Disability Services Classification and Registration

The Office for Disability Services is committed to ensuring that all information and communication pertaining to a student’s disability is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. Our guidelines concerning the treatment of such information are as follows:

1. No one will have immediate access to student files in this office except for appropriate staff from this office. Any information regarding a disability is considered confidential and will be shared only with others within the college who have a legitimate educational interest.
2. This information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
3. Sensitive information in or student files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws and extreme exceptions such as child abuse, suicide, or homicidal intent (according to state laws).
4. A student’s file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
5. If a student wishes to have information about his/her disability shared with others, the student must provide written authorization to this office. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the purpose of the release and to whom the information is being released.
6. The student should understand that there may be occasions when the Coordinator will share information regarding a student’s disability if circumstances necessitate the sharing of information that the Coordinator has determined an appropriate legitimate educational interest.
7. A student has the right to review his/her own Disability Services file, with reasonable notification.

I hereby authorize Lanier Technical College to obtain documentation to support my stated disability(s) and to contact and discuss this information with necessary Lanier Technical College faculty/staff and applicable support agencies. I understand that the purpose of communicating any such information is allow the college to plan for any accommodations and adjustments that may be necessary in order to provide an equal educational opportunity. I have been advised to provide a copy of my schedule and promptly inform the office any changes in attendance each semester. I understand that all aspects of my financial aid (including any sponsorship from agencies outside the college) are my responsibility. Furthermore, I understand that in order for Lanier Technical College to discuss documentation, release test scores or grades to parents, guardians, spouses, or other interested parties, I must authorize this action.

Please list the names and relationships of persons you authorize to access this information:

• I understand I may not be eligible to receive services until I provide current and sufficient documentation of my disability (see Documentation Guidelines). Note: Certification of a disability will be requested only once, unless the disability is determined temporary, additional accommodations are requested, or the disability diagnoses changes.
• Classroom accommodations are based on the doctor's or other qualified professional's evaluations. (If you find that you need additional help, please notify the Coordinator of Disability Services.)
• I understand that it is my responsibility to contact the Coordinator of Disability Services each semester to request services, provide my schedule, and discuss accommodation needs. It is my responsibility to keep the Coordinator of Disability Services informed of my progress and to notify her if I add or drop a class.
• I understand that a copy of the accommodation(s) deemed appropriate will be retained in my file while I am a student at Lanier Technical College.
• I understand that my accommodations are determined on a semester basis and may change each semester. It is my responsibility to discuss accommodation needs with the Coordinator of Disability Services.
• I understand that it is my responsibility to check and respond to my Lanier Technical College student email to remain updated on the policies and procedures of the Disability Services Office.
• It is my responsibility to keep all organizations assisting me up to date. (Voc Rehab, VA, etc.).

Students with disabilities have the responsibility to:

• Meet the qualifications and essential academic, technical, and institutional standards of Lanier Technical College.
• Identify themselves in a timely manner as an individual with a disability when seeking an accommodation.
• Provide the Coordinator of Disability Services documentation from an appropriate source that verifies the nature of the disability, functional limitations, and the need for specific accommodations.
• Follow procedures for obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids.
• Maintain communication with your instructor and Disability Services, as needed.
• Request any approved testing accommodations that you wish to use well in advance of the test date. First, speak with instructor, then reach out to Disability Services if you need additional help.
• Request Certification or Board exam accommodations from the relevant testing board well in advance of the exam.
• Use accommodations appropriately.
• Follow the code of conduct set forth by Lanier Technical College.

Students with Disabilities have the right to:

• Equal access to courses, programs, services, jobs, activities, and facilities available through Lanier Technical College.
• Reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids determined on an individual basis.
• Appropriate confidentiality of all information pertaining to his/her disability with the choice of whom to disclose their disability to except as by law.

Students with disabilities who qualify for the accommodation “Audiorecord Class Lectures” or “Note-taker” have the right to record class lectures for their personal study only. (84.44 Section of 504 in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 P.L. 93-112, amended P.L. 93-516). Lectures recorded for this purpose may not be used in any way against the faculty member, other lecturers, or students whose classroom comments are recorded as part of the class activity. Information contained in the recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit to the lecturer.