Serving Students with Disabilities
Policy Number: OCP 300-02
Applicable Procedures: OCPR 300-02-01 thru OCPR 300-02-04
Effective Date: Aug. 19, 2025
Olympic College is dedicated to ensuring qualified students with disabilities have equal access to all college services, programs, and activities. We adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Washington State laws related to discrimination and disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations that promote inclusivity and do not discriminate based on disability. A qualified student with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets the academic and technical standards required for admission to, participation in, and/or fulfilling the essential requirements of college programs or activities.
Section 1. Commitment to Equal Access.
1.1. Olympic College will make reasonable modifications to ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against.
1.2. These modifications must not place an undue burden on the College or require fundamental changes to essential program requirements.
1.3. Our goal is to remove barriers and ensure access while maintaining academic integrity.
Section 2. Responsibilities and Community Engagement.
2.1. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students are responsible for supporting students with disabilities by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
2.2. Olympic College complies with state and federal mandates while embracing the broader commitment to fully integrate individuals with disabilities into the campus community.
2.3. The President of Olympic College has designated the Student Disability Services office as the entity responsible for reviewing student documentation, engaging in the interactive process with students, and determining appropriate accommodations to ensure equal access. This office partners with both the college and the wider community to understand and respond to the unique needs of students with disabilities.
Section 3. Process for Requesting Accommodations.
3.1. Services and accommodations are available to all qualified students who provide documentation according to Olympic College guidelines. It is the student's responsibility to request accommodations through the Student Disability Services office. Students are encouraged to start this process early, as certain accommodations (e.g., interpreters, alternative formats, or specialized equipment) may require significant advance notice. Olympic College endeavors to respond promptly to all accommodation requests. Records connected with an application to attend Olympic College, if that application was denied.
Section 4. Academic Integrity and Course Modifications.
4.1. Olympic College recognizes that some students may encounter challenges meeting specific course requirements due to their disability, even with accommodations. In such cases, the College will consider course substitutions, provided they do not compromise the academic integrity, or state, federal, or professional requirements of the program.
4.2. The ADA does not require Olympic College to waive essential academic requirements. Every student must meet the core academic requirements and prerequisites for individual courses, as well as those of their program of study.
4.3. Substitution requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure the curriculum's rigor, and academic requirements, are upheld while expanding student opportunities.
Section 5. Confidentiality.
5.1. The Student Disability Services office keeps all contact information and documentation confidential. Information is shared only on a "need to know" basis, at the student's written request, or with signed consent. Typically, information will be shared to facilitate the accommodation process or to address safety concerns. Students seeking clarification regarding the confidentiality of their documentation may contact the Director of Student Disability Services.
Section 6. Documentation Requirements.
6.1. All documentation is assessed for completeness and appropriateness under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, ADAAA, and Olympic College’s guidelines for documenting disabilities.
- Most Recent Revision Recommended by Hope Stout
- Recommended by the Governance Coordinating Council
- Approved by President
- Approved by the Board of Trustees August 19, 2025
- First Approved by Board of Trustees June 27, 2000