Table of Contents

Student FAQs

Am I eligible for services?

You would be eligible to receive accommodations through Access Services if you:

Have a physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; are perceived to have such an impairment; have a record of such impairment; or have a condition that is medically recognizable or diagnosable.

Pregnancy-Related Accommodations

A student who experiences medically-necessary absences related to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions can request accommodations, such as flexibility with attendance, flexibility with deadlines, and ergonomic seating. Students seeking a pregnancy-related accommodation can follow the steps to request accommodations. We invite you to contact Access Services with any questions.

What are my responsibilities?

Make an appointment with Access Services:

• Identify yourself as a student with a qualifying disability
• Present formal written documentation of your disability, if available
• Request reasonable accommodations at Highline College
• Request services early
• Meet and maintain academic standards

What type of formal documentation is acceptable?

Depending on your disability, you may present professional documentation from a medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, school psychologist, or other professional diagnostician. In addition, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or any psychoeducational testing is helpful information to get you started.

What can I expect in a planning meeting?

In an Access Services Planning Meeting, come prepared to discuss your accommodation needs with one of our Access Services accommodation specialists. Meeting usually takes no more than 1 hour.

What services are available?

Services and accommodations, provided on an individually determined basis, may include:

• Testing Accommodations
• Sign Language interpreting
• Textbooks and materials in alternate format
• Note-taking assistance
• Identifying campus resources
• Use of assistive technology
• Classroom accessibility
• Specialized equipment and furniture

What about confidentiality?

Access Services is committed to keeping disability-related information confidential in accordance with state and federal laws.

Where is the Access Services office located?

Access Services is located on the 5th floor of building 25, at 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines WA 98198.

Staff and Faculty FAQs

How do I know I have a student with accommodations?

After a student has formally requested accommodations with Access Services, the Faculty Notification letter is sent to faculty through email. This is the legal notification that the student has requested accommodations in your course.

What is a Letter of Accommodation?

A letter of accommodation (LOA) is a plan for academic accommodations. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protect students from discrimination based on disability and assure students the right to reasonable accommodations. Once the student has formally requested accommodations specific to their needs and provided Access Services with information about the disability, the letter of accommodation is written. Access Services activates the student profile via the MyAccess portal and notifies the student of their rights and responsibilities for accommodation services. Students must request accommodations each quarter and for each class via the MyAccess portal.

What am I required to do when I am notified I have a student with accommodations?

You should read through the Letter of Accommodation and take a few moments to have a private conversation with the student about the accommodations listed on the LOA and specifically how they will be used or implemented in your course. This will help to clarify expectations and responsibilities. The conversation can happen over the phone, via email, or in person. If questions come up that can’t be answered within the conversation, feel free to contact Access Services directly.

What if I receive the Faculty Notification Letter late in the quarter?

By law, students are allowed to apply for accommodations at any time during a term. They are also able to request their letter of accommodation at any time during the quarter. However, it’s important to note that accommodations are not retroactive and we acknowledge a reasonable amount of time is needed to implement accommodations upon receipt of a Faculty Notification of a Letter of Accommodation.

What should I do if I have questions or concerns about the Letter of Accommodation?

If at any point you have concerns about the student and/or the accommodations specified on the Letter of Accommodation (LOA), please contact Access Services directly.