Reasonable Accommodations

OCCC values diversity and the unique identities that students, staff, and faculty bring to our campus. The College is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and accessible campus environment free from discrimination. Our collaborative approach and inclusive community help to assure that all community members are able to fully participate in the array of academic, cultural, and community activities available at OCCC.

Admitted students with physical, learning, medical, psychiatric, or other disabilities will want to investigate the availability of College and community resources that meet their needs, whether academic, residential, or personal. We recognize that the choice to self-disclose is a very personal one and assure you that our conversations remain confidential.

For students:

Students who have disabilities, including those with mobility limitations, speech, hearing or sight impairment, learning, or other disabilities covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, may receive reasonable educational accommodations.

To request accommodations, students with disabilities must go directly to the Office of Student Support Services where all disabilities must be verified with supporting documentation.

Student responsibilities may include:

• a) obtaining psychological/educational testing,
  b) providing other verifying documents,
  c) private tutoring (the College does provide learning labs where tutoring is available to all students), and/or
  d) personal attendant services, i.e. wheelchair attendants.

Contact the Office of Student Support Services for information on documentation needs and services available. Students are advised to make their request well in advance of the beginning of classes (especially advisable if the accommodation requires a textbook in an alternative format). Inquiries about reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities can be directed to the Office of Student Support Services at (405) 682-7520 or visiting www.occc.edu/support/disability

Students with disabilities wishing to appeal decisions regarding accommodations planned or provided may request an ADA grievance form from the office of the ADA coordinator. Call (405) 682-7850 to request the form or go to Discrimination and Harassment Form.

 

For employees

At OCCC, individuals with disabilities are entitled to access, support, and when appropriate, reasonable accommodations. The ADA Coordinator supports the ongoing development of an accessible college that embraces and celebrates diversity. The ADA Coordinator provides disability-related information, services, and resources for faculty, staff and visitors. The ADA Coordinator is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for faculty and staff, educating the campus community, and promoting equal access and opportunity for those with disabilities.

Reasonable Accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. See College Policy 2028 for more information.

In order to determine whether you are eligible for an accommodation under the ADA, the ADA Coordinator will ask for documentation of your medical condition. Having a medical condition alone is not enough to make you eligible for an accommodation. Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as breathing, eating, sleeping, walking, talking, manual tasks, etc.

OCCC employees may use the forms below to initiate a request for reasonable accommodation:

Accommodation Request Form

Confidentiality

The ADA requires that the ADA Coordinator keep medical information confidential. However, the law allows the ADA Coordinator to share information regarding your need for accommodation with individuals who are considered to have a legitimate need to know this information. These persons can include your supervisor(s), human resources personnel, first aid and safety personnel, personnel investigating compliance with the ADA, and other persons considered to have a legitimate need to know. The law does not prohibit you from voluntarily discussing your condition or medical information with others.

ADA Coordinator Contact Information

Dr. Regina A. Switzer
E-mail:  regina.a.switzer@occc.edu
Phone number:  (405) 682-7890
Fax number: (405) 682-7811

OCCC values diversity and the unique identities that students, staff, and faculty bring to our campus. The College is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and accessible campus environment free from discrimination. Our collaborative approach and inclusive community help to assure that all community members are able to fully participate in the array of academic, cultural, and community activities available at OCCC.

Admitted students with physical, learning, medical, psychiatric, or other disabilities will want to investigate the availability of College and community resources that meet their needs, whether academic, residential, or personal. We recognize that the choice to self-disclose is a very personal one and assure you that our conversations remain confidential.