Disability Services

Student Guide to Requesting Accommodations

Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and policies of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).

At the postsecondary level, students must self-identify and request accommodations. Accommodations are not automatic and do not transfer from high school.

SRTC's Office of Disability Services

Maria Alvarado
Administrative Assistant for Accessibility and Compliance
Open in Google Maps
O: (229) 217-4390
malvarado@southernregional.edu

Darbie Raines
Director of Accessibility and Compliance
Open in Google Maps
O: (229) 217-4145
davera@southernregional.edu

Step-by-Step Process to Request Accommodations

• Step 1: Self-Identify and Submit a Request
  • Students must contact the Office of Disability Services to request accommodations. This includes:
    • Completing the Accommodation Request Form;
    • Submitting documentation; and
    • Scheduling an intake appointment with the Office of Disability Services
  • Accommodations cannot be provided until the request process is complete.
• Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
  • Students must provide documentation from a qualified professional verifying the disability and supporting the need for accommodations.
  • Documentation must establish:
    • A clear diagnosis;
    • Functional limitations;
    • Current impact on academic performance; and
    • Recommended accommodations.
  • Documentation must be:
    • Completed by a qualified licensed professional;
    • On official letterhead;
    • Signed and dated; and
    • Current (generally within 3–5 years; some conditions may require more recent documentation).
  • Documentation must include all items below:
    • Diagnosis
      • Clear statement of disability or medical condition
    • Date of Most Recent Evaluation
    • Functional Limitations
      • Description of how the disability substantially limits one or more major life activities
      • Explanation of academic impact
    • Severity and Duration
      • Permanent, temporary, or episodic
    • Recommended Accommodations
      • Direct connection between limitations and requested accommodations.
  • Examples of Acceptable Documentation
    • Psychological evaluation (Learning Disability, ADHD, etc.)
    • Medical statement from physician (medical or physical conditions)
    • Vision report from optometrist or ophthalmologist
    • Audiology report
    • Neuropsychological evaluation
    • Recent IEP or 504 Plan
• Step 3: Participate in the Interactive Process
  • The student will meet with the Office of Disability Services to:
    • Review documentation;
    • Discuss program requirements;
    • Identify reasonable accommodations; and
    • Review student rights and responsibilities.
  • Accommodations are determined through an interactive process consistent with TCSG policy.
• Step 4: Receive Accommodation Letter
  • If approved, course instructors will receive an official Accommodation Letter. Instructors will review accommodations with the student each semester. Accommodations are not retroactive.
• Step 5: Ongoing Communication
  • Students must:
    • Report concerns to the Office of Disability Services
    • Request services again if a break in enrollment occurs.

Important Differences from High School

At the postsecondary level:

• IEPs do not transfer to college automatically.
• Colleges provide equal access, not modifications to curriculum.
• Students must advocate for themselves.
• Disability documentation must meet post-secondary standards.

Common Types of Accommodations

• Extended testing time
• Reduced distraction testing environment
• Note-taking assistance
• Digital textbooks
• Assistive technology
• Priority registration (when appropriate)
• Adaptive equipment

All accommodations must be reasonable and may not fundamentally alter essential program requirements or compromise safety standards.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students Have the Right To:

• Equal access to programs and services;
• Confidential handling of disability information; and
• Reasonable accommodations.

Students Are Responsible For:

• Requesting accommodations in a timely manner;
• Providing appropriate documentation;
• Meeting academic and technical standards; and
• Following SRTC procedures.

This information reflects institutional procedures consistent with the policies of the Technical College System of Georgia.