For Parents
Here's a list of some of the questions that parents ask us. Click on the question to read its answer.
- How do the responsibilities of working with students with disabilities of Higher Education institutions differ from those of high schools?
- What are the responsibilities of a student with a disability if he or she would like to receive accommodations?
- Can I request accommodations for my child?
- Can I speak with my child's counselor with regard to his or her situation?
- Since the student is now in charge of his or her educational planning, what are some self-advocacy skills he or she should develop?
- What is the impact of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 on Higher Education ?
- Does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) apply to Higher Education?
- What is considered acceptable documentation of a disability?
- Is an IEP considered acceptable documentation?
- Does a student have to inform LaGuardia that he or she has a disability?
- What can a student with a disability expect in regards to admissions procedures?
- Will a student's admission to LaGuardia Community College be denied because he or she has a disability?
- Does the Office for Students with Disabilities provide tutorial services?
- Is there a charge for receiving accommodations from the Office for Students with Disabilities?
How do the responsibilities of working with students with disabilities of Higher Education institutions differ from those of high schools?
The responsibilities towards students with disabilities in Higher Education institutions are very different from those of high schools. High schools are required under IDEA to identify the educational needs of students with a disability and provide a free and appropriate education. This responsibility is not required of Higher Education institutions. Higher Education institutions are required to provide appropriate academic accommodations to ensure that a student with a disability is not discriminated against. However, it is the student's responsibility to disclose his or her disability to the institution.
What are the responsibilities of a student with a disability if he or she would like to receive accommodations?
A student with a disability is responsible for requesting accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). OSD will not seek students out. A student with a disability is also responsible for providing acceptable documentation of his or her disability.
Can I request accommodations for my child?
All requests for accommodations must come directly from the student.
Can I speak with my child's counselor in regards to his or her situation?
As a young adult, the student may choose to have information about his or her case discussed with his or her parent(s) through signing a release. The release cannot be a blanket release for the student's entire college career.
Since the student is now in charge of his or her educational planning, he or she decides what is to be disclosed to the parents. What are some self-advocacy skills he or she should develop?
The Office for Students with Disabilities strongly encourages students to develop these self-advocacy skills:
- Understanding Your Disability: A student should be able to articulate what his or her disability is.
- Communicating Disability: A student should also be able to describe how the disability limits him or her functionally. A student should also be able to express some ways that he or she could be accommodated.
- Being Proactive: A student should provide acceptable documentation to OSD and request accommodations. A student should learn to work collaboratively with professors to ensure his or her success with the accommodations. A student should also be able to determine if his or her accommodations are not being met.
What is the impact of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 on Higher Education ?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 impacts the whole institution including activities, facilities, programs, and employment. With respect to academics, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires higher education institutions to provide reasonable accommodations for students. For more information please go to http://www.ada.gov.
Does the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) apply to Higher Education?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a law administered by the Office of Special Education Programs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education. This law does not apply to higher education.
What is considered acceptable documentation of a disability?
Please read the documentation letter describing the information you'll need.
Is an IEP considered acceptable documentation?
An IEP is used in elementary and secondary schools to identify how the curriculum should be adapted in order to meet the educational needs of a student. IEPs do not include the diagnostic data needed in order for the documentation to be satisfactory. Therefore, an IEP is not considered acceptable documentation.
Does a student have to inform LaGuardia that he or she has a disability?
A student with a disability does not have to disclose his or her disability to LaGuardia Community College. Disclosure of a disability is on a voluntary basis. However, a student will not receive accommodations unless he or she discloses this information.
What can a student with a disability expect with respect to admissions procedures?
With respect to admissions procedures, a student with a disability:
- must apply through normal channels
- may not be asked about their disability status during their application by Admissions
- may take a standardized test (ACT) with accommodations. For standardized tests, you must be prepared to submit documentation.
Will a student's admission to LaGuardia be denied because he or she has a disability?
A student meeting the essential requirements for admission to LaGuardia Community College will not be denied admission solely on the basis of disability.
Does the Office for Students with Disabilities provide tutorial services?
OSD provides tutorial services. However, these services are limited to English, Mathematics and Natural Sciences and other selected content areas. Tutorial services are very limited so early application for these services are encouraged.
Is there a charge for receiving services from the Office for Students with Disabilities?
There is no charge for receiving services from the Office for Students with Disabilities.