General Information

Students attending LBCC who have accommodations through Accessibility Resources have rights and responsibilities, including the confidentiality of personal information. Additional general information regarding working with Accessibility Resources is included in this section.

Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct

Linn-Benton Community College adheres to the legal requirements of both Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended in 2008 (ADAAA), and other applicable federal and state regulations and college policies which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

The definition of disability set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 does not distinguish between the type, severity, or duration of the disability. It states:
“The term ‘disability’ means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such an individual; a record of such impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.”

This means that:

The college will not exclude qualified students with disabilities from any class or program solely on the basis of a disability.
Students with disabilities have a right to access all of the information provided by the college.
Students with disabilities are not discriminated against in recruitment, admission to the college, and treatment after admissions.
The laws do not guarantee admittance to a college program or class for students with disabilities and the laws do not require the college to lower educational standards or alter the 'essential elements' of a program or a class. The laws do guarantee that qualified students with documented disabilities may be eligible for a number of supports and accommodations in their college classes and activities.
Students with disabilities have the same Rights and Responsibilities as other students at Linn-Benton Community College.
Obtaining academic accommodations requires a shared responsibility among students, faculty, Accessibility Resources, and the institution.

All students at LBCC must adhere to the stated policies and guidelines described in LBCC’s Administrative Rule No. 7030-01: Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct Code, AR No.: 7030-01.

Confidentiality

Accessibility Resources treats all information pertaining to a student’s disability as confidential. Any information provided to Accessibility Resources is only used to verify the disability, plan for appropriate accommodations, and document service and communication with the Accessibility Resources office.

Accessibility Resources follows these guidelines:

All disability-related student records are managed by Accessibility Resources and stored securely in the physical office and/or confidential electronic database.
Only authorized Accessibility Resources staff members have access to this information.
Submitting an online request for accommodations authorizes Accessibility Resources to notify instructors of the approved accommodations the student will be using in their course.
Accessibility Resources may engage in discussions or consultations with instructors and staff pertaining to how a student's disability may impact them, on an educational need to know basis, in order to effectively implement approved accommodations.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) do not allow faculty, family members or third parties access to information pertaining to students’ medical conditions, such as medical or psychiatric records unless Accessibility Resources has a signed release, or there is a need to know.
Disability information may only be released to designated individuals when a student has provided written permission through a signed Accessibility Resources Consent to Share information form. This includes information to be shared with family, other institutions, and providers.
Please Note: The general Linn-Benton Community College Disclosure Authorization Form students can complete through Webrunner DOES NOT apply to Accessibility Resources. A separate written Consent to Share is required.
Accessibility Resources staff may notify appropriate campus staff, family members, or professionals if the student discloses information that is thought to be a threat to harm themselves, others, or related to committing a crime as per LBCC Administrative Rule No: 7040-01.
Students may request to review the contents of their own file in the presence of the Accessibility Resources Director, or designee.
If a student believes that information in their disability record is wrong, they may request to change the records (per FERPA) and/or may submit a letter to be placed in their Accessibility Resources student profile.
Students may request a copy of their documentation, and/or ask for it to be forwarded to other schools, by submitting a signed Authorization to Disclose Information form and providing proof of identity.
LBCC follows all local, state, and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For a description of FERPA, visit Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Determining Reasonable Accommodations

Accommodations are approved on an individual basis. Students collaborate through an interactive process with an Accessibility Resources Accommodation Specialist to determine appropriate accommodations.

A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a course, program, service, or facility which ensures that a qualified student with a disability is not excluded, segregated or otherwise treated differently.

The modification or adjustment is not required if it would fundamentally alter the nature of the course, program, service, or facility, or if it would result in an undue burden for the College.

In addition, the College is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified student with a disability.

To determine reasonable accommodations, Accessibility Resources may seek information from appropriate college personnel regarding essential standards and requirements for courses, programs, services, or facilities.

Reasonable accommodations are determined by examining:

The barriers or limitations resulting from the interaction between the documented disability and the campus environment
The possible accommodations that might remove the barriers
Whether or not the student has access to the course, program, service, job, activity, or facility without accommodations
Whether the accommodations would fundamentally alter the nature of or effect the essential elements of the course, program, service, or facility
Whether providing the accommodations would result in an undue burden for the College

Responsibilities of Students Working with Accessibility Resources

Students who wish to use their approved accommodations are responsible for:

Requesting accommodations every term using our Online Services database
Communicating with instructors about their accommodations every term
Checking their student email regularly
Connecting with your Accommodation Specialist for any questions or concerns

Requesting Accommodations

Students are responsible for requesting accommodations EVERY TERM they want to use them in order to attach them to classes.

