Disability Support Services at Anne Arundel Community College exists to ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in educational and co-curricular offerings. We do this by providing reasonable and ethical accommodations consistent with ADA guidelines using an individualized, student-centered approach and modeling best practices through training, collaboration and engagement.
Accessing Disability Support Services
All students must provide documentation of their disability to AACC and then meet with a Disability Support Services specialist.
All requests for disability accommodations will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the accompanying procedures.
Students must self-identify, initiate requests and provide appropriate current documentation based on the college’s requirements. The college is not responsible for the payment of updated evaluations or documentation from their provider.
Students are considered adults and must advocate for themselves, including signing all documents. Parent involvement is limited and not required.
Behavioral expectations are the same for all students with or without a disability.
Students with disabilities must meet the same academic standards with or without accommodations.
Colleges provide equitable access through accommodations, not modifications.
Accommodations may not fundamentally alter the course objectives, core learning outcomes or essential requirements.
Students are required to share and discuss accommodation letters in relation to their course with their faculty.
Students are responsible for reporting all concerns regarding accommodations to DSS in a timely manner (one-to-two days).
K-12, by law, ensures success. Colleges, by law, ensure access.
Specific documentation depends on the nature of your disability.
Students seeking accommodations must provide documentation of a qualifying disability. Examples of accepted diagnoses include:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Learning disabilities
Physical disabilities
Chronic health conditions
Sensory disabilities (including deaf, hard of hearing, blind and low vision)
If you are unsure whether your diagnosis qualifies as a disability, contact the Disability Support Services office for guidance.
If you had an IEP or 504 plan in high school, you must submit a copy of the documentation, along with a copy of your most recent psycho-education evaluation report.
If you have a disability that was diagnosed by a medical provider, you must have the official Disability Verification Form completed by your psychiatrist, psychologist and/or certified diagnosing provider.
The following documentation is required:
Current professional documentation
Your paperwork is recent enough to reflect your present needs.
Clear diagnosis from a qualified provider
Includes the specific disability or condition being evaluated
Description of functional limitations
Explains how your disability affects daily activities or academic tasks
Recommended reasonable accommodations
Your provider lists accommodations that directly relate to your functional limitations.
Provider credentials included
Documentation is signed and dated, and includes the clinician’s title, license and contact information.
Meets current college documentation guidelines
Follows the institution’s published requirements
Aligns with ADA and Section 504 criteria
Shows that your disability substantially limits one or more major life activities
Documentation will be reviewed by DSS and a specialist will reach out if additional documentation is required.
To request initial accommodations through DSS, you must:
