The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) provides assistance to students, who qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Reasonable accommodations may be granted, based upon verification with appropriate documentation, for chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, learning disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, mobility impairments, and other conditions or impairments that limit one or more of life's major activities. Please refer to the College's Documentation Guidelines below and the DSS' Policies and Procedures Manual for specific information on requesting reasonable accommodations.
The mission of DSS is to provide access to College programs, services, activities, and facilities for students with disabilities; to provide student advocacy; to encourage the highest levels of academic and personal achievement; and to advocate for an accessible environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Apply for DSS Accommodations Using the Link Below
Have Questions?
Check our Disability Support Services FAQ!
Transitioning to College
Transitioning to College can feel overwhelming and even a bit confusing. Understanding the differences between high school and college are particularly important for individuals with disabilities. Students need to fully understand that processes and rights of students in post-secondary education vary greatly from those in K-12 education.
Below are two documents that provide information to students and their families about the transition to higher education in general, and more specifically Ivy Tech.
U.S. Department of Education Publication: Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Ivy Tech Community College: Information for High School Students Transitioning to Ivy Tech
Disability Documentation Guidelines
Documentation of a disability assists the Office of Disability Support Services, in collaboration with the student, to determine reasonable accommodations and/or services on a case-by-case basis. The cost of obtaining all documentation is the responsibility of the student.
Documentation, along with the Intake Request Form, should be submitted to DSS at least 30 days in advance of the requested accommodation to allow review and implementation of reasonable accommodations.
In general, documentation should include the following:
- Credentials of the evaluator(s)
- A diagnostic statement identifying the disability
- As appropriate to the disability, a description of the diagnostic methodology used
- A description of the current functional limitations
- A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability
- A description of current and past accommodations, services, and/or medications
- Recommendations for accommodations
Guidelines for specific disabilities may be obtained below. Should you have any questions, contact your local Disability Support Services office listed below.
ACCESS Resource Guide
The Office of Disability Support Services has developed the ACCESS Resource Guide to assist individuals with disabilities in understanding their rights and responsibilities within higher education, as well as providing information regarding resources. An electronic copy of the Access booklet can be obtained here.
