Student Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services partners with students with disabilities to coordinate accommodations that support your success, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive. Connect with Accessibility Services as early as possible to discuss your needs and begin the accommodation request process.

Common accommodations include:

• Extended time for testing
• Reduced-distraction testing environment
• Note-taking support
• Assistive technology, including audiobooks and text-to-speech tools

How to Apply for Accommodations

1. Self-identify as a student with a disability. In order to evaluate accommodation and services requests, Accessibility Services will need information about how your disability is likely to impact you at Alexandria Technical and Community College. Start by completing the Request for Accommodations Form.
2. Complete an intake meeting to discuss your learning needs. Accommodation determinations are made through an interactive process. Note that accommodations may not fundamentally alter a program or compromise academic integrity. 
3. Arrange your accommodations as detailed in your letter of accommodation. 
   • Work with Accessibility Services staff to request alternative format textbooks, notetaking support, or assistive technology. 
   • Students with approved testing accommodations who plan to test outside of the classroom must schedule their exam with the Testing Center by emailing testingcenter@alextech.edu or calling 320-762-4487. Three business days’ notice is required to ensure that appropriate staffing and testing logistics will be in place.
4. Student accommodations are determined for one semester at a time. Continuing students who are registered with Accessibility Services and whose accommodation needs have not changed should complete the Request for Accommodation Letter Form. 

Accessibility Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Accessibility Resources at Alexandria Technical and Community College.

1. How do I receive disability services at ATCC?

The first step is to complete the Request for Accomodations Form. After the request is received, you will receive communication about the next steps in the process at your ATCC email.

2. When do I need to apply for services with Accessibility Services?

You are encouraged to connect as soon as you have been admitted to ATCC. While you may choose to apply for accommodations at any point in your academic journey, note that accommodations are not retroactive.

3. Can I use my 504 Plan or IEP for documentation of my disability?

Your 504 Plan or IEP is always helpful as supplemental information in determining your eligibility for accommodations. The most important piece of determining your eligibility for accommodations is the interactive process or interview with the student. Once the interview is completed, it will be shared whether further documentation is needed for approving accommodation requests.

4. Will I receive the same services/accommodations I received in high school?

Maybe. In K-12 education, programs are required by law to provide whatever service, help, or accommodation that you needed to be successful. Colleges/Universities are required by law to provide “equal access to education” through programs, activities, and facilities. They provide access by using accommodations, not necessarily services or extra help. Accommodations ensure “access” not “success.” 

5. Will my 504 Plan/IEP follow me to college?

No, the 504 Plan developed by your high school will not follow you to college, but the rights and protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply. Section 504 is civil rights legislation and provides two things: 1) Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability and 2) an equal opportunity to participate. The concept of “maximizing success” is only found under IDEA for elementary and secondary schools. In higher education, it refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a means to determine eligibility and accommodations for access in the classroom.

6. Who decides what accommodations I can use in college?

The Accessibility Services office at ATCC makes the decision after completing an interactive process with you. Accommodations will be based on how the disability interferes with access to the educational environment and course curriculum. Accommodations can be modified/changed throughout your time as a student at ATCC. 

7. Do I have to pay for my accommodations?

No. It is the college’s responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students with disabilities with no cost to the student.

Contact Accessibility Services

Complaint/Grievance Procedure

The State of Minnesota has established grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action that is prohibited by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This grievance procedure is to be used by persons with disabilities who are eligible for services, benefits, programs or activities of Alexandria Technical & Community College.

Title II states in part, that no otherwise qualified disabled person shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination in programs or activities sponsored by a campus.

The staff of Accessibility Services works collaboratively with students and faculty to coordinate disability-related services for students.

For complaints related specifically to accommodations provided through Accessibility Services, the following procedures shall be followed:

• When a student does not agree with the denial of a requested accommodation, they are encouraged to discuss their concern with the Director of Student Engagement and Support / ADA Coordinator Kerri Barnstuble within fifteen (15) days from the date of the denial. The complaint can be submitted either in writing (hard copy or electronic) or communicated verbally and should describe the decision they would like to discuss and the rationale behind it. Concerns can often be resolved at this informal level.
• If a student believes they have been or are being subjected to conduct prohibited by Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education policies, they may file a complaint with Sean Johns, Dean of Educational Services, by completing the Reporting Form or emailing sean.johns@alextech.edu. 

Please note: It is Alexandria Technical and Community College’s policy to provide flexible and individualized services to students who have disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This information is available in alternative formats upon request. Students with hearing or speech disabilities may contact Accessibility Services via their preferred telecommunications relay service. Please allow adequate time for the college to respond to requests.