As per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities of 1990, the college is obligated to provide accommodations to ensure equal access to the college’s programs and activities. It is the student’s responsibility to notify instructors of the need for accommodations.

Academic accommodations may include, but not be limited to, testing accommodations, notetaking assistance, alternate media (Braille, audio, e-text, etc.) and ASL interpretation services.

Students with disabilities must provide, upon request, written verification of each disability from an appropriate professional who has knowledge of the student, disability, and the educational and/or functional limitations imposed by each disability.

Students are encouraged to utilize the Disability Resource Center which has staff who have had specialized training regarding the impact of various disabilities in the educational environment, and as such are uniquely qualified to recommend services and accommodations. Most instructors do not have such specialized training.

The DRC staff will assist students with provision of approved accommodations.

Students Utilizing the Disability Resource Center (DRC)

1. Provide disability verification to DRC.
2. Meet with a DRC professional (Director; DRC Counselor; Learning Disability Specialist) to determine appropriate accommodations and services.
3. At least one week prior to each semester, request an Accommodation Form for each course in which accommodations will be needed. Allow up to five days for processing during peak periods (first two weeks of each semester).
4. Pick up approved Accommodation Forms and deliver to each instructor.
5. Note:
6. Instructors cannot unilaterally deny or modify accommodations.
7. Instructors must contact the DRC directly with questions concerning accommodations.
8. Follow the protocol for initiating each service as stated in the DRC Service Provision Policies/Procedures: https://www.palomar.edu/drc/drc-forms/

Disagreements Regarding Academic Accommodations

Students Disputing the Provision of an Academic Accommodation

1. Students with disabilities who want to file a complaint regarding access to or quality of their academic accommodation under Section 504 and/or the American Disabilities Act (ADA) may go through the informal process with the DSPS counselor.
2. If no agreement is reached with the informal process, students may request a meeting with the Director of the DRC (or designee) to discuss denial of a requested accommodation. This meeting must occur within five working days.
3. If the director or designee concurs that a DRC decision should be altered or modified, staff must provide reasonable accommodation within five educational days.
4. If the director or designee does not agree, that individual will notify the student in writing within five days and inform the student that he/she has the right to appeal to the 504 Officer. A meeting with the 504 officer must occur within five days of request. In the interim, the accommodation will be provided within the limitations of reasonable accommodation.
5. The 504 Officer has five working days to notify the student of the decision to affirm, deny or modify the request and inform the student of appeal rights. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the 504 Officer, the accommodation will be provided in the interim and he/she may appeal to the President of the College.
6. If the student is not satisfied, he/she may appeal in writing to the President of the college. In each of the above steps, the individual making the decision also informs the instructor and/or service providers.
7. The Office for Civil Rights is also a resource for students disputing the provision of accommodations. Complaints can be filed at: U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights 50 Beale Street, Ste. 7200 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 486-5555 ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov

Palomar College 504 Officer
Dean Nichol Roe
nroe@palomar.edu
760.744.1150, Ext. 3964

Instructors Disputing the Provision of an Academic Accommodation

1. Instructor communicates his/her concern regarding the educational accommodation or auxiliary aide to DRC Director or other professional staff (DRC Counselor; Learning Disability Specialist). If not satisfied with the response, instructor may appeal to the 504 Officer. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the interim.
2. The 504 Officer has five working days to respond in writing to instructor and DRC and either affirm, deny or modify the accommodation. Instructor will be informed of next level of appeal. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the interim.
3. If the instructor is not satisfied with the decision of the 504 Officer, he may appeal to the president of the college. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the interim.

Palomar College 504 Officer
Dean Nichol Roe
nroe@palomar.edu
760.744.1150, Ext. 3964