5230 West U.S. Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850.747.3243
Fax: 850.767.8034
Email: sar@gulfcoast.edu
SAR Services
What are Reasonable Accommodations?
Reasonable accommodations are appropriate adjustments to programs, policies, and practices that make aspects of the College experience accessible and provide equal opportunities to Gulf Coast State College students with disabilities. Equal opportunities means any student with disabilities can attain the same level of performance while enjoying equal benefits and privileges that are available to a similarly situated student without disabilities.
There is no cost involved in providing reasonable accommodations. To determine reasonable accommodations, SAR may seek information from appropriate College personnel regarding essential standards for courses, programs, services, activities and facilities. The Coordinator makes the final determinations of reasonable accommodations in collaboration with the student and faculty as warranted. Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:
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Environmental barriers limiting curricular, facility or program access
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Whether or not the access to the course, program, service, activity or facility is available without an accommodation
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The range of possible accommodations that might remove the barriers
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Whether or not essential elements of the course, program, service, activity or facility are altered by the accommodations
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations, disability information, or any information that can be related to an individuals disability is NOT on the student's academic record. Any and all student disability and accommodation information is kept confidential.
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Examples of some of the most frequently requested accommodations include:
- Extended time for quizzes and exams
- Distraction-reduced environment for exams
- Note-taking support
- Permission to record lectures
- Classroom materials and textbooks in alternative formats
The College provides accommodations unless they fall under one of the following four categories:
- Fundamental alteration
- Accommodation request is not supported by appropriate documentation
- Undue hardship
- Personal service
- Complete a SAR application for accommodations and services and meet with a SAR staff member.
- Submit appropriate documentation.
- Review Semester Accommodation Plan with an SAR staff member.
- Deliver Faculty Notification Letters (now electronic!) to instructors.
Semester Accommodation Plan must be renewed with a SAR staff member EACH SUBSEQUENT SEMESTER enrolled in courses at Gulf Coast State College. A new application is not required to renew accommodations.
NOTE: Gulf Coast State College and Student Accessibility Resources reserve the right to deny requests for services or accommodations while the receipt of appropriate disability documentation is pending.
Temporary Services
SAR offers temporary services for students who may have a short term disability such as a broken arm or recent surgery. If you require assistance due to a temporary disability, please contact SAR and make an appointment to meet with a staff member.