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Frequently Asked Questions

Posted in CT State.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-02-19

While the process to request accommodations may seem overwhelming at first, we have developed some frequently asked questions to help guide some potential concerns you may be experiencing.

  • Do colleges provide special education services?

    Accommodations, modifications and special education services are covered under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) which ends when a student graduates from high school. Therefore, colleges do not provide special education services.

    CT State provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

  • How do I transfer my accommodations from high school to college?

    Accommodations do not transfer from high school to college. Instead, CT State’s Office for Disability and Accessibility Services works with students to determine reasonable accommodations for the college environment. Please keep in mind that your high school accommodation plan (IEP, 504, etc.) does not automatically transfer. Additionally, accommodations granted in high school may not be considered reasonable in college.

  • What is a reasonable accommodation?

    Postsecondary institutions are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. To comply, post-secondary institutions must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that the student can access their college program. A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment to a course, program, service, job activity or facility that ensures equal opportunity for qualified students with disabilities to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a service, program or activity. The purpose of reasonable accommodations is to afford students with disabilities equal opportunities to receive equal results. Reasonable accommodations cannot substantially alter, change, or modify grading, assignments, exams, instructional methods or class activities.

  • Will my disability status be listed on my transcript?

    The information that you share with the Office for Disability and Accessibility Services is strictly confidential. Your disability status will never be listed on your transcript or any other document from the college.

  • What if I think I have a disability but haven’t been diagnosed yet?

    The Office for Disability and Accessibility Services does not conduct or provide evaluations to determine if a student has a disability. However, our staff is happy to meet with you and offer guidance. We can provide information about local options if a student feels that they would benefit from an evaluation.

  • Is there a deadline to register with the Office for Disability and Accessibility Services?

    The Office for Disability and Accessibility Services recognizes that a student can develop or become aware of a disability at any time. Students are strongly encouraged to submit their semester requests as early as possible. Approved accommodations are not retroactive. However, a student may request reasonable accommodations at any time during the semester.

  • What role do parents and caregivers have in the development of a student’s accommodations?

    When a student is in high school, parents and caregivers are legally entitled to participate in the process of determining accommodations and supports. At the college level, the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) protects a student’s privacy. If a parent or caregiver wishes to speak to staff from the Office for Disability and Accessibility Services, the student must provide their consent in advance.

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Differences Between Accommodations in High School and College

Posted in CT State.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-02-19

If you had an IEP or 504 plan in high school and/or have a diagnosed disability, you may be eligible for accommodations at CT State. The process to obtain accommodations in college changes from the process students may have experienced in high school. It is important that students develop their self-advocacy skills and understand which accommodations best support their learning.

The chart below highlights some key differences between high school and college in the accommodation process.

HIGH SCHOOL

COLLEGE

Structured

Unstructured

The school and parents/caregivers direct disability-related needs

Each student directs their disability-related needs

The school is obliged to meet most student needs

“Reasonable” accommodations are provided

The student’s IEP or 504 plan outlines accommodations

The documentation provided by the student outlines reasonable accommodations

High parent/caregiver involvement

Limited parent/caregiver involvement

Frequent school-to-parent/caregiver communication

Limited/no school-to-parent communication

High teacher involvement and responsibility

High student involvement and responsibility

May provide tutors, attendants, and/or paraprofessionals

Not required to provide tutors, attendants, and paraprofessionals (unless provided for all students)

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Using Your Accommodations

Posted in CT State.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-03-24

Please find below the processes to utilize certain accommodations. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Some accommodations may not be applicable based on the individual student. Refer to your Accommodate portal to understand your approved accommodations. Accommodations provided in high school may not be available in college. If you have a question about your approved accommodations or would like to request additional accommodations, please reach out to your Disability Service Provider.

  • Exam Accommodations

    Proctored exams are available to students approved for this accommodation. Like all students with approved accommodations, students should submit their semester request through their Accommodate portal at link one accommodate (CT State Accommodate link will be available here early August). Once they have submitted their semester request:

    Steps to Schedule Testing Accommodations:

    • On the left navigation panel, select “Testing Room”

    • Select “New Booking Request”

    • From the drop-down menu, select the course

    • Complete the testing information fields.

