Terra State is fully committed to making the best effort to help you succeed in college.
If you have a disability or need accommodations, please reach out to us. We provide
a full range of special auxiliary services, accommodations, and advocacy efforts designed
specifically to make your personal experience here an especially rewarding one.
Will this be different from my high school?
There are many differences between high school and college life, including how students
with disabilities establish academic accommodations.
In high school, special education services and academic accommodations are usually
coordinated by your teachers, parents and school administrators. However, in college,
students take on the responsibility of establishing appropriate academic accommodations
for themselves.
If you want to receive academic accommodations and/or disability support services,
you must initiate the process by disclosing your disability to our Disability Services,
located in the Academic Service Center, B105.
High School
Functions under the Individuals with Disabilities Act
Under IDEA, children with disabilities are absolutely entitled to a “free and appropriate”
education.
Students are qualified for public education and special education services based on
the fact that they are of the appropriate age and have a disability
Students receiving special education services have an IEP. The basic purpose of the
IEP is to maximize the likelihood of academic and non-academic success in school for
students with disabilities
Parental involvement is required in the IEP process.
The IEP may establish substantial modifications to the standard curriculum.
Accommodations are typically given to students without their request.
Public schools typically assume the responsibility and cost of evaluating students
for disabilities.
Student’s disability information is made public in their school records.
All involved in instruction are aware of the student’s placement and educational plan.
Each teacher has an idea of the students’ needs based on evaluation team reports prior
to beginning classes.
Physical, occupational and other personal care is provided in school during school
hours.
College
Functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Students are not entitled to a free, appropriate education, rather students have civil
rights and they must advocate for themselves in order to enjoy those rights.
Students must meet all entrance and academic requirements whether they receive academic
accommodations or not.
There is no “IEP like” process in the postsecondary setting. Accommodations aim to
create an opportunity for success, however success is not guaranteed.
Students are adults who are assumed to manage their own lives. Federal privacy laws
require the student’s written permission to allow academic and nonacademic information
to be shared with parents.
Post-secondary institutions are required to make accommodations available to level
the playing field, however accommodations cannot alter the fundamental nature of the
program or course.
It is the civil right of a student to refuse accommodations that they do not wish
to use, and if accommodations are not requested, it is assumed that the accommodation
is not desired.
The post-secondary institution does not assume the costs associated with obtaining
a current and relevant evaluation. Oftentimes this cost is assumed by the student.
Student disability information is maintained separate from the educational record.
The student has the right to disclose their disability to whom they choose, however
they must disclose their disability to the appropriate campus office in order to receive
academic accommodations and support.
Disability Support Service offices typically do not contact an instructor without
the express permission of the student. Each student must initiate an accommodation
discussion with each instructor at the beginning of every semester.
Students are responsible for coordinating their own personal care and the services
needed to meet medical and other needs.
What should I do first?
All student with a disability who wish to register for disability services are asked
to follow these three steps:
1. Submit documentation of your disability
You and your healthcare professional are asked to prepare and submit documentation
of your disability to our Disability Services. Please follow the general documentation
guidelines when preparing your document.
2. Schedule an initial intake review
Once your documentation is complete, contact Leilani Kiser to schedule an interview at lkiser@terra.edu 419--559-2139.
3. Co-develop a Verified Individual Services and Accommodation (VISA) Plan
We can help you develop this plan after your interview.
