What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) considerations are vital for creating an inclusive learning environment. Faculty must ensure that course materials, equipment, and classroom settings are accessible to students with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate and succeed. This includes providing accommodations such as assistive technologies, modified assessments, and flexible deadlines. By integrating ADA considerations into program planning, faculty not only meet legal requirements but also promote equity and respect, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all students. Students need to complete the process for accommodations for disability with the student services coordinator prior to being granted accommodations.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology institutions are dedicated to providing program access and accommodations for all academically qualified students with disabilities. This commitment aligns with the College’s obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Qualified students are those who, with or without reasonable modifications and accommodations, meet the essential eligibility requirements for the College’s programs and activities. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Students are responsible for initiating the process to request reasonable accommodations. To do so, they should contact the Community College or TCAT Disability Services Office before their first semester of enrollment, at the start of their program, or as soon as the need arises, and provide current medical documentation of their qualifying disability.

For additional information, please reach out to your campus Student Services Coordinator or other campus official who handles students' requests for accommodations.