Disability Services FAQ
FAQ for Students
How will instructors know I have accommodations at DCCC?
Your instructors will receive an accommodation letter from Disability Services that states the accommodations you are approved for through our office. Accommodations are determined through our intake process.
How do I request my accommodation letter for the new semester?
Once you have registered for your semester course(s), fill out a semester request through Accommodate. We cannot send a letter until we receive this request from the student. The student will not have accommodations in a course unless an instructor receives the letter from our office.ad
Can I have someone else request my accommodation letter?
The student is responsible for requesting their accommodation letter every semester they are registered. We will not accept requests from other parties as it is the student’s choice if they would like to request and use their accommodations.
How will my instructor(s) receive my Accommodation Letter?
The Office of Disability Services will send your letter of accommodation electronically to your instructor(s) when we receive the request from the student.
How far in advance can I ask for my letter of accommodation? When is it sent out by Disability Services?
If you are registered with our office, you can request your letter after you have finalized your schedule for the semester. The Office of Disability Services begins sending requested letters prior to the start of the semester. You do not need to complete a formal meeting to renew your letter of accommodation unless there have been changes to your accommodations.
Can I request additional accommodations or changes to my accommodation letter?
Students can request a follow up meeting with our Office of Disability Services staff to discuss additional accommodations. If the requests are for a new condition, changes to your disability, or for a disability not previously disclosed to our office, you may need to provide additional documentation.
I forgot to request my accommodation letter and the semester has already started! Can I still request my letter?
Yes! Accommodations can be requested during any time during the semester by completing a semester request in accommodate. However, accommodations are not retroactive. Your accommodations will be ‘effective’ once the letter is received by your instructors from our office.
I am a current DCCC student. Can I forward my instructor my previous semester’s letter?
Instructors do not accept past semester accommodation letters. Letters are addressed specifically to the instructors and must come from our office.
I am a guest student from another university/college. Can I give my instructor my current school’s letter of accommodation?
Guest students should follow the steps on the Disability Services. Guest students will meet with their assigned case manager to discuss their accommodations.
I’m a dual enrollment student. What do I need to do to get accommodations?
Dual enrollment students must follow the same steps as all other college students to receive accommodations. This includes completing the registration process with the Office of Disability Services.
FAQ for Parents & Caregivers
Can I speak with the Office of Disability Services on my student’s behalf?
The student is the primary communicator with the Office of Disability Services. This supports their development of self‑advocacy, independence, and confidence in navigating higher education. Our goal is to ensure students with disabilities receive equal access and opportunities while building the skills needed for long‑term success.
I signed a FERPA form. Can I speak with Disability Services about my student’s accommodations or academic progress?
tudents are encouraged to communicate openly with their parents/caregivers. However, even with a FERPA release, the student must be actively involved in all communication with Disability Services and other college departments.
Students are responsible for:
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- Requesting accommodations
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- Submitting documentation
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- Reporting concerns
You can explore this more with FERPA and student responsibility.
Can I access my student’s college email or Canvas?
Students may choose to share information with parents, but they should not share usernames or passwords. Students are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of their college accounts.
Can I request accommodations on behalf of my student?
No. Students must self‑identify to Disability Services by completing the Student Request Form and submitting documentation through Accommodate. If already registered, students must submit a semester request each term. Parents may encourage their student, but the decision to request accommodations belongs to the student.
Can I speak with my student’s instructors for them?
Please encourage your student to communicate directly with their instructors. If they struggle with self‑advocacy related to accommodations, they should contact Disability Services. For academic concerns unrelated to disability, refer them to the appropriate academic department or Academic Affairs.
Does Disability Services work with parents or outside providers (e.g., case managers, behavioral specialists)?
K–12 models such as IEP teams do not carry over to college. There are no IEP meetings, case management meetings, or multidisciplinary team conferences at the college level. Students may choose to share information with outside supports, but Disability Services works directly with the student to ensure equal access.
Can I attend meetings with my student?
Yes — if the student requests it.
Students have the right to privacy under federal law and may choose who attends disability‑related meetings with them.
What if my student is having difficulties with their accommodations?
Encourage your student to contact Disability Services directly. We will work with them to address concerns and ensure they receive appropriate support.
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