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Your Rights

Your Rights

At Pierce College, students with disabilities have the right to equal access and supportive services that enable full participation in academics and campus life. Our practices comply with:

Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Washington State laws prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Federal Law

"No qualified individual with a disability, by reason of such disability, shall be excluded from the participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of any public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity."
— Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990

"No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall solely by reason of their disability be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."
— Rehabilitation Act of Congress, 1973, Title V; Section 504

Pierce College Responsibilities

As a public institution, Pierce College is legally and ethically committed to:

  • Providing equal access to all programs, services, and activities
  • Maintaining accessible facilities and digital tools
  • Offering reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments
  • Engaging in an individualized, interactive process when a student requests accommodations
  • Implementing accommodations promptly, without unauthorized modifications or delays

These responsibilities reflect Pierce College's commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and student success.

Your Rights as a Student with a Disability

You have the right to:

  • Equal access to all academic programs, student services, and activities, on campus, online, in labs, and in the field
  • Reasonable accommodations and academic adjustments tailored to your needs
  • Timely review and participation in the interactive process
  • Confidentiality regarding your disability-related information
  • Freedom from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
  • The ability to file grievances and appeal decisions if your rights are not upheld

Documentation Expectations

You are not required to have formal documentation to start the accommodation process. ADS uses a flexible, student-centered approach and considers:

  • Your self-report of disability-related barriers
  • Staff observations during intake
  • Educational or medical history
  • Completion of the ADS Disability Declaration form, if other documents are unavailable. (Students will receive a copy of the form via email if they have not provided anything else and it is required to be returned prior to the Access Intake appointment.)

Accommodation Process

Students must:

  • Complete the ADS New Student Application and meet with ADS for the 90-minute Access Intake appointment
  • Renew accommodations each quarter using the AIM Student Profile
  • Share official accommodation letters with instructors
  • Notify ADS promptly if accommodations are not working or not implemented

Explore examples of academic accommodations: Common Accommodations

Grievance Process

If you believe your rights were violated or accommodations were not properly implemented, you have two grievance options:

1. Academic Accommodation Grievance

Use this if an approved accommodation was not followed (e.g., extended time not provided).

  • Step 1: Try resolving directly with the instructor or ADS
  • Step 2: If unresolved, submit the Academic Accommodation Grievance Form
  • A formal investigation will be initiated by the Director of ADS and the ADA/504 Coordinator

2. Disability Discrimination or Retaliation Grievance

Use this if you experience unfair treatment, harassment, or retaliation based on your disability.

You are encouraged to reach out to ADS or the ADA/504 Coordinator for support before, during, or after filing a grievance.
You may also file external complaints with:

Summary of Key Differences in Grievance Processes

Type of Greivance Issue Where to File Appeal Process
Academic Accommodation Violation Approved accommodation was not followed Access and Disability Services (ADS) District Director and the 504 Coordinator via the Academic Accommodation Grievance Form Vice President Learning and Student Success at the campus where the complaint originated
 
Disability Discrimination or Retaliation Treated unfairly, harassed, or retaliated against due to disability ADA Compliance Officer via the Disability Discrimination or Retaliation Grievance Form Vice President Learning and Student Success at the campus where the complaint originated

Need Help?

Pierce College students are encouraged to reach out to the ADA/504 Coordinator for assistance during the grievance process.

Sean Cooke

ADA/504 Coordinator
SCooke@pierce.ctc.edu
253-840-8472

Access and Disability Services (ADS)

ADS@pierce.ctc.edu 
253-964-6468
Fort Steilacoom: Cascade Building, CAS 300
Puyallup: Gaspard Building, ADM 106

Relevant Pierce College Policies