ÐÔÊÓ½ç

ÐÔÊÓ½ç is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their college experience fully accessible and positive. â¶Ä¯ 

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the , as , ÐÔÊÓ½ç recognizes a student with a disability as anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Accessibility Services coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and students experiencing barriers due to inaccessibility. All reasonable accommodations are individualized, flexible, and confidential based on the nature of the disability. 

View Our Accessibility Services Brochure

Resources

Eligibility for Services

All students with documented disabilities are eligible for services. A "person with a disability" includes any person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Some examples of disabilities include:

Blindness/visual impairments, deafness/hearing impairments, acquired brain injuries, attention deficit disorder, chronic medical disorders, psychological disorders, mobility impairments, learning disabilities, speech disorders, etc.

To receive services, the student must provide current documentation of their disability from a qualified health professional that is currently treating them for the identified diagnosis to Accessibility Services and complete an application.

Available Services

Services may include (but are not limited to) the following: academic accommodations, accessible housing, interpreter services, reader services, specialized testing arrangements, faculty consultation, orientation to campus, note taker services, use of assistive devices, resource information and referral.

Services are based on each student's individualized needs.

Medical Singles: The priority for Single Rooms will be granted to those who have an approved accommodation for a Medical Single. The request for a Medical Single is March 1st for all returning students and April 1st for all incoming students. Once the application and the documentation has been submitted it will be reviewed, and decisions will be communicated in writing to the student's ÐÔÊÓ½ç email. Late applications will be reviewed but it is not guaranteed that they will be granted. All housing rates will apply as posted.

Other Available Services

1. The Academic Skills Center has computers and writing resources, tutoring and workshops.
2. The Counseling Center provides short term or long-term therapy for students.
3. The Center for Academic and Professional Advising offers individual academic and social support to all students enrolled at ÐÔÊÓ½ç.
4. The Center of Multicultural Affairs and Community Resources provides information that can connect students to city and statewide programs that may offer additional resources.
5. The Office of Housing and Residential Life can answer all questions related to residential life at ÐÔÊÓ½ç.

Guidelines for Documenting a Disability or Medical Condition

ÐÔÊÓ½ç is committed to providing educational opportunities for all students and assisting them in making their college experience successful and positive. To receive reasonable accommodations, the following documentation must be provided by a qualified physician or other licensed professional in a field related to the disability or medical condition.

The documentation should include (if applicable):

1. Diagnostic statement identifying the condition, date of the current diagnostic evaluation, and the date of the original diagnosis. It is important to have the documentation on an official letterhead and signed by the diagnosing professional. The diagnosing professional must be one who is licensed to provide the necessary care for the stated diagnosis.
2. Diagnostic criteria and or diagnostic test used. This description should include the specific results of diagnostic procedures, diagnostic tests utilized, and when it was administered. Diagnostic methods used should be congruent with the disability or medical condition and current professional practices within the field. Informal or non-standardized evaluations should be described in enough detail that a professional colleague could understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process.
3. Description of the functional impact of the condition. The impact of the disability or medical condition on the students’ educational experience must be documented and explicitly described. This can include the provision of specific results from the diagnostic procedures and/or documentation of the impact of the disability or medical condition in previous educational settings (i.e. previous, IEP, 504, or other formal accommodation plans). The condition will be evaluated based on the typical progression of the condition, its interaction with development across the life span, the presence or absence of significant events (since the date of the evaluation) that would impact functioning, and how the information applies to the current situation of the request for accommodations.
4. Description of current treatments, medications, assistive devices/services. A history of treatments, medications, assistive devices, accommodations and/or assistive services to include statements about the effectiveness in minimizing the impact of the condition. Significant and potential side effects that may impact physical, perceptual, mental, behavioral or cognitive performance should also be noted.
5. Recommendations for accommodations. Depending on the impact of the disability or medical condition on the individual, the statement should include suggestions or recommendations for academic and housing accommodations that can help to provide full access for the student.

***Medical documentation verifies that there is a disability it doesn't automatically qualify or determine the accommodations a student is eligible to receive.***

Disability Verification Form

Register With Us

Students who have been accepted to the college and require access to disability-related accommodations and support will need to register with Accessibility Services.  Students must submit an application and supportive documentation to Accessibility Services for the coordination and determination of accommodations. 

Registration for Academic Accommodations is not limited to the beginning of the semester; however, you cannot register retroactively for events or grades that have occurred before you establish accommodations. 

Your application cannot be reviewed until Accessibility Services has both your completed application and qualifying documentation. The application process is NOT completed immediately and can take at least 2-3 weeks to complete so please begin the process as early as possible.

**Note: During high volume times such as late summer, pre-midterms, or pre-finals, etc... may result in longer processing and orientation scheduling times**

Decisions regarding disability-specific accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. Please use the completed medical documentation form to upload to the application below. 

Accommodations Grievance Policy

Introduction: ÐÔÊÓ½ç is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ÐÔÊÓ½ç recognizes a student with a disability as anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. ÐÔÊÓ½ç coordinates the provision of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities through Accessibility Services, a part of the department of Student Success. All reasonable accommodations are individualized, flexible and confidential based on the nature of the disability and the academic environment. This Accommodations Grievance Policy outlines the procedures for addressing grievances related to accommodations provided to students with disabilities. 

