wc



  [ACCESSIBILITY] [COMPLIANCE]  [A.D.H.D. CRITERIA] [DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA]  [F.A.Q.]  [APPLICATIONS AND FORMS]

 

Disability services through the Student Services Office is committed to assisting students pursue educational goals to the fullest of their abilities. The primary objectives are to provide reasonable academic accommodations and assure that campus programs and activities are accessible to students with disabilities. 

Some of the services available to meet individual needs of students include, but are not limited to: assistance with registration, alternative testing arrangements, text books on tape, instruction in learning strategies, access to technology, liaison with faculty, and referral to other services and diagnostic testing.

Waycross College policy regarding students with disabilities complies with the University System Board of Regents policies and all related Federal legislation.   


 

ACCESSIBILITY

The Student Services Office assists students with disabilities in gaining access to all campus programs and activities. The College has made a major effort to remove architectural barriers by completely evaluating each building on campus. Appropriate curb ramps, entrance ramps, electronic doors, modified restrooms, and handicapped parking spaces have been a priority to make the campus relatively barrier free. When students do encounter a problem with accessibility, they may report the problem to the Student Services Office. The problem will then be documented and sent to the appropriate office for resolution.

Students requiring special assistance in any co-curricular or continuing education class (such as hearing devices or American Sign Language interpreter) must make the request in writing to the Student Services Office at least five full working days prior to the start of the activity. Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate in out of class activities, however enough time needs in order to be assured of meeting special needs. 

          return to top


COMPLIANCE

 

Waycross college does not discriminate, in any form, against students, employees or applicants on the basis of race, color , sex, creed, national origin, age or disability. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any educational program or activity at the College. 

In compliance with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of the College that it does not discriminate against an individual on the basis of disabling or handicapping conditions, as covered under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All programs of the College are open to regularly admitted students without regard to handicap. 

Any person, employee, or job applicant who has a concern, complaint, or grievance in regard to the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973 should contact the Director of Student Services , Academic Building A, Room 136, or phone 912-449-7600. 

The College has available to the deaf a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). Anyone with TDD that needs to reach the college should use the Georgia Relay Center (TDD users 1-800-255-0056, voice users 1-800-255-0135), Anyone on campus needing to use a TDD should contact the Student Services Office, Building A, Room 136. 

        return to top


DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA

Waycross College utilizes the official definition of learning disabilities as adopted by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. This definition may be found in the System Academic Affairs Handbook, Section 2.22.   Links to individual sections are listed below.
   

LD Definitions
USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 2.22.01
Regents' Centers for Learning Disorders
USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 2.22.02
Criteria for Outside Evaluations
USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 2.22.03
Other (Non LD) Disabilities
USG Academic Affairs Handbook Section 2.22.04

                return to top



Georgia Board of Regents Criteria for Accepting
Outside Evaluation Documentation - ADHD

DSM-IV classifications were developed for use in clinical, educational, and research settings, and are meant to be employed by individuals with appropriate clinical training and experience in diagnosis.  DSM-IV criteria should not be applied mechanically by untrained individuals, but reported as a cohesive evaluation supporting the diagnosis.

Criterion One: Reported history of symptoms of ADHD by age 7.
Suggested data sources: Clinical interview
Past Psychological's
Parent/Spouse Report

Criterion Two: Self report of six major behaviors from the DSM-IV items
Suggested data sources: Clinical interview utilizing DSM-IV items

Criterion Three: Observations from two independent professionals (clinician,teacher,etc.) across the following settings:

    1. working independently
    2. working under direction
    3. working under time constraints.

Identification of the same six major behaviors across both observers.
Suggested Data Source: ADHD Observational Forms(s)

Criterion Four: Mandatory corroboration of behaviors by another adult (parent, spouse, relative, friend, with integrity of knowledge of client)
Suggested Data Source: Signed permission to talk with other adult.  Phone or in person identification of at least six behaviors from the DSM-IV items.

Criterion Five: Documentation on two rating scales of ADHD behaviors.
Suggested Data Source: Client Rating form; SCL-90 BSI Self-Rating Symptom, Checklist, and others.

Criterion Six: Schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, autism, or mental retardation are not the primary disability, nor are depression, anxiety, or substance abuse the primary cause of inattention.

There must be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social or academic functioning.

return to top


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 Q. How may I receive accommodations from the Student Services Office?

 A. You may apply for accommodations by completing the Voluntary Declaration of Disability and submitting the appropriate documentation.

 

 Q. What if I don't have adequate documentation?

 A. You may still become eligible for services if you go through the proper testing required.  There is not a staff person on the WC campus qualified for documentation testing.  The Office has information regarding testing through the Regents' Center for Learning Disabilities at Georgia Southern University and independent testing by a local psychologist (for learning Disabled/ADHD).

 Q. What documentation is required?

 A. It varies depending upon your disability.  The University System Board of Regents' sets documentation requirements.  Students with learning disabilities will find that applying for testing through the Regents Center is one of the best avenues to assure that all steps are covered.  The evaluation battery that the Center utilizes may be found in Section 2.22.02 Procedures for Regents Centers for Learning Disabilities, Academic Affairs Handbook.

Criteria for outside evaluation of students with learning disabilities may be found in Section 2.22.03 Policy/Tenure, Academic Affairs Handbook.

Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder should refer to the ADHD Criteria section of this site.  Criteria for other disabilities should refer to Section 2.22.04 Accommodations of Students with Other (Non-LD) Disabilities, Academic Affairs Handbook.

Q. How much does testing cost?

A. If you want to be tested of ADHD or LD at the Regents Center, the cost is $500.00.  Outside assessment varies in cost. 

Q. How do I set up an appointment with the Regents Center?

A. You first complete the Voluntary Declaration of Disability form at the Student Services Office.  Staff will then give to you and explain the packet from the Regents Center.  The packet will indicate a number of items for you to complete and return.  Among the items in the packet are a study of habits inventory, personal history form, ADHD checklist, and English and math exams.  Students will also be asked to provide samples of writing, hearing, and visual acuity tests, transcript, and more.  After the packet is complete and verified by a Student Services Office staff member, it is sent to the Regents Center.  You will be contacted as to when to meet with Center staff.  The final portion of the fee is due when you first meet with the Center staff in person.  You will meet with them several times in Statesboro. 

Q. Is there help if I can not afford the testing?

A. Yes.  You will need to complete an application form for consideration of monies from the David Johns Fund for Students with Learning Disorders through the WC Foundation.  You must complete a Federal Financial Aid Form in order to be eligible for this fund.

              return to top


APPLICATIONS AND FORMS

 

When You Click A Hyperlink, Print The Form, Fill It Out and Return It To The Addressed individual.

The David Johns Fund - Application Form

Waycross College - Disability Self-Identification Form

 

           return to top

 

 

912-449-7600


Disclaimer button Contact Webmaster button
Updated June 18, 2008