AboutThe 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. |
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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.
Transitioning to College |
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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.
Necessary Steps |
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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.
Locations & Hours |
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Downtown Indianapolis Campus50 West Fall Creek Parkway, North Drive - Student Services, Room 143
By Appointment |
Lawrence Campus9301 E. 59th St.
By Appointment |
DSS Labs |
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This lab features workstations with the latest in adaptive technology software and devices. Any student registered with DSS has access to the DSS lab. Adaptive Technology and Equipment in the DSS Lab:
- Jaws
- Zoom Text
- Zoom Text Large Key Keyboards
- Headphones
- Screen Monitor Filter
- Screen Monitor Magnifier
- Kurzweil 3000
- Ergonomic Tables
- 24" & 27" Monitors
- Ergonomic Mouse
- Sorenson Video Phone
- Portable CCTVs
- Hand Held magnifiers
- Onyx CCTV
- Table Top CCTVs
Parking |
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In order to park in a space designated as handicapped parking, a vehicle must have a current and valid handicapped parking tag issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) of the State of Indiana or a temporary pass issued by Disability Support Services. Tags Issued by the BMV include:
- Handicapped license plate
- Disabled American Veteran license plate
- Disability placard (must be visibly displayed in vehicle)
If a student does NOT have any of the above, but has temporary need for use of a designated handicapped area, he/she may apply for a temporary pass through Disability Support Services. In order to provide a temporary pass, the student must:
- Complete a “Handicapped Parking Permit Request Form.”
- Submit a doctor’s statement indicating the need for handicapped parking. This statement must also indicate a date of expiration for the disabling condition.
- Provide proof of vehicle registration.
- Show a picture ID at time of request.
Smart Pen Project |
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Do you struggle to capture all of the details in class? Disability Services is now offering a smart pen for those who qualify.
The smart pen helps students capture notes during class by recording their lectures for additional note taking post lecture. Learn more about how to smart pen works at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA983F6B7EFCA805B.
To see if you’re eligible, please email disability services to schedule an appointment or visit us on campus.