What is the law?
There are two laws that work together to provide protection and support for individuals with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that:
- No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or any activity receiving federal financial assistance.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 essentially extends this protection for people with disabilities into the transportation, employment, public accommodations, telecommunication relay services and services provided by state and local government.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do students qualify for services through the Special Needs Services Department (SNS)?
Student qualify for services through SNS if they have been diagnosed with a disability by a qualified professional. In most cases, students must provide documentation of their disability.
What kind of documentation is required?
In order to receive services through SNS, students must submit a report written by a physician, educational diagnostician, psychiatrist, or other qualified professional and provide this documentation directly to SNS. Documentation should include a diagnosis, psychoeducational testing results (as appropriate), and suggestions for educational accommodations. Also, documentation should be less than five years old.
What if I think I might have disability but I'm not sure?
If you suspect that you might have a disability, make an appointment with the Special Needs Director who can direct you to available resources in the community.
What kind of accommodations might I receive?
Accommodations, which are made on an individual basis and can change from semester to semester depending on you needs, may include extended time for exams, undisturbed testing environment, a notetaker during class, and/or scribes for exams.
Are personal care attendants available?
No. Under the law, the college is not responsible for providing personal care attendants.
What if I need help in one of my classes? Is tutoring available?
Yes. Tutoring is available for all students at the Student Success Center.
If I am a student with special needs, will my classes be made easier?
Students with disabilities are held to the same course standards as all other students. Accommodations are meant to help with "evening the playing field" for students who need to produce information or engage in activities in a modified fashion to enable them to attain set course standards.
When do I need to set up services?
You should contact SNS as soon as you know that you will be attending Northern. SNS can help with Once it is on file you will need to arrange for accommodations at the beginning of each new semester.
Who has access to the information I provide to SNS?
Any information provided is kept confidential. The only person who has access to the information is the Special Needs Services Director and the student. However, sometimes students would like certain kinds of information shared with certain family members or community agencies. If students want information to be disclosed to someone else, they need to give written permission to SNS.
Where is the Special Needs Department located?
The SNS office is located in the Student Advisement Center in the Joseph Montoya Administration Building on Northern's Espanola campus.
For further information about Special Needs Services contact:
Kim Dickman, Director kimd@nnmc.edu
Special Needs Department
921 Paseo De Onate
Espanola, NM 87532
Phone: (505) 747-2152
Fax: (505) 747-2180