Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

SLA: Student Central & Student Accessibility Services (SAS) 

Department: Student Accessibility Services
Director: Michael Shaw
Initial Meeting Date: December, 2024

Purpose

This agreement outlines how Student Central will support student inquiries related to Student Accessibility Services (SAS). It establishes a framework for service delivery and the development of training resources to ensure Student Central staff provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Responsibilities

Student Central Staff Will:

  • Ask students if they are seeking academic accommodations before transferring calls or making referrals.
  • Direct students to complete the SAS Intake Form to initiate the accommodation process.
  • Inform students that documentation (e.g., IEP, 504 Plan, Psychological Evaluations, and or medical letters from licensed medical providers ) is required to determine eligibility for accommodations.
  • Provide accurate information on available services, including exam accommodations, classroom support, and accessibility resources.
  • Share updated brochures and quick guides with students, ensuring they have access to key contact information.

Student Central Service Availability 

Service Channel

Hours of Operation

Response Time

In-Person Support

Mon – Tues, [8:30am-5:00pm]

Immediate
 

Weds – Thurs, [8:30am-7:00pm]

Immediate
 

Fri, [8:30am-4:30pm]

Immediate

Phone Support

Same hours as above

Within 5 minutes

Email Support

Same hours as above

Response within 48 hours

Live Chat

Low Peak Times

Response within 1-2 minutes

 

Performance Metrics & Targets

  • First Contact Resolution (FCR): 30% of inquiries resolved at initial interaction.
  • Response Time: SAS aims to deliver services within 24–48 hours of initial contact or submission of required documentation.

Departmental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Inquiries

  1. What does Student Accessibility Services (SAS) do?
    • SAS provides services to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to CCBC classes and programs. This includes:
      • Assistance with accommodations
      • Note-taking support
      • Information about Assistive Technology (AT)
      • Interpreter services for academic purposes
  2. Are there special classes or programs for students with disabilities?
    • No. Students must meet the technical and academic standards of their chosen program or course of study. The college provides reasonable accommodations as required by law to ensure equal access. However, CCBC does have a Single Step Program to assist students with independent living skills. Center for Alternative and Supported Education
  3. What do I need to be eligible for services?
    • Eligibility requires:
      • Documented evidence of a disability that impacts a major life activity
      • Meeting the academic and technical standards required of the institution or program
  4. How far in advance should I meet with an SAS Coordinator?
    • Students should initiate contact:
      • After acceptance to CCBC
      • At least 4-6 weeks before the semester begins High school seniors can start the process early in their senior year.
  5. Does the college provide personal attendants for medication or personal services?
    • No. Students must arrange for their own personal services.
  6. Can students who took special education classes in high school take college-level classes?
    • This depends on the program of study. Students pursuing an associate degree or certificate must meet college-level proficiency in math, reading, and English.
  7. Do students with disabilities have to pay tuition?
    • Yes. Institutions are not required to waive tuition for students with disabilities. However, students should explore:
      • Financial aid (contact the Financial Aid Office for SSDI-related assistance)
      • Scholarships at FastWeb
      • CCBC’s Resources for Students

Academic Accommodations

  1. How do I (Student Central Specialist) determine if a student requires accommodations?
    • The student must disclose that they are seeking academic accommodations.
  2. How do students apply for accommodations?
    • Students with a documented disability must complete an intake application online through SAS.
  3. What documentation is required for accommodations?
    • Documentation must include a diagnosis and academic recommendations from a licensed medical practitioner.
  4. How long does it take to process an accommodation request?
    • It may take up to seven business days to process.
  5. What types of accommodations are available?
    • Accommodations vary and should be discussed with an SAS specialist or coordinator.
  6. Can students receive accommodations for temporary disabilities?
    • Yes, temporary accommodations can be provided. Students should contact SAS directly.

Accessibility and Resources

  1. Is the campus wheelchair accessible?
    • Yes, accessible entrances, elevators, parking, and restrooms are available.
  2. What resources are available for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students?
    • Interpreters can be scheduled through SAS for courses, programs, and events.
  3. Who do I contact for accessibility issues on campus?
    • Report the issue to SAS, who will notify facilities.
  4. Are service animals allowed on campus?
    • Yes, but non-service animals (ESA) are not permitted.
  5. How can students contact SAS?
    • Email: studentaccessibility@ccbcmd.edu | Phone: 443-840-3832

Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities

  1. Who is eligible?
    • Maryland residents who are out of the workforce due to a total and permanent disability.
  2. Does receiving Social Security benefits qualify a student?
    • Not necessarily. SSI/SSDI dependents do not qualify.
  3. How does a student apply for the tuition waiver?
    1. Complete the FAFSA with CCBC’s school code (002063).
    2. Obtain an SSA Benefit Verification letter.
    3. Submit the benefits letter to the Registrar’s Office.
  4. What courses are covered?
    • Credit courses with at least 10 enrolled students (not non-credit courses).
  5. What does the waiver cover?
    • Tuition for up to 12 credits per semester (after grants/scholarships, not fees).
  6. Can the waiver be combined with other financial aid?
    • Yes, but grants and scholarships apply first. Loans and work-study do not impact the waiver.

Referral Pathway

If service expectations are not met, issues should be escalated as follows:

  1. Level 1: Student Central Specialist → Initial resolution attempt.
  2. Level 2: Appropriate SAS Subject Matter Expert (SME) → Formal review and resolution.

Key Takeaways

  1. After a student self-discloses, ask if they are seeking academic accommodations before referring to SAS.
  2. Guide students to complete the online Intake Form and advise to provide required medical documentation.
  3. Encourage students to begin the process early to prevent delays in accommodations.
  4. Provide clear and consistent information about SAS services and accommodations.
  5. Share updated brochures and contact details to ensure students can easily access SAS resources.

SLA Review & Continuous Improvement

This SLA will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with student needs and institutional policies. Feedback from students and staff will inform ongoing improvements to service delivery.

Approving Stakeholders

  • Director of Student Central Campus Services
  • Director of Student Central Virtual Services
  • Director of Student Accessibility Services
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