Q. Is my information confidential? A. Yes, your information is confidential and cannot be released to anyone without your permission. Please refer to the Student Handbook portion of this Web site for further information.
Q. Should I schedule an appointment to register for services with the DSS? A. If at all possible, call and schedule an appointment to meet with someone so you are guaranteed to meet with a counselor. All counselors may be busy and not available otherwise.
Q. As a new student, when is the best time to register with the DSS? A. The first few weeks of classes are always a hectic time around Disability Support Services. If possible, it is best to meet with a representative of DSS during the weeks before classes or during your orientation.
Q. What should I bring when I register for services? A. Most importantly, you should bring a copy of your most recent documentation. Please click on the Student Checklist under Forms on the DSS website for more information.
Q. Should I tell about my disability on my college application? A.You are not required to disclose your disability at any time and the college is prohibited by Federal law from asking you about a disability on the application form. If you believe your disability has had a negative impact on your grades and test scores, and, as a result, those scores do not truly reflect your ability to do college level work, then it might benefit you to explain that to the admission officer or committee. However, this is a personal decision that you should also discuss with knowledgeable advisors such as your parents, school counselor, vocational rehabilitation counselor, or even someone at the college. Often, once a student has been accepted, the college will give incoming students information regarding the office or offices that provide services for students with disabilities as well as time frames for requesting accommodations. It is, then, up to you to contact the appropriate officials if you feel you will need services.
Q. What health professionals does DSS accept documentation from? A. Disability Support Services accepts documentation from licensed physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists based on disability.
Q. Are there any scholarships for students with disabilities? A.Generally, no, there are no Federally-funded scholarship or loan problems specifically targeted to students with disabilities. You should contact the Student Financial Aid Office at the college; they are knowledgeable about the various scholarships and loan programs available and often can give you a list which describes the qualifications and application deadlines required for the various loans and scholarships. If you are not a client of Vocational Rehabilitation, you may wish to apply for services from VR to see if you are eligible and could receive support. Also, visit our Career Center Development Scholarship webpage for an extensive list of scholarship opportunities http://www.gulfcoast.edu/students/career_development/scholarship.htm
Q. How do I find out what my rights are in college? A.The college may provide you with this information in the admission packet. Prior to that, you can go online to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education’s page: http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/guid/ocr/disability.html which provides access to the Federal law and regulations as well as some FAQ’s. You may also contact our Disability Support Services office for information on federal, state, local, and campus regulations that you should know.
Q. Why is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan not accepted as documentation for a learning disability? A.An IEP or 504 Plan is insufficient documentation but can be included as a supplement to a comprehensive assessment of tests. DSS is looking for a comprehensive assessment battery and the resulting diagnostic report, which must include a diagnostic interview, assessment of aptitude, measure of academic achievement and information processing.
Q. How do I file a grievance? A. Consult the GCCC handbook or the DSS office for assistance.
