Disability Support Services (DSS) at Lower Columbia College is committed to providing equal opportunity for qualified students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Washington State Law.

"No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such a disability, be excluded from the participation in, or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of any public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity."

--Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 (Section 202)

Available Services
Services are based on student need. Examples include:

• Entry advising
• Enrollment assistance
• Alternate media (books on tape, e-text, etc)
• Assistive software and technology such as Kurzweil screen reader, voice recognition software, text magnifier, computers, scanners, assistive listening equipment, etc.
• Priority registration
• Resource referral
• Sign language interpreters
• Note takers
• Scribes
• Readers
• Alternate testing format
• Ergonomic furniture

To Request Services
For an appointment contact the at 360.442.2311 or the DSS office at 360.442.2340. Please plan ahead. Some accommodations can take up to six weeks to process.

For New Students:

1. Make an appointment with the Special Populations Coordinator to discuss your needs. Documentation requirements will be explained.
2. Submit your documentation for review.
3. Meet with the Special Populations Coordinator to discuss possible accommodations or further documentation requirements. Provide a copy of your class schedule.
4. Pick up your "Academic Accommodations" form at the DSS office and submit it to each of your instructors for signature.
5. Return the signed "Academic Accommodations" form to the DSS office.

For Returning Students:

1. Complete the Quarterly Request for Academic Accommodations form each quarter you attend classes.
2. Attach your schedule to the form and drop it off at the DSS office as soon as possible after you register.
3. Pick up your "Academic Accommodations" form from the DSS office and submit it to each of your instructors for signatures.
4. Return the signed "Academic Accommodations" form to the DSS office.

Documentation Includes:

• Identification of the nature and extent of the disability.
• Specific information regarding the manner in which the disability affects you and your ability to demonstrate your knowledge of material presented in the classroom.
• Description of the treatment plan, if any, including medications and side effects.
• Prognosis for your disability.
• Suggestions regarding possible accommodations.

Documentation is typically provided by a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or learning disabilities specialist. The DSS office will provide you with more specific guidelines for documentation of your disability, or you may download the information below.

Documentation Requirements - opens Microsoft Word document:

• Attention Disabilities (ADD & ADHD)
• Hearing Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Psychiatric Disabilities
• Vision Disabilities
• Health & Physical Disabilities
• General Disability Documentation

Commonly Used Forms - opens Microsoft Word document:

• Quarterly Request for Accommodations - for returning students to request accommodations each quarter
• Sign Language Interpreter Request - to request an interpreter for an appointment, tutoring, field trip, etc.

You Have the Right to:

• Reasonable academic accommodations, providing you meet the basic requirements to perform the activities of the program or occupation.
• Appeal any decisions made regarding academic accommodations.
• Confidentiality. Information regarding your disability is confidential and will not be released without your express permission.

It's Your Responsibility to:

• Succeed in higher education. You are expected to meet the academic standards required of all students.
• Identify yourself as a student with a qualified disability and register with the DSS office.
• Provide documentation regarding your disability.
• Request services early. Some accommodations may need up to six weeks advance notice.
• Provide the DSS office with a copy of your schedule each quarter and fill out a Quarterly Request for Accommodations form.

Contact Information:

Disability Support Services (DSS) Office
Instructional Office Building (IOB) Rm. 101
360.442.2340, FAX: 360.442.2919

Special Populations Coordinator

360.442.2341

360.442.2311

Section 504 Disability and ADA Coordinator

Admissions Center (ADC) Rm. 113
360.442.2331