Confidentiality Statement

Disability Services views all materials pertaining to a student's disability as confidential. This policy is based on the recognition that discrimination often occurs as a result of attitudinal barriers and misconceptions regarding the potential of persons with disabilities. Governmental mandates, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) all support this policy in their encouragement of the protection of privacy.

• Any written material obtained by Disability Services is used to verify the disability and plan for appropriate accommodations.
• All written material obtained by Disability Services is maintained in individual files and kept in a secure location. Only staff persons working in Disability Services has access to these files.
• Accommodation request forms prepared by Disability Services for instructors do not give specific information regarding a disability. Instead, the form explains that the student has a disability, and that Disability Services has documentation to support the student's need for reasonable accommodations.
• Disability related information may be released on a legitimate, need-to-know basis within the College community only when there is a compelling reason for disclosure regarding some specific aspect of the stored confidential information. Circumstances may include information to help develop appropriate instructional strategies, modifications and resources. This determination is made by the Coordinator of Disability Services.
• Disability Services does not release disability related documentation or records. Students are advised to keep a copy of any documentation provided to Disability Services for their own records. Should documentation be required elsewhere, students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the needed documentation from the original source.