Academic Adjustments, Auxiliary Aids and Services for Students With Disabilities

Policy Statement

Pierce College is dedicated to ensuring that no student is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any college program or activity based on disability. We are committed to providing qualified students with disabilities equal access to college services, programs, and activities, in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Chapter 28B.10.910-916 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). 

Pierce College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, including academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services, to qualified students with disabilities. The purpose of this policy is to outline the rights and responsibilities of students under the ADA and Section 504, and to establish clear guidelines for seeking and receiving such accommodations.

Scope

This policy applies to all qualified students with disabilities enrolled at Pierce College who seek access to reasonable accommodations, including academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services. Students are encouraged to initiate contact with Access and Disability Services (ADS) as early as possible to begin the interactive process. To receive accommodations, students are responsible for requesting them and providing appropriate documentation of the nature and extent of their disability in a timely manner to Access and Disability Services. Students are encouraged to provide appropriate documentation to support their request for accommodations. While documentation can help inform appropriate accommodations, students are not required to have documentation at the time of their initial request. ADS will consider the student’s self-report, observed barriers, educational history, and other relevant information when determining access needs.

Pierce College will not deny a student access to services solely because documentation is not yet available. If additional documentation is needed, ADS will work collaboratively with the student to identify what may be helpful and how to obtain it. Accommodations will be provided in a timely manner and will not fundamentally alter essential program requirements or impose an undue burden or hardship on the institution.

This policy ensures that qualified students with disabilities have equitable access to all aspects of the college experience, including recruitment, application, enrollment, registration, financial aid, academic coursework, advising, and participation in non-academic programs and services, in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and to reflect best practices in providing accommodations to students with disabilities. 

By adhering to this policy, Pierce College reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and equal access, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their academic endeavors.

Revised 2025-06-23