Accommodations are requested through our accommodation software called Online Services, which can be accessed through an icon on the student’s Single Sign-On dashboard.
Students are encouraged to request accommodations after completing their Part 2 training AND as soon as they register for new classes.
To ensure sufficient time to provide certain accommodations which require advanced planning and preparation, students must submit their requests in a timely fashion each term.
- - - Appropriate time frames to request within are noted in the Accommodations section of this handbook.
    - Accessibility Resources will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests submitted after the appropriate time frame.
    - Untimely requests may result in a delay in access, however.
    - Accommodations may be requested up to our posted closing time on the last business day prior to finals week.
      - Due to the late nature of such requests, we cannot guarantee that accommodations will be available for finals, however.
Students can cancel or modify accommodations after initially requesting using the modify accommodation button in Online Services.
A Faculty Notification Letter is created and emailed to instructors when accommodations are requested.
- - This letter indicates which approved accommodations a student has requested for a particular class.
  - Confidential information is never disclosed, only approved and requested accommodations are listed in the letter.
  - A copy of the Faculty Notification Letter is sent to the student’s school email.
  - Receiving a copy of the Faculty Notification Letter can help students remember their next responsibility – communicating with their instructors about their accommodations.

Video on Requesting Accommodations and Modifying Requests

Communicating with Instructors About Accommodations

Students are responsible for communicating with their instructors EVERY TERM regarding how accommodations will work in class.

There are a few reasons for this:

Accommodations may not apply or be needed if the class is universally designed.
Some accommodations may require coordination between the student and the instructor.

Keep in mind:

You are not asking for permission to use accommodations, but discussing details of how they will work.

Arrange for a time to talk with the instructor outside of class during the first week of the term, or soon after completing your Part 2 training.
- - This should be a private conversation.
  - Have your list of approved accommodations and class syllabus to refer to.
  - See next section for information on communicating with weekend, virtual and online class instructors.
You do not need to disclose disability or diagnosis when talking with instructors.
- - Discussing your particular learning style and needs using phrases such as, "I learn best when..." or "I test best when..." is recommended.
  - Describing how you are impacted by your disability is encouraged.

Students should talk with instructors about:

Which accommodations you want to use, if they apply, and how they will work in the class. Some accommodations have details specific to the course that should be discussed, such as:
- - Test/Quiz Accommodations
    - - Where will you test? (Testing Services location, on an online platform, in the classroom, etc.)
      - How/when will you notify the instructor you want to use accommodations? (i.e. before every test/just once; in person/by email)
      - How much time does the class get for the test (so you can calculate your extra time)?
      - Will there be lectures before/after quizzes (so you can plan accordingly)?
      - What is everyone else allowed for the test (you are allowed the same? (i.e open book, open notes, notecard, calculation tool, etc.)
  - Flexibility Accommodations
    - - Flexibility for Attendance and Flexibility for Assignment Deadlines require an established communication plan between the student and the instructor prior to using
        Establish how and when you will let the instructor know if you need to use either of these accommodations.
  - Note Taking Accommodations
    - - Are class notes provided? If not, specifically discuss other options available and/or ask for a volunteer note taker.
  - Additional Faculty Notifications
    - - Discuss how you function best in particular situations and any options, if necessary.
  - Ask any other questions about how your accommodations will work.

Here is a printable Instructor Conversation Checklist students may use when talking to instructors.

Virtual, Online and Weekend Classes

Students are responsible for communicating with instructors about accommodations in virtual, online and weekend classes.

Accommodations can be used in virtual, online and weekend classes. Which accommodations will apply and how they will work in these types of classes may vary, however.

For virtual and online courses, students should contact instructors by email to communicate about their accommodations.
For weekend courses, students should contact instructors by email at least 2 business days before the first day of class to discuss how accommodations will work in the class.
Here is a printable Example of Email to Instructors Regarding Accommodations for Online/Virtual Classes.

