Disability Support Services   

The Law Regarding Disabilities

Students with disabilities have a legal right to access all educational programs receiving federal funds. Florida State law requires that academic ability be the sole basis for participation in any post-secondary education program. The Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) place the responsibility on the college to accommodate and provide access to all qualified students with disabilities.

"No otherwise qualified handicapped individual...shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Under the law, students are not required to identify themselves as having a disability, nor are they required to make use of the accommodations provided. Students desiring these accommodations must identify themselves to DSS and request assistance by meeting with the Director or Coordinator. It is preferable that this be done before enrollment but it is not uncommon for students to struggle for years before having a disability identified or seeking assistance.