgeable in learning disabilities.  This document should clearly state the presence of a learning disability and list the recommendations for the particular student.
5. Individuals with psychiatric disabilities may present a letter from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist or clinical social worker with an explanation of the disorder and educational recommendations.
6. Individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder may present a letter from a licensed psychologist, a psychiatrist, or medical doctor.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA mandates institutions to provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations based on disability and individual need.

• Eligibility for services must be determined prior to providing accommodations to any individual.
• Individuals participating in any college function may be eligible to receive accommodations appropriate to their needs.

Any problems with services or accommodations should be reported to the Counselor for Students with Disabilities.  If unsatisfied with this resolution, it is the student’s right to file a formal grievance.  As stated in the Lee College catalog, there are four levels in the grievance policy.  The student should refer to his or her catalog for specific information.

Handicapped parking is available for individuals near the front of each building on campus.  Lee College recognizes permits issued by the state for the use of these areas.  For more information, contact the security office at 281-425-6475. 

Registration Assistance

Registration assistance is available to any student with a disability needing such support. This may include priority registration or assistance during walk-in registration. Students with DARS may also need additional paperwork to process their registration and ensure proper payment. DARS students should see the Counselor for Students with Disabilities to complete the appropriate forms.

Use of Tuition Exemption Forms for Students who are Blind or Deaf

The Texas State Legislature gives DARS authority to certify deafness as part of a Tuition Exemption program.  The financial aid offices of the various Texas colleges and universities issue the tuition exemption to qualifying individuals.  The purpose of this tuition waiver is to allow students who are visually impaired or hearing impaired an opportunity to improve employability by completing specific courses for professional enhancement or by pursing specific certificates or degrees.  The tuition waiver may not be used for Continuing Education Courses.   The exemption covers the cost of tuition and fees.  The student is responsible for any books or supplies needed for the class. 

For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the following procedures are to be followed. 

1. Students are to complete the Verification of Deafness form. These forms may be found in the Counseling Center at Lee College or through DARS. The completed application is mailed to DARS. If approved, the student will receive a Certificate of Deafness by mail.
2. The Certificate of Deafness is presented to the Counselor for Students with Disabilities prior to registration.  In addition, the following information is required.
   • The student’s written statement of purpose indicating the certificate or degree program being pursued or the professional enhancement form the course of study for that certificate or degree program.
   • A letter of recommendation from the student’s high school principal, a public official, or some other responsible person who is willing to serve as a reference.
   • A Lee College permit to register.
3. With the file complete with the Counselor for Students with Disabilities, a memo will be sent to the Financial Aid Office to post the tuition exemption for the semester.  With each subsequent semester, the student is to meet with the counselor to ensure that the degree plan is followed.  Only those courses on the degree plan will be covered by the tuition exemption.  The counselor will work with the Financial Aid Office in awarding the tuition waiver.
4. Student may pick up a receipt at the cashier’s window during designated times of the registration period.
5. If the student changes majors, the student must submit a new written statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, and permit to register.

For students who are visually impaired, a tuition exemption voucher will be issued by DARS. 

• The student is required to present this document to the Counselor for Students with Disabilities. 
• For subsequent semesters, the student should inform the counselor of their enrollment to ensure that the exemption is noted for that semester. 
• The student may pick up a receipt at the cashier’s window during designated times of the registration period. 

Lee College provides a variety of equipment to loan to students based on individual needs and the availability of equipment. 

Tape recorders and the FM Loop System

The procedures for the loan of tape recorders or the FM Loop system is as follows:

1. The student must indicate a need based on documentation or approval from the Disability Services Office.
2. A Equipment Loan Form is completed with the Disability Services Office.
3. The student is responsible for the return of the equipment no later than the last day of finals each semester.  Failure to return the equipment will result in a hold placed on the student’s records.

Fortress Scientific 2000 Scooter

For individuals with mobility impairments, a motorized scooter is available.  Located in the Counseling Center, students or other interested individuals need to check with the Disabled Student Service Office for availability.

Elevator Keys

Keys operate elevators in the Social Science Building and Rundell Hall.  These keys are issued through the Disability Service Office and must be returned at the end of the semester.  Elevators in Bonner Hall and the Technical Vocational Building do not require a key.

