Accessibility Resources for New Students

Prospective and existing Broward College students may contact Accessibility Resources for guidance regarding accommodations or assistance with the application process at: studentaccessibility@broward.edu or 954-201-6527

Students requesting academic accommodations must self-identify and complete this application before meeting with the campus coordinator to create an Accommodation Plan. In addition, submit any documentation regarding your disability that you may have. A member of our Accessibility Resources team will contact you within three (3) business days to schedule an initial interview. It is important to understand that accommodations approved in high school do not necessarily carry over into college.

Accommodation Plan: Purpose and Explanation

The purpose of the Accommodation Plan is to inform your instructors of your accommodation needs. The Accommodation Plan allows an opportunity for your faculty to plan for classroom accommodations and make appropriate changes if your accommodations require Extended Time or other testing accommodations.
Accessibility Resources will send the Accommodation Plan to the student's Broward College email address. Accommodation Plans will not be sent to non-BC emails. If you have questions about the approved accommodations, please contact Accessibility Resources immediately.

Once received, it is each student's responsibility to forward their Accommodation Plan to each instructor using their Broward College email.

As the semester progresses, if you have questions about your accommodations, please contact our office at: studentaccessibility@broward.edu or 954-201-6527

How Disability Services Differ Between High School and College

The transition from high school to college can be challenging, especially when trying to understand how adjustments or accommodations from high school are requested once you are in college. Much of the terminology, law, and what you are eligible for changes once you attend college, so we have broken down many differences in the table below. Please note: your IEP, 504, or other accommodations do not automatically apply once you are in college. You must self-identify and formally register with Accessibility Resources to receive accommodations.

The ADAAA retains the ADA's definition of "disability" as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, having a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. However, the ADAAA expands the definition of "major life activities" by including two non-exhaustive lists:

Activities that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recognized (such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working) - plus other activities that include eating, sleeping, lifting, bending, reading, concentrating, thinking and communicating.

Major bodily functions, such as the immune system and normal growth, and digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

IDEA is a federal law that governs special education delivery for children ages 3-21 or until high school graduation. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed by the educational team for each child and indicates how a child's education will be individualized to best serve them. The focus of IDEA is to ensure students are successful in the K-12 system.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a law that protects students from discrimination based on their disabilities.

Subpart D of the act applies to grades K-12, and Subpart E applies to postsecondary institutions. A 504 Plan is developed when a K-12 student needs certain accommodations and modifications to either the physical space in the school or the learning environment.

The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 cover access to federally funded programs and services. The law strengthens Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires access to electronic and information technology provided by the federal government. Federal agencies must ensure that this technology is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities.

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Hours of Operation

Central, North and South Campus
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Service after 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: requires an appointment

Locations

North Campus
Building 46 | Room 209
954-201-2028

Central Campus
Building 19 | Room 172
954-201-6527

South Campus
Building 71 | Room 125
954-201-8913

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