Scope: This policy applies to all students enrolled at ÐÔÊÓ½ç who have requested accommodations due to a documented disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Principles:

• Equal Access: ÐÔÊÓ½ç is committed to ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities for students with disabilities.
• Confidentiality: All information regarding a student's disability, accommodation requests, and grievance will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law and consistent with ÐÔÊÓ½ç’s policies and procedures.
• Timely Resolution: Grievances will be addressed promptly and fairly, with a commitment to resolving them as quickly as possible.
• Non-Retaliation: ÐÔÊÓ½ç prohibits retaliation against any individual who files a grievance or participates in the grievance process. Any acts of retaliation should be reported immediately to Accessibility Services or the Provost.

Grievance Procedure: 

• Informal Resolution: Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve grievances informally by discussing concerns directly with the faculty or staff member responsible for providing accommodations. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily through informal means, the student may proceed to the formal grievance process.

Formal Grievance Procedure:

• Submission of Grievance: Any student wishing to file a formal accommodations grievance must file within 60 calendar days of the alleged discrimination. Students filing formal accommodations grievances must send Accessibility Services (accommodations@columbiasc.edu) a clear, concise, and reasonably detailed description of the specific problem(s) or issue(s) to be reviewed and the relevant facts, including:
  • The specific basis of the complaint (e.g., specific disability)
  • A timeline of events with the date of each alleged discriminatory act and efforts taken to resolve the matter
  • Why the student filing the grievance believes each alleged discrimination was discriminatory on the specific basis of their complaint
  • Names of each person involved, including the names of any witnesses
  • Any documents supporting the complaint
  • The specific resolution from the institution that is being sought
  • The name, contact information, and signature of the student filing the grievance
  • *Once received all identifying information of the student must be redacted.*

Investigation: Upon receipt of the formal grievance, Accessibility Services will conduct a thorough investigation into the grievance. This may include gathering additional information from the student, faculty or staff member involved, and any other pertinent parties.

Resolution: After completing the investigation Accessibility Services will make a determination regarding the grievance. A written decision will be issued within 30 business days from the time the formal written complaint is received with all required information. It may be necessary to extend the time for investigation, in the event of extenuating circumstances or difficulties in reaching relevant witness or attaining relevant documents. If it is determined that the concern is valid, Accessibility Services will work with the student and relevant faculty and staff to implement an appropriate resolution.

Formal Grievance Procedure (alternate):

• Submission of Grievances (alternate): In the event a formal grievance is about the Accessibility Services Office Staff, students must send a clear, concise, and reasonably detailed description of the specific problem(s) or issue(s) to be reviewed. The relevant facts that must be included are the same as those noted above for the standard submission of grievances to accommodations@columbiasc.edu.
  • Investigation (alternate): An Accessibility Services Advisory Committee comprised of impartial faculty, staff, and/or administrators will be convened by the provost to review the grievance and investigation findings.
  • Resolution (alternate): After completing the investigation, the committee will issue a written decision within a reasonable timeframe. If is determined that the concern is valid, the committee will submit a recommendation to the provost for how relevant faculty, staff and/or administrators will work with the student and/or Accessibility Services to implement an appropriate resolution.
  • Appeal: If either party disagrees with the decision reached through the formal grievance procedure, they may appeal in writing to the provost. The appeal must be filed in writing, with grounds within 15 calendar days of receiving the letter notifying the student of the decision. A written decision on the appeal will be provided within 30 calendar days of receipt of the appeal. The decision from the appeal will be final.
  • Recordkeeping: All documentation related to accommodations grievances will be maintained by Accessibility Services in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Contact Information: For questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact Accessibility Services at accommodations@columbiasc.edu.
  • Effective Date: This policy is effective as of 7/21/2025 and supersedes any previous policies related to accommodations grievances. 

Additional Information: 

You have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). While you may want to use the institution's grievance process to have the complaint resolved, you are not required by law to use the institutional grievance process before filing a complaint with the OCR. Information about filing a complaint with the OCR is available at their website. Click on "How to File a Complaint."

You may file a complaint by using OCR’s online electronic complaint form, but you must also mail in a signed consent form. The website tells you how to print that form.

Mailing or faxing the OCR’s discrimination complaint form or writing your own letter. If you write your own letter provide your name, address, and telephone number; a description of the discriminatory act and when it occurred; and the name and location of the institution that you believe committed the discriminatory act.

Emailing an OCR complaint form or signed letter to ocr@ed.gov. If you write a letter, please include the information provided above.

Completing and sending or faxing an OCR complaint form. You may call or write to OCR to get that form.

South Carolina is served by the OCR's District of Columbia office: Office for Civil Rights District of Columbia Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202-1475 Telephone: 800-421-3481 (Voice) or 800-877-8339 (TTY) Fax: 202-453-6021

The US Department of Justice also allows individuals to file complaints with them about ADA violations by colleges. It may investigate these complaints or refer them to the US Department of Education. Information about filing with the US Department of Justice is available here. You may also wish to contact a private attorney. If you do not know of one, you may contact the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-868-2284. 

Conclusion: ÐÔÊÓ½ç is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. This Accommodations Grievance Policy reflects our dedication to addressing grievances related to accommodations in a fair, timely, and respectful manner.