Answer: The Access Resource Center is responsible for determining and providing reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Additionally, ARC has specialized classes (LNSK) and support services which assist students in fully accessing other college courses on campus. Our LNSK classes include reading, writing, arithmetic, computer skills, adaptive technology and more.
Q: How does a student know if they are eligible for services?
Answer: Eligibility is based on verified disability documentation (ex. physicians report, IEP, 504, psychological evaluation, etc…). If there are questions about disability documentation please call the ARC office (831) 646-4070.
Q: How does a student obtain services from ARC?
Answer: To receive services from ARC a student must be registered or planning to register for the current semester and:
complete an ARC Application for Services;
provide verification of disability;
complete the Students Rights & Responsibilities form;
meet with an ARC counselor to determine eligibility, appropriate services, accommodations, and complete an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP);
request accommodations.
Q: How is the confidentiality of a student's records/status maintained through ARC?
Answer: No information is released from ARC without a Consent of Release of Information Form signed by the student. There is nothing on a student's enrollment or transcript to indicate that a student is registered with, or receiving services from ARC. (LNSK classes do appear on the transcript, however). With permission, an ARC counselor will discuss services and/or educational limitations with an instructor(s).
Q: Are test accommodations available?
Answer: Yes. A wide variety of test accommodations are available for students whose disabilities require a modification in testing conditions to demonstrate course content mastery. Frequently used accommodations include additional time, reduced distraction environment and use of assistive technology, but others may be utilized. These are recommended by your counselor and are based on your educational limitations and the nature of the test.
Q: What is the best way to discuss classroom accommodations with an instructor?
Answer: Approach an instructor privately during the office hour or at an agreed upon time. Let the instructor know that an accommodation is required. Sharing the specific disability is not required. The instructor will be required to sign the appropriate form, informing him/her of the accommodation and what action if any needs to be taken. If it is unclear how to adjust for a particular course requirement, this may be shared with the instructor and suggestions might be offered that have worked in the past for similar situations. Work with the instructor to find an alternative. If assistance is needed with this, see an ARC counselor.
Q: Does Monterey Peninsula College waive course and/or test requirements for students with disabilities?
Answer: No, with the exception of extremely rare cases. All students must meet both the course and test requirements for graduation. In rare instances, students may petition to have a graduation requirement substituted with alternative course work. Petitions are considered on a case-by-case basis. This is a lengthy process and students are encouraged to meet all requirements as outlined in the catalog.
Q: Are all students with disabilities registered with ARC?
Answer: No. Some students may not be registered with ARC (registration is voluntary); however, in order for ARC to serve a student with a verified disability, registration with ARC is necessary.
Q: Can a student with a temporary disability receive services?
Answer: Most likely. Please call the ARC office for more information.
Q: Can students expect, as part of their accommodations in college, that fundamental alterations to any particular program or course of study will be permitted, as was the case in K-12?
Answer: In college, an accommodation will not alter the fundamental nature of, or requirements for, any course or program.
