Accessibility Services Office (ASO)

Our commitment to providing the best opportunities and services.

Our Mission here at the Accessibility Services Office at Herkimer College is to help students identify their natural talents and strengths. We support and encourage students to develop self-advocacy skills to overcome learning barriers.

 

Am I Eligible For Services?

Eligibility for Services:

A student is eligible for accommodations if he/she/they:

· Is otherwise qualified for the program

· Has self-disclosed a disability to Herkimer College through the ASO Office, and

· Has provided appropriate documentation pertaining to the disability (see documentation guidelines) in a timely manner, and

· Requires accommodations and has requested accommodations in a timely manner through the ASO Office

 

Students should send a copy of their IEP/504 Plan and psychological evaluation, the Exit Summary and/or other pertinent medical information to the ASO. Please note that an IEP or 504 Plan alone is insufficient documentation at the postsecondary level but may be included as part of a more comprehensive assessment battery.

 

You must request that your school sends this information; it is not automatically sent to Herkimer College. You may mail, email, or fax your documentation to:

 

Mail: Coordinator of Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services Office

Herkimer College

100 Reservoir Road

Herkimer, NY 13350

 

Email: aso@herkimer.edu

FAX: 315 866-6957

 

General Documentation Guidelines

Appropriate Documentation

· Verifies existence of a disability

· Explains substantial limitation of a major life activity

· Supports requests for academic accommodations

Once you have registered with ASO and have reviewed your semester accommodation plan with our office, it is important to meet one-on-one with each class instructor. You’ll want to be prepared to discuss your strengths and preferred learning style. Getting to know your instructors is an important key to success!

Be sure to download our Services for Students with Disabilities Handbook

 

 

 

Who Qualifies As An Individual with A Disability?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability is a person who:

· Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities

· Has a record of such an impairment

· Is regarded as having such an impairment

 

A physical impairment is defined by the ADA as

Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine.

A mental impairment is defined by the ADA as

Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. 28 C.F.R. subsection 35.104(1)(i)(A);28C.F.R. subsection 35.104(1)(i)(B)

 

 

Examples of Possible Accommodations:

  • Assistive Technology

  • Extended Time for Testing

  • Note Takers or Copy of Notes

  • Separate Testing Locations

  • Tests Read Aloud