Gulf Coast State College | SAR Services and Reasonable Accommodations Guide

Procedures for Current SAR Students

SAR Handbook

Info on Self Advocacy at GCSC

Talk to Your Professors

Although there are more students with disabilities in postsecondary education today than ever before, it is very possible that there are situations in which College instructors have had little experience with students with disabilities. Also, you could have difficulty advocating for yourself to express your needs.

Strategies to use when talking to your professors:	Other Tips for Self Advocacy:
Be prepared! Practice what you are going to say and be open about your needs. Don't procrastinate! Make an appointment to talk with your instructor(s) as soon as you realize that you may need accommodations. Adjustments and accommodations need to be planned as early as possible, especially when it involves testing. Self-Identify to your Instructors! On your electronic Semester Form, select the Instructors that you want notified of your accommodations. If you do not select them, they will not be notified! Problems? When problems arise, contact the SAR office as soon as possible. In most situations, you and the instructor will work out the provision of accommodations in a way that is agreeable to all parties involved. If you have difficulties working this out, contact SAR.	Know and understand your rights and responsibilities. Ask questions whenever you need clarification. Repeat a question until it is satisfactorily answered. Keep a "paper trail" of all written communication regarding your education. It is appropriate to request copies of all records and documentation. Remember that you are an equal partner in your education. Let people know that you intend to work to resolve issues. Learn all you can about your disability including your needs, strengths and weaknesses. Know what resources are available and use them. Know who the key people are. Find the right person with whom to talk, and try all avenues. Praise and thank people when appropriate.

Strategies to use when talking to your professors:

Other Tips for Self Advocacy:

Be prepared!

Practice what you are going to say and be open about your needs.

Don't procrastinate!

Make an appointment to talk with your instructor(s) as soon as you realize that you may need accommodations. Adjustments and accommodations need to be planned as early as possible, especially when it involves testing.

Self-Identify to your Instructors!

On your electronic Semester Form, select the Instructors that you want notified of your accommodations. If you do not select them, they will not be notified!

Problems?

When problems arise, contact the SAR office as soon as possible. In most situations, you and the instructor will work out the provision of accommodations in a way that is agreeable to all parties involved. If you have difficulties working this out, contact SAR.

Know and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Ask questions whenever you need clarification.
Repeat a question until it is satisfactorily answered.
Keep a "paper trail" of all written communication regarding your education. It is appropriate to request copies of all records and documentation.
Remember that you are an equal partner in your education.
Let people know that you intend to work to resolve issues.
Learn all you can about your disability including your needs, strengths and weaknesses.
Know what resources are available and use them.
Know who the key people are. Find the right person with whom to talk, and try all avenues.
Praise and thank people when appropriate.

Confidentiality

General Rule

The Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) regulates disclosure of disability documentation and records maintained by SAR. SAR requires prior written consent by the student before SAR may release disability documentation or records to any third party.

Exception to the Rule

Under FERPA, SAR is permitted to release information to any school official who has a "legitimate educational interest."

What Does this Mean?

Professors or other school officials, such as tutors, may request information about the impact of your disability on your ability to learn. SAR will only share information with other school officials when appropriate and will carefully balance your request for confidentiality and the request for additional, relevant information. SAR seeks to preserve your wish to keep their disability information and status confidential.

Other Student's Rights Under FERPA

FERPA also allows students to inspect and review their files maintained by SAR. Students have the right to challenge any information contained in the files that is incorrect or misleading and request an amendment to this misinformation.

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