Students are responsible for informing Accessibility Resources in writing about any staff assistance needed for online classes at least two weeks before classes start.

Examples are test proctoring for exams, having a scribe, an interpreter, a reader, etc.

Checking Student Email Regularly

LBCC students are required to check their student email regularly per LBCC Board Policy 5075.
Accessibility Resources only sends communication to verified student email accounts.
Important and confidential information is distributed through your student email.
Students registered with Accessibility Resources are responsible for regularly checking their student emails for this communication.

Connecting with an Accessibility Resources Accommodation Specialist

Students are responsible for connecting with their Accommodation Specialist if they have any questions or concerns about their accommodations.

A student’s Accommodation Specialist (name and email are noted on the student’s Accessibility Resources Eligibility letter) can be contacted for:

Periodic check-ins
Major changes in your health
Accommodation modifications or additions
Issues with instructors
Celebrations when things are going well

Email is generally the best way to contact your Accommodation Specialist.

Accessibility Resources Main Office may be contacted for:

Questions
Minor changes
Appointments
Copies of your records

Students may stop by RCH-105, email accessibility@linnbenton.edu or call 541 917-4789.

Successful students develop and use good self-advocacy skills to be able to communicate and ask for what they need regarding their education.
The Accessibility Resources staff are here to support you on your path to success.

Using Accommodations

Student are eligible to use approved accommodations across their entire college experience:

In all classes, including both for-credit courses and non-credit Community Education courses, whether they are face-to-face, virtual, online or hybrid
In all clinical, field, Cooperative Work, Work Study and Learn and Earn experiences
In all Career and Technical Education and Accelerated Short Term Training programs
In all club, co-curricular and student life activities held at or sponsored by LBCC

Accommodations are not retroactive.

A student’s accommodation plan is not in effect until accommodations are requested, Faculty Notification Letters are emailed to instructors by our office and the student and instructor have discussed any necessary details.

Approved accommodations are listed on a student’s Accessibility Resources Eligibility Letter.

The Accessibility Resources Eligibility Letter is emailed to the student shortly after the accommodation plan is created.
It may look like this: Eligibility Letter Example.
Accommodation plans are unique to individual students.

Use this Accessibility Resources Student Handbook to learn how accommodations work

All accommodations are described in detail in Section 2: Accommodations of this Student Handbook.
Use your Accessibility Resources Eligibility Letter as a guide to review each of your accommodations.
Students are highly encouraged to communicate with instructors each term regarding details of how accommodations will work in a particular class.

Accommodations in Online and Virtual Courses

Many accommodations can be used in online and virtual courses.
The nature of how accommodations work and what is applicable in these types of classes may vary however.
Students are responsible for communicating with instructors about all accommodations they wish to use in online or virtual classes.
This communication is typically done through email, preferably a few days before classes begin.
Here is an example of an email to instructors regarding your accommodations in online classes (tip: save to your computer or print out now).
Feel free to copy and paste as a template to start your own email.

Clinicals, Field Placement and Cooperative Work Experience

Linn-Benton Community College supports students with disabilities and encourages their full participation in all academic programs, including field placement of all kinds. “Field placements” for the purpose of this document includes clinicals, practicums, field experiences, cooperative work experience or other work experiences required as part of the student’s academic program.

If a student requires accommodations during their field placement, it is the student’s responsibility to request them in advance. Because field placement accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, advanced notice is required so Accessibility Resources can work with the instructor, field placement coordinator, and field site personnel to develop an appropriate accommodation plan.

Students should make their request for field placement accommodations as soon as possible and no later than three (3) weeks before starting at the site.

Student Responsibilities:

Register with Accessibility Resources
Meet with the Accessibility Resources Director, or designee, as soon as possible when you find out you will be taking a course that includes a field placement to discuss your questions or concerns regarding accommodations.
Meet with the instructor or the coordinator of the field placement program/site as early as possible to obtain more information about the expectations for the specific field placement site and determine if accommodations are needed. You may ask the Accessibility Resources Director, or designee, to join this meeting.
Students are not required to use accommodations during their field placement. However, there are no retroactive accommodations for grades or performance.
Things to consider:
- Site Selection - The selection of an internship site may be a key factor in providing an optimal environment for academic and professional development. Students and Field Placement Coordinators should review potential sites based on the nature of the work environment and the responsibilities agreed upon between each site and academic supervisor. Students must identify the most critical factor or factors in determining their ideal placement. Disability accommodations should be one of the considerations.
- Application/Interview Process (if Applicable) - If an application or interview is required prior to acceptance into a field placement, and the student needs an accommodation to participate, the student is responsible for making the accommodation request to Accessibility Resources and the Field Placement Coordinator as soon as possible.
- Request for Accommodation in Field Placement - Students with disabilities are not required to disclose, nor may an institution inquire about, the presence of a disability unless the student is seeking reasonable accommodations. Students requesting accommodations must be registered with Accessibility Resources.

