Disability Resources & Access
Students with disabilities may use a variety of accommodations that are intended to provide access and remove barriers in traditional classrooms or online settings. Accommodations from testing assistance to alternate book formats, assistive and adaptive technologies and sign language interpreters are all free to BHC students.
If you need an accommodation based on a disability to fully participate in a program/event, please contact us. Be sure to allow enough time (minimum 5 bus. days) prior to the program or event and be ready to provide documents of the disability. Information disclosed about your disability will remain confidential. Students with mobility disabilities should contact Disability Resources & Access to register for emergency evacuation plans, notification of elevators and procedures.
What is a disability?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendment Acts of 2008 and 2016 protects and considers a person disabled if he or she:
- has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity
- has a record of such an impairment, or
- is regarded as having such an impairment
A “qualified person with a disability” is defined, as one who meets the requisite academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the postsecondary institution’s programs and activities. The above laws protect the civil rights of individuals who are qualified to participate and who have disabilities such as, but not limited to, the following:
- Deaf/hard of hearing
- Developmental disabilities
- Blind/vision loss
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mobility disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health disabilities
- Chronic health problems
What is an accommodation?
When we say “accommodations” we are referring to modifications to the educational program, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids so that the student with a disability is not “denied the benefits of, or excluded from participation in”, an educational program.
Accommodations…
- Do not lower standards or guarantee the success of the person receiving these services
- Do reduce the negative effects of the disability of receiving information and demonstrating course mastery
- Do not reduce the student’s personal responsibility in learning the course material
In this way students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to benefit from educational programs as their counterparts, non-disabled students’ experience.
Educational programs are not required to make program modifications, academic adjustments, which would fundamentally alter a program, or are an undue administrative financial burden.
Types of Accommodations
Testing
Extended time, minimum distraction area, use of a reader, scribe, or computer.
Note-Taking Support
Disability Resources and Access can provide access to and resources for assistive technology for note-taking.
Books on alternative format
Staff members will assist students in obtaining textbooks or other class materials from publishers or use software to create an audio book if not available from the publisher.
Equipment loan
The office has a limited amount of smart pens, digital recorders, handheld magnifiers, and talking calculators.
Assistive technology
ZoomText, Natural Reader, Read Write and Kurzweil software are available in the Disability Resources & Access Office.
Sign language interpreters
Interpreters are provided for classes and other campus activities. Proper notice required.
Online Testing Accommodations
Special accommodations can be made for students taking online courses and testing. Common accommodations include extended time on exams, reduced distraction testing locations and readers for exams.
Mobility Accommodations
Students with mobility disabilities should contact Disability Resources & Access to be notified of elevator outages and emergency evacuation plans and procedures.
How to Receive Accommodations
Contact Disability Resources & Access for an intake packet or download the forms:
- Disability Resources & Access Student Intake Form (PDF)
-
Consent to Release Information Form (PDF)
Submit the forms along with documentation of your disability that impacts your education. - Verification and Documentation of Disability Form completed by a medical professional qualified to make your disability diagnosis OR
- An IEP or 504 plan
Schedule a meeting with the Disability Resources & Access Coordinator by calling our office as soon as you register for classes.
Introduce yourself to your instructors and discuss what accommodations you will be using in their course.
Follow up with the Disability Resources & Access Coordinator with any questions or concerns, and submit
More to Explore
Veterans
First Generation and Underrepresented Students
TRiO Support Services
Disability Resources & Access
Jen Holldorf
Coordinator
309-796-5903
HolldorfJ@bhc.edu
Quad-Cities Campus
Building 1, Room 241
309-796-5900
AccessQC@bhc.edu
East Campus
Building A-236
309-854-1713
AccessEC@bhc.edu