DISABILITY -DEFINITION AND ACCOMMODATION
Acquired Brain Injury
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Developmentally Delayed Learners
Learning Disabilities
Mobility &Physical Disabilities
Psychological Disabilities
Visual Impairment
Other Disabilities
Disability - Definition and Accommodation
Acquired Brain Injury
Definition:
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) means a deficit in brain functioning which is non-degenerative and is medically verifiable, resulting in a total or partial loss of one or more of the following: cognitive, communication, motor, psycho-social and sensory perceptual abilities. (Administrative Code, Title V) Among the cognitive deficits persons with head injuries may experience are difficulties with concentration, memory, problem solving and abstract reasoning.
Accommodations
Accommodations for ABI may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Testing Accommodations:
- Extended Time
- Scribe
- Books on tape or CD
- Note taker
- Support group
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (add/adhd)
Definition
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by problems with attention, focusing and persistence and often, but not always, hyperactivity. ADD/ADHD must be diagnosed by a medical doctor, psychiatrist or licensed psychologist.
Accommodations
Following are possible accommodations for ADD/ADHD after verification of disability:
- Note taking
- Testing accommodations
- Books on tape or CD
Deaf and Hard Of Hearing
Definition
The generic term Hearing Impairment is used to describe all types of hearing deficits, ranging from a mild loss to profound deafness. Hearing impairment is the most prevalent chronic physical disability in the United States. More specifically, Hard of Hearing is a condition where hearing is defective to varying degrees (usually a hearing aid can enhance the understanding of speech). Deaf/Deafness is a condition in which perceivable sounds have no meaning for ordinary life purposes. (Hearing aids enhance awareness of vibrations such as horns and sirens, but not speech.) Title V lists Hearing Impairments under the heading of “Communication Disability.”
Following are possible accommodations after verification of disability:
- Note taking
- Note taker
- Interpreter Services
- Books on tape or CD
- Voice amplification devices
Developmentally Delayed Learners
Definition
The Title V definition of Developmentally Delayed Learner is a student who exhibits the following:
- Below average intellectual functioning:
- Potential for measurable achievement in instructional and employment settings.
Accommodations
After a student’s general ability has been verified and related educational limitations identified, a certificated DSPS staff member will determine whether a student is “otherwise qualified” to receive services from DSPS. Once a determination is made, the DSPS staff member may recommend services and on special classes on or off campus, which have a reasonable change of enhancing the student’s goal attainment.
Students may qualify for the following accommodations:
- Testing Accommodations:
- Extended Time
- Note taker
Learning Disabilities (LD)
Definition
Learning disabilities in the California Community College adult is defined as a persistent condition of presumed neurological dysfunction which may also exist with other disabling conditions. This dysfunction continues despite instruction in standard classroom situations. Adults with LD, a very diverse group, have these common attributes:
- Average to above average intellectual ability
- Severe processing deficit
- Severe aptitude-achievement discrepancy(ies); and
- Measured achievement in an instructional or employment setting.
Accommodations
The following are possible accommodations after verification of LD:
- Tutoring:
- Books on tape or CD
- Note taker
- Computerized instruction
- Testing accommodations: Extended time
- Distractions free environment
- Reader
- Use of a computer
Mobility & Physical Disabilities
Definition
Physical Disability means a visual, mobility, orthopedic or other chronic health impairment. Mobility and orthopedic impairment means a serious limitation in locomotion or motion functions which indicate a need for special services or special classes. Other health impairment means a serious dysfunction of a body part or system, which necessitates the use of one or more of the supportive services or programs (Title V).
Accommodations
Following are possible accommodations after verification of disability:
- Note taker
- Testing accommodations:
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Mobility Assistance
- Classroom Furniture Accommodations
Psychological Disabilities
Definition
According to Title V, psychological disability is defined as a persistent psychological or psychiatric disorder, or emotional or mental illness. A psychological disability must be verified by an appropriately licensed or certified professional (licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or MFCC), and the accommodations for the students with psychological disabilities must adhere to disability-related support services defined in Title V regulations and may not include psychotherapy.
Accommodations
Following are possible accommodations after verification of disability:
- Testing Accommodations:
- Extended time
- Distraction-free environment
- Tape recording of lectures / notetaker
Visual Impairment
Definition
Visual Impairment means total or partial loss of sight. (Title V)
Accommodation
Following are possible accommodations after verification of disability:
- Equipment Loan:
- Tape recording of lectures
- Reader Services
- Books on tape-Enrollment with Recordings for Blind & Dyslexic or through the Department of Rehabilitation
- Testing Accommodations: Extra time, alternate formatting of exam, Reader / Scribe Brailled text or test, if preferred
- Mobility Assistance
- Zoom Text
- Braille Print
- Assistive technology access
Other Disabilities
Definition
This category includes all students with disabilities as defined, especially those who do not fall into any of the previously discussed categories, but who indicate a need for support services or instruction (Title V).
This includes medical and physical disabilities such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), chronic pain, diabetes, environmental illness, cardiac disorders, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
Accommodations
Special accommodations are not always needed for students who have “other” disabilities. Student should meet with a DSPS Counselor to discuss their specific situation and needs.
The following are various accommodations that might be appropriate:
- Adapted Physical Education
- Counseling
- Note taking
- Testing accommodations
NOTE:
Due to legal responsibilities, policy requires that a member of Police Services be summoned in case a person on campus has a seizure with convulsions. Therefore students with seizure disorders are advised to identify themselves to NVC’s Health Services Department by scheduling an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. This appointment will inform students of the campus policies and procedures as it relates to assisting a student who has a seizure while on campus.