    • Select “Check Availability”

    • Available testing seats will be displayed on the right side of the screen. Please select an available day/time to register

    • From the “Confirm Exam Booking” screen, please review that the information is correct, and click “Submit Request”

    • Upon submitting your test request, an auto-generated email will be sent to you and your instructor indicating the testing reservation

  • Alternate Formats

    Students with disabilities who require alternative access to printed material may receive their textbooks in an alternate format. Eligibility for this academic adjustment is determined individually, and students must demonstrate a substantial visual, physical, or learning disability that requires alternate materials. Students approved for this accommodation are required to show proof of purchase of the book prior to receiving it in an alternate format due to copyright laws. Like all students with approved accommodations, students should submit their semester request through their Accommodate portal at link one accommodate (CT State Accommodate link will be available here early August). Once they have submitted their semester request:

    Steps to Request Alternate Format Textbook Titles

    • Click “Accommodations” and in the drop-down list you will see “Alternative Format”

    • Click “Alternative Format” then click “Student Entered”

    • Click “Upload Document for an Alternative Format Request”

    • Fill in the information requested- ISBN number, title, semester, class, and upload proof of purchase

    • Submit

    • Repeat for each individual audiobook you are requesting

  • Interpreting Services

    Interpreting services may be available to deaf/hard-of-hearing students. Please note the following:

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Extended Enrollment Hours

Posted in CT State.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-12-31

Need Help Enrolling in Spring Classes?

Campus offices are open to assist you during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, as well as during additional, extended hours. Visit your campus One Stop Enrollment Center for more information.

Haven't applied yet? Go to the online application and be sure to upload any required items to be accepted. And, if you are a CT high school graduate, you may be eligible for free college. Access to free tuition and other financial aid starts with your completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid, or FAFSA.

Please note: you are considered a continuing student if you've attended a CT community college in the past two years. You are a re-admit student if it has been more than two years since you've attended a CT community college.

Click on any location below for more information.

Asnuntuck

Extended Hours

Capital

Extended Hours

Gateway

Extended Hours

Housatonic

Extended Hours

Manchester

Extended Hours

Middlesex

Extended Hours

Naugatuck Valley

Extended Hours

Northwestern

Extended Hours

Norwalk

Extended Hours

Quinebaug Valley

Extended Hours

Three Rivers

Extended Hours

Tunxis

Extended Hours

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Disability Support Information for Faculty and Staff

Posted in CT State.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-03-24

As CT State faculty and staff working with students with disabilities, there are certain responsibilities expected of you. Please familiarize yourself with the list below. 

Questions?

Accessing and Using the Faculty Accommodate Portal

Follow along with this short video to learn how to access and utilize the faculty Accommodate portal.

Faculty Responsibilities:

  • Include a syllabus statement on how students can access accommodations.

  • Provide accommodations to students as soon as they are notified through the accommodation letter from CT State’s Office for Disability and Accessibility Services (ODAS).

  • Contact ODAS at CTState-Accommodations@commnet.edu or by reaching out to their campus lead if there are any questions or concerns about an approved accommodation or how to best work with a student. ODAS is here to support the academic efforts of students with disabilities and can serve as a resource to faculty members to help meet this goal.

  • Maintain confidentiality of students who disclose their disability or need for accommodation as well as keep private the information included in the accommodation letter and the identity of the students from whom they receive letters regarding.

  • Faculty do not have the right to refuse to provide approved accommodation as outlined on an official letter from ODAS, to question whether the disability exists or the nature of it, or to request to examine the student’s documentation.

  • Faculty members do have input and should work with students to determine how accommodations will be provided in a particular class. An accommodation should not alter the fundamental nature of a course or program. If a faculty member believes an approved accommodation may fundamentally alter the course requirements, they should contact ODAS at CTState-Accommodations@commnet.edu or by reaching out to their campus lead.
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