The term "accommodation" may be used to describe an alteration of environment, curriculum format, or equipment that allows an individual with a disability to gain access to content and/or complete assigned tasks. 

Students who qualify for services may receive accommodations. For example:

• additional time on their tests

• audio textbooks 

• testing a quiet environment

• comfort aids (chair cushion)

• calculator

• break within tests due to medical condition

• seating placement in the classroom

There are various accommodations to meet the need of the disability.  Click here to access the DARC Interest Form .

What is a learning disability?

A Learning Disability negatively impacts one's opportunity to learn material to the level of their ability, and/or demonstrate what they know in a class. 

How do I know if I have a learning disability?

Naturally, no student will have all of these problems.  The general characteristics of a learning disability include:

• Difficulty completing tests and in-class assignments without additional time

• Difficulty following directions, particularly written directions

• Slow reading rate – takes longer to read a test and other in-class assignments

• Poor comprehension and retention of material read

• Problems in organization and sequencing of ideas

• Difficulty concentrating in lectures, especially 2- to 3-hour lectures

• Difficulty with long-term memory of concepts

• Difficulty problem solving or understanding the whole picture

• Difficulty with remembering instruction from day to day

If many of these apply to you, then you may want to consider contacting us for an appointment Click here to access the DARC Interest Form 

Sweetwater Adult Education is committed to all provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Students with verified disabilities who may require academic adjustments or auxiliary aids are strongly recommended to contact the Disability and Access Resource Center (DARC) prior to classes begin to ensure timely provision of services.

The definitions below are adapted from the California Community Colleges but does apply to Section 504 and California Adult Education Schools.  Contact the Disability and Access  Resource Center (DARC) for more information.

LEARNING DISABILITY:

is defined as a persistent condition of presumed neurological dysfunction which may exist with other disabsw2owerqjling conditions such as dyslexia, cognitive processing, memory challenges and similar conditions and limit the student’s ability to access the educational process.

PHYSICAL DISABILITY:

is defined as a limitation in locomotion or motor functions. These limitations are the result of specific impacts to the body’s muscular-skeletal or nervous systems, and limit the student’s ability to access the educational process.

MEDICAL DISABILITY:

is defined as a lasting medical condition which has lasted or expected to last for a continuous period beyond 12 months and limit the student’s ability to access the educational process. For example, diabetes, Crohn’s, obesity and similar conditions.

MENTAL HEATLH DISABILITY:

is defined as a persistent psychological or psychiatric disability, or emotional or mental illness that limits the student’s ability to access the educational process. For example, depression, anxiety, PTSD or similar conditions.

ACQUIRED BRAIN DISABILITY:

is defined as a deficit in brain functioning which results in a total or partial loss of cognitive, communicative, motor, psycho-social and/or sensory-perceptual abilities, and limits the student’s ability to access the educational process. For example, edema, skull fracture and other similar conditions.

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING:

is defined as a total or partial loss of hearing function that limits the student’s ability to access the educational process.

BLINDLESS AND LOW VISION:

is defined as a level of vision that limits the student’s ability to access the educational process. For example, significant blurred vision, significant glaucoma and similar conditions.

TEMPORARY DISABILITY:

a disability that is short-term such as a broken leg, recuperation from surgery, or similar conditions.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER:

Is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is a persistent deficit in attention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behavior that limits the student’s ability to access the educational process.

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY: 

is defined as significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior that affect and limit the student’s ability to access the educational process.

OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS AND DISABILITIES:

includes all students with disabilities, with other health conditions, and/or disabilities that affect a major life activity, which are otherwise not defined in the above, but which limit the student’s ability to access the educational process.