How to Initiate Services through the Student Needs Office

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, support services are provided by the Student Needs Coordinators Office to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to the educational opportunities offered at Sauk Valley Community College.

Not all students are eligible for all services. It is the responsibility of the Student Needs Coordinator to see that qualified students who request services are provided appropriate accommodations. Professors can also verify student accommodation requests through the Student Needs Coordinator Office. The Student Needs Coordinator serves as an information resource and encourages student referrals from both on and off campus sources.

In order to request and initiate services, students must submit to the Student Needs Coordinator the necessary and appropriate official documentation verifying the disability. The type of documentation may vary dependent upon the type of disability. Documentation should be current within 3 years, but exceptions may be necessary depending upon individual circumstances and disability (to be determined by the Student Needs Coordinator). The required documentation usually includes the following:

Learning Disability and/or Attention Deficit Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury:

A recent, within 3 years written diagnostic evaluation report from a qualified professional (certified School or clinical psychologist, LD Specialist/Diagnostician, or physician) verifying the diagnosis. This signed report should include the names of tests administered and all test scores, information on how the disability impacts academic performance, and recommendations (based on the diagnostic evaluation results) for specific learning strategies, academic support services, any prescribed medication, and any other suggested treatment procedures.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

An audiological report from a licensed audiologist, verifying the degree of hearing sensitivity. A copy of the report must be on file with the Student Needs Coordinator.

Visual Impairment, Physical Disability, Psychiatric Disability, and Other Health Concerns:

A physicians report on the etiology, evaluation, and prognosis of the disability. All persons with disability of a fluctuating nature should have updated documentation on at least a yearly basis, this is, especially important in the cases of students with psychiatric and progressive health concerns.

Once the necessary documentation is on file with the Student Needs Coordinator, the Student Needs Coordinator will discuss the accommodations the student may be eligible for, how to access other resources available, and answer any questions.

Karen Alexander

Student Needs Coordinator
Sauk Valley Community College
Rm 1G4
173 IL Rt. 2
Dixon, IL 61021

(815) 288-5511 Ext. 246
Fax: (815) 288-5509

alexank@svcc.edu