Other Available Equipment

• A TDD is available for student’s use through the Counseling Office.
• A closed circuit television (CCTV) is available for students with low vision.  It is located in the library and can be used during regular library hours.

Depending on the student's need, testing accommodations are available to include extended test time, individualized testing, marking on the test instead of using a scantron, and/or utilizing a scribe for the test.  The Counselor for Students with Disabilities will determine appropriate modifications for the student based on the disability, documentation received, and the structure of the course.

For any student with a learning disability, attention deficit disorder, or mobility, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Students should provide documentation to the Disability Services Office describing the disability and documenting the need for the accommodation.  Students with mobility impairments may self identify their disability in requesting the accommodation.
2. The Counselor for Students with Disabilities will approve any testing accommodations and inform the instructors of the accommodation.
   • Individualized testing may be done in small groups or in a separate office.
   • Extended test time will be time and a half.  Additional time may be approved based on the individual’s need.
3. Testing arrangements maybe made with the instructor or the student may test in the Counseling Center.  For those students testing in the Counseling Center, the instructor will be responsible for delivering and picking up the exam.
4. For students using scribes, the student should inform the Counselor for Students with Disabilities at least three days in advance to arrange for the service.  Scribes will be assigned by the Counselor.
5. Occasionally, other testing accommodations may be approved depending on the individual need of the student

Notetaking services are available for students with learning disabilities, mobility impairments, or hearing impairments.  The following procedures should be followed in requesting such services. 

1. The student should request the notetaking services from the Counselor for Students with Disabilities. 
2. The Counselor approves or denies the service based on the disability.  Documentation is required for students with learning disabilities.
3. Notetakers are hired as student assistants and must meet the requirements of the Student Assistant Policy.  Occasionally volunteers are used.
4. The Counselor will work with the student to find an appropriate notetaker for the class.  The paid notetaker is required to read and sign the "notetaker's agreement" for consistency of service.

For students with visual impairments or learning disabilities, Lee College will assist in obtaining books on tape through Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.  The following procedures should be followed to obtain this service:

1. The student requests the books on tape to the Counselor for Students with Disabilities.  At the time of the request, he or she should also have the list of books needed to include title, author, and edition of each book.
2. Students with learning disabilities must show documentation of their disability.  The Counselor will approve or deny the service based on the disability.

The Counselor will order the textbooks through Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic.  Tapes should arrive in two to three weeks.  For books needing to be recorded, the wait will be longer. 

It is the College's responsibility to provide a qualified interpreter for any individual with a hearing impairment who requires such service at no cost to the individual.  The following procedures should be followed in requesting such service.

1. The individual needing the service is responsible for requesting a sign language interpreter.  The request should be made no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the course or event.  Requests for less than two weeks will be covered depending on the availability of interpreters.  Requests may be made in writing or by completing the Accommodation Request Form with the Disability Services Office.
2. The Counselor for Students with Disabilities will be responsible for the assignment of the interpreter.  While a specific interpreter may be requested, the Counselor will make the final assignment decision.
3. To best utilize interpreters, students must notify the Counseling Center if they are to miss a class or activity in which an interpreter has been assigned.  Missing classes for any reason without notifying the Counseling Center is considered a "No Show."  Also arriving late to class after a specified waiting time is considered a "No Show."  If the student misses two classes in any semester without notifying the Counseling Center, the interpreter will be removed form the class.  The "No Show" agreement outlines this policy.

Interpreters will not be placed on assignments that could compromise their commitment to the their Code of Ethics.  This may include interpreting for family members, close friends, or romantic interests.  As stated in the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Standard Practice Papers, "the relative may have attitudinal or emotional issues that could affect objectivity and impartiality and prevent accurate communications."  Interpreters will maintain a professional relationship with all students and faculty.

Counseling Center/ Disability Services - 281-425-6384

E-mail - jszabo@lee.edu

Counseling Center Fax - 832-556-4004

Bookstore - 281-425-6360

Bookstore Fax - 281-425-6468

Business Office - 281-425-6321

Business Office fax - 281-425-6206

Continuing Education - 281-425-6311

Records and Admissions - 281-425-6395

Financial Aid Office - 281-425-6389

Security - 281-425-6475 or 425-6888

DARS

Baytown - 281-427-6517

Liberty - 936-336-7383

Pasadena - 281-487-2224