1. Register with the Accommodation Resource Center on Campus. To register schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the ARC Coordinator at accessibility@nnmc.edu.
2. Both permanent and temporary disabilities students are encouraged to apply for services. Any barriers or concerns to academic learning will be discussed with the ARC Coordinator during the appointment. Registered students must submit a diagnosis verification form from a qualified healthcare provider prior to receiving accommodation.
3. During the meeting you will sign the consent and registration forms to start the interactive process of writing an accommodation plan. The coordinator will perform an intake with case notes to feature match your disability learning style with your academic semester courses.
4. Once the diagnosis verification documentation is turned into the ARC coordinator, the medical/disability diagnosis and previous intake will determine the reasonable accommodations.
5. Once the accommodation is completed an accommodation plan letter is emailed to both you and each instructor on your plan. The coordinator will collaborate with professors to ensure equal access to lectures, course content and testing.

The Accessibility Resource Center collaborates with students to design accommodations that are appropriate and reasonable based on your disability and course of study. The ARC in-take appointment and provider documentation guides which accommodations may be assigned to the student.

Common Requested Accommodations

• Additional Time on In-Class Assignments: Flexibility with assignment deadlines.
• Alternative Text Format: Ensure access to alternative formats of course materials and textbooks.
• Braille Course Material: Accessible enlarged print or Braille formats.
• Classroom Breaks: Ability to exit the classroom when symptoms occur to self-regulate.
• Environmental Adaptations: Physical learning space alterations or adjustments, such as a quiet space free of distractions when taking an exam.
• Mobility: Allows extra time to navigate from one class to another due to mobility.
• Notetakers: When students are unable to write lecture notes classroom board. Assigned note takers provide users with the capacity to be able to listen to the lecture with supplemental notes.
• Recorded Lectures: Students may request recorded lectures for class periods missed due to medical or disability related appointments.
• Reserved Seating: Positioning for sight, hearing or learning disabilities. In some cases, this may be the back of the classroom for ease of exit breaks.
• Testing Accommodations: A request for a reduced distraction space, extra time for assessments

The responsibility of the faculty member is to implement the accommodation plan, so the student can fulfill the course requirements. The instructor’s obligation is to provide equal access to resources, course materials and testing to comply with federal laws under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Student Discussion: Once a faculty member receives the Request for Accommodation letter the accommodation plan for the course will be effective. In some cases, there may be further adjustments made to the accommodation. Remember, reasonable accommodation is an interactive process and on-going throughout the semester. 

Syllabus Statement: Faculty members’ role at NNMC is to inform students with disabilities about services available at the Accessibility Resource Center. This can be communicated at the start of each semester by making a class announcement and by providing a statement on the syllabus for the class.

Example:
Academic Accommodations:  If you are a student who has been diagnosed with a disability that requires academic accommodation, please make an appointment with the ARC office at accessibility@nnmc.edu. These services are available at any time during the semester.

Confidentiality
Students have a right NOT to discuss details of their disability with you. Open communication is encouraged between instructor and student to achieve a successful academic outcome.

Do Not discuss disability related issues with a particular student in front of other students, staff, or faculty.
Do Not discuss individual student disability issues with anyone outside of class in any way that identifies the student.

ARC Registration: To qualify for services students must register with the Accessibility Resource Center. Students who are eligible for accommodation will receive a letter from the ARC coordinator describing the academic classroom adjustments for your courses.

Faculty Discussion: NNMC students are encouraged to introduce themselves to each faculty member on their accommodation plan. In advance of the semester, students may request a copy of the syllabus and list of course materials to prepare for the upcoming semester.

Confidentiality
Students have the right NOT to discuss details of their disability with faculty members, staff, or administrators.
Students have the right to keep their disability related diagnosis private and confidential.

Release of Information Statement: Information will not be released to parents, third parties or any other person unless the student grants consent. You are free to end your participation with the Accessibility Resource Center at any time.

Assistive Technology Utilization: Students are responsible for their use of Assistive Technology to perform coursework. This may include laptops, tablets or other types of AT equipment that may have been purchased by community partners such as DVR, NMCB, NMSD or GCD.

Course Preparation Requirements: Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks, assignment portals, and online access to articles and readings required for the course. To prepare for college accommodations, practicing self-advocacy to ask for what you need in the classroom boosts self-confidence. Remember, YOU are your best advocate.

A service animal is trained to perform tasks to accompany the handler in public buildings and facilities. Pets or emotional support animals (ESA) that provide comfort are not considered service animals.

Definition: An animal that does work or performs tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability with either psychiatric, cognitive, imminent seizure or mental condition.

Types of Service Animal Functions

• Assist during an Epileptic Seizure
• Guide Dogs for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Help Individuals with Dissociative Disorder
• Prevent Impulsive or Destructive Behavior
• Provide Non-Violent Protection or Rescue Work
• Retrieve Medicine or Other Items

Northern New Mexico College may ask the owner to remove the animal if the handler is not in control.

When unforeseeable circumstances occur students may request a temporary accommodation. For instance, at-risk pregnancy, short term illness, injury or accident are considered temporary impairments. Some emergency conditions might require hospitalization or home health care. Grief and sudden loss of a loved one may be considered a temporary mental impairment.

To be eligible for a temporary emergency accommodation, documentation from a primary care physician or authorized representative is required for a student accommodation.

For further information about accessibility services or requirements contact the ARC coordinator at accessibility@nnmc.edu.