Documentation & Eligibility for Accommodations

Eligibility

The Access*Ability Resource Center (ARC) requires disability-related documents from an appropriate licensed professional to be used in certifying that a student has a disability and in the determination of reasonable accommodations for that student. The cost of obtaining such documentation is the responsibility of the student.

If the initial documentation is incomplete or inadequate in determining the extent of a disability, and subsequent reasonable accommodations, the center may utilize their discretion in requiring additional documentation. Any cost involved in obtaining additional documentation to complete the documentation that has already been supplied is also the student's responsibility.

If Jefferson Community and Technical College desires a second professional opinion, the school becomes responsible for the cost.

Once the documentation is reviewed, it is certified that a student has a disability, and the student is registered for services provided through the ARC. Students who are not found to have a disability will be referred to other campus and community resources for assistance.

Pending receipt of documentation, the ARC reserves the right to deny services or accommodations.

Documentation can be submitted to the ARC in the following ways:

• By attaching it to the Student Request for ARC Services form
• By submitting it in-person to the ARC office in Chestnut Hall 319
• By emailing it to jf-arc-office@kctcs.edu

For questions about documentation, please email jf-arc-office@kctcs.edu or call (502) 213-7130.

Documentation Guidelines

In order for documentation to be approved, it must include:

• The student's name
• The official diagnosis
• Official letterhead from a legitimate source (e.g. medical professional, government document, IEP/504 plan from an accredited academic institution)
• Name of the practitioner, including license and/or certification
• Date

Additional supporting information may include:

• Method of diagnosis, including relevant dates
• Severity of diagnosis
• Current method of treatment
• Recommendations of appropriate academic accommodations

All documentation is reviewed by an ARC Coordinator for approval. Additional documentation may be required if some or all of the information above is missing.

Documentation will not be accepted if:

• It does not contain information specific to the student
• It does not contain an official and specific diagnosis
• It is not from a valid & accredited source
• It is unrelated to the disability for which the student has requested accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Doesn’t my IEP / 504 plan transfer to college automatically?”

NO. If you include it with your high school transcript, it will not transfer to the ARC. High school and college are very different from one another, both legally and day-to-day, and the supports that you received in one cannot transfer directly to the other. Submit your IEP/504 to the ARC with any other documentation, and it can be used as a starting point to determine your accommodations. 

“What if I don’t have documentation?”

The ARC can help by providing a referral for students who are in need of a formal assessment and diagnosis. For students who have been diagnosed, the ARC can help guide them through the process of requesting documentation from their doctor or previous school.

Jefferson students can receive low-cost mental health assessments through Spalding's Center for Behavioral Health. See Jefferson's Counseling page.

I am recovering from a recent injury/medical event. Can I still get help?

Yes, the ARC can provide assistance for temporary health concerns such as injury, illness, or short-term medical events. For assistance or concerns relating to pregnancy, contact the Title IX.

Steps to ensure access to accommodations

The Access*Ability Resource Center recommends following these steps to ensure successful access to accommodations:

1. Complete the Student Request for ARC Services Form.
2. Submit documentation of your disability to the ARC, following the guidelines above.
3. Schedule an intake meeting with an ARC Coordinator to determine your accommodations.

• • Prepare for your intake meeting by reviewing your documentation and reflecting on your past educational experiences. What barriers have you faced in the past due to your disability? What supports do you feel would help you succeed?
  • It is crucial for students to be good self-advocates. Be ready to speak on your own experiences and the individualized nature of your disability.
  • If you are bringing an additional person to your intake appointment, please fill out the Authorization to Release Information form.