Disability Services
Students with disabilities may use a variety of accommodations that are intended to improve performance in either a traditional classroom or online setting. Accommodations from testing assistance to alternate book formats, technologies, and sign language interpreters are all free to BHC students.
If you need an accommodation based on a disability to fully participate in a program/event, please contact us. Be sure to allow enough time prior to the program or event and be ready to provide documents of the disability. Information disclosed about your disability will remain confidential. Students with mobility disabilities should contact Disability Resources & Access to register for emergency evacuation plans, notification of elevators and procedures.
What is a disability?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendment Acts of 2008 and 2016 protects and considers a person disabled if he or she:
- has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity
- has a record of such an impairment, or
- is regarded as having such an impairment
A “qualified person with a disability” is defined, as one who meets the requisite academic and technical standards required for admission or participation in the postsecondary institution’s programs and activities. The above laws protect the civil rights of individuals who are qualified to participate and who have disabilities such as, but not limited to, the following:
- Deaf/hard of hearing
- Developmental disabilities
- Blind/vision loss
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mobility disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health disabilities
- Chronic health problems
What is an accommodation?
When we say “accommodations” we are referring to modifications to the educational program, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids so that the student with a disability is not “denied the benefits of, or excluded from participation in”, an educational program.
Accommodations…
- Do not lower standards or guarantee the success of the person receiving these services
- Do reduce the negative effects of the disability of receiving information and demonstrating course mastery
- Do not reduce the student’s personal responsibility in learning the course material
In this way students with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to benefit from educational programs as their counterparts, non-disabled students’ experience.
Educational programs are not required to make program modifications, academic adjustments, which would fundamentally alter a program, or are an undue administrative financial burden.
Types of Accommodations
Students with mobility disabilities should contact Disability Resources & Access to register for emergency evacuation plans, notification of elevators and procedures.
Testing
Extended time, minimum distraction area, use of a reader, scribe, or computer.
Note-takers
A fellow student in class may be willing to make a copy of his/her notes. Sometimes instructors have a class outline or class notes they will share with the students.
Books on alternative format
Staff members will assist students in obtaining textbooks or other class materials from publishers or use software to create an audio book if not available from the publisher.
Equipment loan
The office has a limited amount of smart pens, digital recorders, handheld magnifiers, and talking calculators.
Assistive technology
ZoomText, Natural Reader, Read Write and Kurzweil software are available in the Disability Resources & Access Office.
Sign language interpreters
Interpreters are provided for classes and other campus activities. Proper notice required.
Online Testing Accommodations
Special accommodations can be made for students taking online courses and testing. Common accommodations include extended time on exams, reduced distraction testing locations and readers and scribes for exams.
How to Receive Accommodations
- Contact Disability Resources & Access Office or view the Disability Resources & Access Student Handbook (PDF). Review our office procedures, policies and services.
- Submit disability documentation which determines eligibility and supports request for accommodations. You may complete the following forms and submit them via fax or mail (when signature is required) or e-mail attachment (when a signature is not required) and the Disability Services Coordinator will contact you. Below are important forms you will need:
- Meet with Disability Resources & Access coordinator to develop accommodations plan.
- Introduce yourself to your instructor, deliver the Accommodation Notification Form, and discuss your accommodation needs the first week of classes.
Disability Resources & Access
Jen Holldorf, Coordinator
309-796-5903
HolldorfJ@bhc.edu
Quad-Cities Campus
Building 1, Room 241
309-796-5900
AccessQC@bhc.edu
East Campus
Building A-236
309-854-1713
AccessEC@bhc.edu