Accessibility Resources Responsibilities:

Meet with the student to discuss if there is a need for an accommodation and if needed, identify possible accommodations.
Work with the LBCC Field Placement Coordinator to define components and accommodation needs, and if needed, accompany the LBCC Field Placement Coordinator and the student to visit the assigned site prior to placement.
Provide consultation services when adjustments to the accommodation plan may be required or when questions arise concerning what are reasonable accommodations.

Resolving Accommodation Concerns

Accessibility Resources and Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) are committed to ensuring equal access to students with disabilities. The college complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended.
The following guidance outlines how we work to address concerns, complaints and appeals.

Concerns/Complaints of Discrimination Based on Disability

Any person who feels they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of disability may file a complaint as outlined in the Administrative Rule 1015-01: Nondiscrimination, Non Harassment Statements and Procedures, which includes an online option for reporting incidents.

Resolving Accommodation-Related Concerns/Complaints

LBCC supports students and their right to request and receive appropriate accommodations. We support the resolution of concerns related to academic accommodations for students who experience disability.

Students who have concerns or complaints regarding accommodations, or the process to receive them, may:

Work with your assigned Accessibility Resources Accommodation Specialist, who can assist by engaging in an interactive process with the student and/or facilitating communication with the appropriate faculty, department chair, dean, or other necessary staff in an effort to clarify and resolve the situation.
Any concerns that can not be resolved through this approach will be brought to the attention of the Accessibility Resources Director, who may consult with others as needed.
Follow the formal request and resolution process outlined in Administrative Rule 1015-02: Requests for Disability Related Accommodation.
1. - Students with a concern about an Accessibility Resources staff member, who do not feel comfortable discussing this directly with the staff member, may contact Accessibility Resources Director at 541-917-4789. The Director will attempt to resolve the concerns regarding the staff member.
  - Students who have a concern regarding the Accessibility Resources Director, may contact the Dean of Academic Progression at 541-917-4535.

Appeal Process Regarding Accommodation Denial

If a student feels they have been denied an accommodation they have requested and would like to file an appeal they may submit additional documentation and ask for an additional review of their request.
Documentation may be sent to Accessibility Resources by:

Fax: 541-917-4328

Email: accessibility@linnbenton.edu

Mail: Linn-Benton Community College

Accessibility Resources

6500 Pacific Blvd SW, RCH-105

Albany OR 97321

The Accessibility Resources Main Office may be contacted to schedule an additional review by:

Phone: 541-917-4789

Email: accessibility@linnbenton.edu

Students are encouraged to work through the internal process first, but have the right to file their concerns or complaints with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Temporary Illness or Injury

Linn-Benton Community College is committed to supporting the academic success of all students, but recognizes that certain life events may adversely affect a student’s ability to fully participate in class.

Students who experience a short term illness (e.g., mononucleosis, strep throat, flu, bronchitis, COVID-19, etc.) are encouraged to:

Communicate their absence to their instructors as soon as possible, as well as indicate the general nature of the absence (e.g. contagious and/or significant illness, etc.)
As soon as the student is able, they are encouraged to discuss appropriate plans for making up work and tests with the instructor.

While temporary severe, persistent illnesses (e.g., 3-6-month duration) or injuries (e.g., a broken arm, hand or leg, etc.) are not considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Accessibility Resources may provide temporary academic assistance as a courtesy service when feasible.

