The Office of Accessibility at Eckerd College is designed to provide students equal access to facilities, programs and services of the college. We support students with documented disabilities and provide a “level playing field” so that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
A qualified professional must provide written documentation, in English, on letterhead that is dated and signed, with the name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator clearly indicated.
The documentation should be current and comprehensive. A specific diagnosis, significant background information, the impact of the impairment on functioning (with effects of medication or other treatment), recommended accommodations, and supportive rationale should be included. Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and previous 504 plans may be provided as a source of useful information, but may not be sufficient documentation to establish an accommodation array.
Need to add documentation to an already-submitted request or need to request additional accommodations? Please email accessibility@eckerd.edu for instructions.
| In High School: | In College: |
|---|---|
| IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. | The ADAA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. |
| Schools must identify students who qualify under these laws. | Students must provide documentation of a disabling condition under these laws. |
| Schools identify a student’s specific learning needs. | Students must request accommodations in a timely fashion. |
| Parents participate in the special education process. | Students, not parents, are responsible for self-advocacy with the college. |
| School provides special instruction and modifies education to meet the student’s needs. | College provides reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access to the academic program and college activities. |
| Special education should ensure achievement to the student’s potential. | Accommodations must ensure equal access to college activities, but do not ensure successful completion of academic requirements. |
| Tutoring or other services may be provided to meet the student’s needs. | Services such as the Writing Center are available to all students. Tutoring may be available for some subjects. |
| Exceptions may be made for failure to abide by the school’s code of conduct. | Students are expected to meet standards of conduct established by the college. |
Students are encouraged to apply to their State Department of Rehabilitation Services for support during the post-secondary education experience.
