Procedures for Students with Disabilities

1. Student contacts Disability Support Services (DSS) to self identify as a new student who qualifies for service as a student with disabilities.
2. Student schedules an appointment with DSS staff to complete Intake Forms and determine the documentation needed to obtain services and accommodations. Required documentation depends on the type of disability.
3. Student provides documentation of his/her disability to the DSS office. This can be done either by obtaining the information and bringing in the required documentation or by signing a release form and allowing the DSS office to request the information for the student.
4. Student discusses with DSS staff the types of accommodations used successfully in high school and what accommodations will be needed in college.
5. Student submits an application to GCCC. This can be done by requesting an application package or via the GCCC web site: www.gulfcoast.edu.
6. Student takes the college placement test. Student lets the Testing Office know if he/she needs accommodations. The DSS office provides verification of disability and accommodations needed to the Testing Office.
7. Student checks dates for advising and registration and meets with an academic advisor. A member of the DSS staff will be available to assist with any scheduling problems.
8. Student lets the DSS office know he/she is registered and provides them with the class schedule.
9. Student begins classes on the scheduled date. Student lets the DSS staff know if any additional accommodations other than those discussed during the intake process are needed.
10. Student attends a DSS orientation (fall semester only).  The orientation is for new and returning students. This orientation provides updated information concerning DSS student needs and procedures.
11. At the beginning of each semester (or as soon as a student identifies with DSS), the DSS office  sends a letter to the instructors to make them aware that a student qualifies for DSS services and give suggested accommodations for the student.
12. The student should meet with the instructors at the beginning of each semester to discuss accommodations and let the instructors know if he/she intends to test with DSS. Students in limited access programs such as Nursing will meet with DSS staff to complete an Accommodation Form which will be taken to each instructor.
13. A student who wishes to test with DSS provides a copy of the syllabus for each course in order to schedule test dates and times.
14. All tests will be taken the same test date and test time as the class unless prior approval has been given by the instructor.
15. Students must register with DSS staff for all final exams they plan to take with DSS at least one (1) week prior to the final exam. This is extremely important to ensure that DSS will have the test to administer at the proper time.