What laws are relevant to higher education accommodations?

Relevant Laws and Policies

Federal and state laws and San Mateo County Community College Academic Accommodation Policy and Procedure Download San Mateo County Community College Academic Accommodation Policy and Procedure

govern the rights of students with disabilities to higher education. These laws and policies include Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973 and 1998); the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).

The Law Requires: 

• Equal access to instruction, services, activities, and facilities of the college.
• That the student be evaluated on ability, not disability.
• Accommodations when the student has an educational limitation that affects the ability to acquire information or to demonstrate knowledge of the course material in a standard way.

The Law Does Not Require: 

• Changing standards or grading policies because a student has a disability.
• Allowing a student to cheat.
• Providing accommodations to a student who verbally claims a disability but who has not provided documentation to the college, either through EAC or through the 504/ADA Compliance Officer.
• Providing personal devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or glasses.
• Providing personal services such as assistance with eating, dressing, or mobility.
• Providing accommodations that would fundamentally alter the nature of a program, class, or course.
• Providing accommodations which lower or substantially modify academic or program standards.

Source: https://alameda.peralta.edu/student-service/dsps/dsps-faculty-handbook Links to an external site.