Appendix C
Disclosure Regarding Services and Confidentiality
The purpose of the office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is to assist individuals who experience disability with accessing campus programs and services. SSD meets this goal by providing academic adjustments and auxiliary aids afforded by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and in accordance with college processes.
When requesting accommodations, your responsibilities include:
- Providing documentation from a qualified professional that identifies the nature of your disability and outlines the functional limitations related to that condition;
- Paying for any medical/psychological assessments and/or record request fees;
- Requesting your accommodations from SSD each term;
- Following the accommodation procedures as described in the SSD Guidebook for Students with Disabilities;
- Communicating with each of your instructors regarding your accommodation needs as outlined in the Letter of Accommodation;
- Following the student Code of Conduct and maintaining the Standards of Satisfactory Academic progress as outlined in the COCC Catalog;
- Contacting SSD if you cannot make any scheduled SSD appointment;
- Resolving accommodations/services disagreements as outlined in the SSD Guidebook for Students with Disabilities.
SSD responsibilities include:
- Determining eligibility for SSD services based on disability documentation and functional limitations;
- Providing appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations and support services;
- Disability counseling services related to disability management and adjusting to college, and how your disability may impact your access to college programs;
- Referrals to, and collaboration with, college faculty, staff and programs;
- Referrals to off-campus services and resources;
- Collaborating with other professionals that are working with you regarding your disability, (i.e. your doctor, therapist, and/or vocational rehabilitation counselor);
- Maintaining confidential SSD records while you attend COCC, and for a period of three years.
Confidentiality
Discussions with your Coordinator of SSD are generally considered confidential within SSD. There are five (5) exceptions to confidentiality:
- If you have signed a consent form that authorizes release of information;
- If the Coordinator believes that you are going to harm or endanger yourself or others (including children or the elderly), he/she is required to notify the endangered individual(s), the proper authorities, and/or officials;
- If the Coordinator, SSD, or COCC is sued or court-ordered and a properly-issued subpoena is received;
- If there is a legitimate educational purpose to support the disclosure of personally identifiable information (e.g., student identification number, date of birth, address, etc..) to other offices at COCC;
- Consultation with COCC professionals regarding your disability needs and your request for services.
Use, Retention, and Re-release of Records
- Disability documentation is secured in SSD and does not become part of your academic records;
- When a student is no longer enrolled at COCC, SSD records are kept for three (3) years;
- SSD does not re-release records. With your consent, SSD may release records generated by our office.
By signing this form I confirm that I have reviewed both pages of this document with the Coordinator of SSD and I understand the information it contains.
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Printed Name Signature Date
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Coordinator's Signature Date