Accessibility Resources will work with the student to determine and implement appropriate temporary accommodations, as well as help facilitate any arrangements with instructors through email, including, but not limited to:

Asking for input in grades, progress, previous communication, outstanding assignments, options, etc.
Providing notice of temporary or emergency accommodations

Students who experience a temporary severe, persistent illness or injury and require assistance should:

Communicate their absence to their instructors as soon as possible, as well as indicate the general nature of the absence (e.g. temporary severe illness, physical injury, etc.)
- - Confidential details about the illness or injury do not need to be shared with instructors.
  - Confidential documentation of illness or injury, including doctors’ notes for excused absences, discharge papers, recommended accommodations, etc., should be faxed or emailed to the Accessibility Resources Main Office, not instructors.
    - - Accessibility Resources will relay receipt of appropriate documentation to instructors at the student’s request.
      - Confidential information is never shared with instructors.

As soon as the student is able, discuss appropriate plans for making up work and tests with the instructor.
- - In some cases, it may be more appropriate to discuss the possibility of receiving an incomplete for the class or the need to withdraw from the class and/or term.

If you believe you need assistance from Accessibility Resources:

Contact our office as soon as possible at accessibility@linnbenton.edu or 541-917-4789.
Submit appropriate documentation from a qualified medical professional by:

Fax: (541) 917-4328 or Email: accessibility@linnbenton.edu

Documentation should contain the following information:
- - Diagnosis
  - Date of onset
  - How the condition impacts the student in an educational setting
  - Expected duration of the condition
  - Recommended temporary accommodations

Missed Classes, Deadlines, or Exams

When requested by the student, Accessibility Resources will communicate to instructors the receipt of documentation from a diagnosing professional supporting an excused absence due to illness or injury.
Accessibility Resources does not excuse absences or coordinate makeup work for students experiencing temporary illness or injury. The student should contact their instructor regarding absences, missed deadlines and exams. If approved by the instructor, Accessibility Resources can assist with setting up the proctoring makeup exams in Testing Services.
Students can ask their Accommodation Specialist for assistance in communicating with instructors.

Note Takers

Students whose illness or injury impacts their ability to take notes are encouraged to work with their faculty and other students in the class to obtain a copy of the notes. The student may contact Accessibility Resources to see if there is a note taker already assigned in the class. If a note taker has been assigned, then Accessibility Resources can make arrangements to have the notes available to the student. However, the student must attend class to receive notes.
Other note taking options are available to all students under the Note Taking tab on the Technology Tools for Success page.

Alternative Testing Arrangements

Students whose illness or injury impacts their ability to complete exams in the designated time period can request assistance from Accessibility Resources.
Accessibility Resources will determine if additional time, a scribe, a reader, a test proctor, or adaptive technology can be provided depending on the nature of the illness or injury, and the amount of time between the request and the test date.

Out-of-Class Assignments

Accessibility Resources does not provide assistance for out-of-class assignments. Students should speak with their instructors regarding homework and projects.

Assistive Technology

Students whose illness or injury impacts their ability to read, write, or type in a timely manner should explore the following Technology Tools for Success, which are available to all LBCC students.

Text to Speech Software

Read&Write (R&W) is a text to speech software available to all LBCC students. It is already installed on all computers students can access on all LBCC campuses.
It appears as a small purple puzzle piece icon . Directions to access R&W on personal devices can be found under Read&Write for Google Chrome on the Reading tab of the Technology Tools for Success.
Students wishing to use text to speech software for assessments should contact Accessibility Resources for temporary accommodations.

Speech to Text Software

Various speech to text softwares are available for all students to use and may be found under the Writing tab of the Technology Tools for Success page.
Students wishing to use text to speech software for assessments should contact Accessibility Resources for temporary accommodations.

Campus Accessibility Information

Students whose illness or injury impacts their mobility and/or ability to navigate LBCC campuses can find information about building and classroom accessibility on the Accessible Routes from LBCC Parking Lots and Campus Locations and Maps pages. The location of elevators and accessible restrooms are also indicated on the maps.

Off-Campus Transportation Options

Several free or low cost transportation options are available to students with a LBCC photo ID card. This may be a helpful alternative for students who cannot get to campus by their usual mode of transportation due to a temporary illness or injury.

Temporary Parking Permits

Accessibility Resources does not issue parking permits for students experiencing temporary illness or injury. Students with medical conditions that limit mobility should contact their medical provider or LBCC Public Safety Office to see if they qualify for a temporary parking permit.

Accessible Routes from LBCC Parking Lots and Campus Locations and Maps pages identify disabled parking areas.

Go to Accommodations Section

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