Disability Services

Review detailed information about the American Disabilities Act (ADA)

"Nearly all colleges and universities are subject to the ADA, Section 504, or both. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides broad nondiscrimination protection in employment, public services, and public accommodations (including many areas of colleges and universities), for individuals with disabilities. The ADA is enforced by multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, solely on the basis of the disability, in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Section 504 is enforced by, among others, the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education."

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, activities, and services of public entities. It applies to all State and local governments, their departments and agencies, and any other instrumentalities or special purpose districts of State or local governments.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states “No otherwise qualified individual with disabilities in the United States ...shall solely by reason of her/his disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”  Under the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance are legally bound to prohibit discrimination in the recruitment process, the admissions process and the educational process of students with disabilities.

Central Piedmont complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to provide support services for students, including services for students with disabilities and other special needs. Students with documented disabilities are entitled to receive approved modifications, appropriate academic adjustments or auxiliary aids that will enable them to participate in and have the opportunity to benefit from all educational programs and activities at Central Piedmont.

In addition, the college follows the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WACG 2.0 Level AA) outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) as recommended by the North Carolina Community College System.

Review ADA: Section 504 and Post-Secondary Education 

Student Rights

As a student with a disability, you have the right to:

• An equal opportunity to learn. If the location, delivery system, or instructional method limit your access, participation, or ability to benefit, you have a right to reasonable alterations in those aspects of the course (or program) to accommodate your disability, as long as it does not change the fundamental requirements of the course or curriculum. Each request for accommodation is judged on a case-by-case basis. Examples of accommodations include but are not limited to: Extending the time limit on a test for a student, allowing a student to test in a distraction-reduced area or room, providing an interpreter for a student with hearing loss.
• An equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the academic community. This includes access to services at a comparable level as that provided to any student.

Student Responsibilities

For a student with a disability who is seeking services from Disability Services, it is the student's responsibility to:

• Provide documentation from an appropriate professional that includes: The nature of the student's disability that includes the diagnosis or diagnoses and how the disability affects the student's learning ability and/or daily living.

• Meet and maintain the college's fundamental academic and technical standards
• Notify Disability Services each term the student is enrolled and taking classes at Central Piedmont
• Request Accommodation Forms from Disability Services at the beginning of each term; these forms are used to notify instructors of any type of accommodation that is needed in the student's class(es)

Tip for Success: Students with disabilities are encouraged to meet with their instructors. You know your disability and are the best one to explain your own coping strategies.

Don't wait for a problem to arise — not only will this put you at ease, but it will help the instructor in understanding and meeting your individual needs. Clearly state what accommodation(s) you require and that have been approved by Disability Services.

Complaints

Submit complaints about accommodations (physical access, interpreters, notetakers, unwillingness of faculty to accommodate your required needs) to the director of Disability Services, Serena Johnson at 704.330.2722 x3461 or Serena.Johnson@cpcc.edu.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The Office for Civil Rights is an arm of the U.S. Department of Education whose mission “is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.”  OCR has produced the documents that may be helpful in understanding the law as it relates to post-secondary institutions.

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

This web page has important information for high school students with disabilities who plan to continue their education in post-secondary schools. The information can help you prepare for successful transition from high school to college.

Auxiliary Aids and Services for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities

This web page reviews the obligations of higher education institutions to serve students with disabilities. It also includes answers to questions commonly asked by students and representatives of post-secondary institutions about accommodations.

Legal Rights for College Students with Learning Disabilities

This is helpful for any college student with a disability, but it is written for students with learning disabilities in mind. Paul Grossman, an attorney in the field of disability law who self-identifies has having a learning disability, highlights student rights as it relates to the ADA and college accommodations.

This Office of Civil Rights student veteran information will help you prepare to attend college. Some information relates to all student veterans, and some information is specific to student veterans with a disability who need to request accommodations.

Please note that Central Piedmont does not formally endorse any of the scholarships listed on  page.

FinAid: Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities provides information about scholarships and fellowships for students with disabilities.

Affordable Colleges Online: Scholarships for for Students with Disabilities provides a comprehensive list of scholarships for students with disabilities. It is organized by type of disability. Google Chrome is recommended for viewing this website.

NC AHEAD: Resources for Students and Parents provides resources that address transitioning from high school to post-secondary education, financial aid, and scholarship.

The group was created to provide a safe place for students with disabilities to discuss concerns and issues you may be facing, foster healthy relationships and empower you to advocate for yourselves. 

Location

Central Campus - Central High Building Room 305 

Time

3:30–4:45 p.m. 

Check back for the next schedule.  

Please visit Disability Services — Faculty and Staff Resources on the employee intranet. You will be prompted to log in with your username and password.

Questions? Contact the Help Desk at x5000.