AccessAbility Services

Hartwick College is committed to providing equal access to qualified students with disabilities.

Individualized Support & Services

Staff in AccessAbility Services coordinate individualized academic adjustments or modifications for any Hartwick student eligible due to a learning, physical, medical and/or psychological disability.

Regulations

Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act are the federal statutes that guarantee the right of people with disabilities to equal opportunity for access in all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. They prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals solely on the basis of disability. Post-secondary education is governed by Section 504 and the ADA.

According to the 504/ADA, the student is responsible for providing appropriate documentation of a disability and requesting services. It further states that the student must be “otherwise qualified.” This means that despite having a disability, the student is able to meet the admission standards for the institution, and demonstrates that he, she or they is able to meet or exceed the academic standards set by the institution, and she, he or they must do so whether or not they request adjustments.

The diagnosis of a disability does not necessarily imply the need for services. Degree of impairment and current functioning are critical factors in determining appropriate adjustments. The documentation provided to Hartwick must be thorough enough to support the specific adjustment requested. If an individual requests adjustments for symptoms not reported in the documentation, further information will be required. In summary, the college student requesting an adjustment must demonstrate that he/she/they has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a life function.

STUDENT RIGHTS

A student with a disability is entitled to academic adjustments and/or modifications under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if:

he/she/they has disclosed that disability to AccessAbility Services in the Center for Student Success;
provided appropriate documentation to AccessAbility Services;
requested adjustments in a timely manner; and
is “otherwise qualified” to participate in the College’s programs and activities.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students with disabilities are expected to develop good self-advocacy skills and to have full knowledge of the impact of their disability. All students are expected to comply fully with the academic standards as well as the Code of Conduct established by the College.

Academic Accommodations

Housing Accommodations

Emotional Support Animals

START- Students Transition to Academic Readiness Together

EmpowerU