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A diagnosis alone (e.g., HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.) does not identify a disability. IEP’s and 504 plans alone are not acceptable forms of documentation. Prior to a student graduating from high school, it is recommended that a comprehensive psychological, educational, and social evaluation be conducted to assist a student with a smooth transition into college.

• Documentation must be provided to Accessibility Services from a medical / professional evaluator indicating thorough information regarding diagnosis, current status of disability, level of functioning, and summary with identified areas that might require adjustments. Included in this is a definitive statement indicating the student's ability to handle stresses inherent to a college setting. IEP's from high school are not generally accepted when providing accommodations.
• For students seeking accommodations due to cognitive differences, either the psycho-educational or psycho-neurological evaluation must include both intelligence / ability and achievement test. Recommendation based solely on one diagnostic test is not acceptable.
• Specific recommendations for environmental and learning accommodations are welcome, but not binding on the College.
• Information regarding document content is maintained confidentially unless otherwise requested in writing by the student.
• While students may request accommodations at any time, it is imperative that the written disclosures by a professional evaluator be on file in this office prior to implementing learning alternatives in dialogue with the instructors.
• Registering with the office of Accessibility Services is the first step in receiving accommodations.
• First-time students and transfer students ought to discuss their needs with an Admissions counselor well in advance of their initial semester.
• Students are encouraged to self-identify to their faculty even though they may not be seeking accommodation. If, however, such assistance is sought, it is imperative that students meet with faculty and the Coordinators of Accessibility Services  prior to the first day of class or soon after documentation has been presented.
• All accommodations are determined on an individual basis.
• Students seeking to take an examination with Accessiblity Services should complete the following form and return it to the Accessibility Services office no later than three business days in advance of the examination.
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Students registering with Accessibility Services will also have access to NYS voter registration forms and can receive assistance filling out the voter registration forms.  For more information regarding voter registration in New York, please visit www.elections.state.ny.us/.

Students who are seeking accommodations and plan to enroll in a degree program which requires the passing of the United States Coast Guard license examination should know that at this time there are NO accmmodations provided on the examination.  In addition, there are some courses which have STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchstanding) assessments and accommodations are generally no allowed during these assessments. All students enrolled in a program requiring participation in Summer Sea Term should know that Summer Sea Term is considered a training laboratory and students should speak with someone in Accessibility Services and their department chair prior to departing on Summer Sea Term about accommodations.