Accommodations
Accessibility Services (AS) works closely with students to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations. In making this determination, communication is essential. Each individual knows how their disability affects them. It is important that you feel comfortable discussing these issues with the AS coordinator to ensure the discussion about your accommodations is a collaborative one.
If an accommodation is needed for any reason, please contact Accessibility Services (AS) by phone 360-538-4143, in person (Room 2314), or via email.
Examples of Accommodations
Accommodations provided by AS include:
- Testing Accommodations
- Note-Taking Accommodations
- Medical Reserve Parking
- Supportive Chairs
- Alternatively Formatted Text
- Assistive Technology
- Assistive Software
- Interpreters
- Assistive Equipment Checkout
- Service Animals
The list of accommodations is not an exhaustive list. Please contact us if you have any questions about additional services.
Temporary Accommodations
On a case by case basis, a temporary Letter of Accommodation (LOA) may be given to students whose temporary condition (e.g. broken leg, sprained wrist, etc.) is substantially limiting a major life activity such as learning, walking, speaking, etc. Students must complete an Intake Interview with the AS Coordinator to receive a temporary LOA.
Temporary Accommodations Request Form
Services Not Provided by AS
- Tutoring/Individual Instruction (All students can receive free tutoring at GHC's Learning Center in 4117)
- Personal Aides, Attendants, or Trainers
- Personal Device or Equipment (e.g. eyeglasses, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.)
- Diagnostic Testing for Learning Disability
- Service animals are permitted at GHC but AS does not provide the animal
Letter of Accommodation
During the Intake Interview, AS staff and qualified student develop a Letter of Accommodation (LOA). The LOA specifies which accommodations the student qualifies for and is intended to begin communication between the student and their instructor.
The Accessibility Coordinator sends the LOA via email to the student instructors. The LOA is not activated until the student discusses the accommodations with their instructors. The AS Coordinator can participate in the conversation that the student has with their instructor to activate their LOA.
Access an Example LOA
Example of discussing LOA with an instructor Video 1
Example of discussing LOA with an instructor Video 2
Obtaining Accommodations:
- Contact AS for orientation of services
- Obtain historical and/or recent documentation of your 504, IEP, or doctor’s note. If you do not have one, please ask about a Disability Declaration Form.
- Schedule an Intake Interview with AS Coordinator
- Develop Letter of Accommodation with AS Coordinator
- Discuss Letter of Accommodation with Instructors
Activate Letter of Accommodation
- Each quarter meet with AS staff to receive Letter of Accommodation (LOA).
- Meet with instructor to discuss and determine the best method of providing accommodation(s) in specific situations/classes.
- Organize with instructor and, if applicable, AS scheduled accommodations such as testing or field trips prior to when each occurs throughout the quarter.
Please Note: It is recommended that students utilize the instructor's office hours to discuss student's Letter of Accommodation.
Student Responsibilities
During the Intake Interview, students will sign a Student Responsibility Form which outlines their basic responsibilities regarding accommodation implementation. Students are responsible for self-advocating and for contacting AS in a timely manner when problems or questions arise about their accommodations or academic progress.