Northwestern College is committed to integrating students with disabilities as fully as possible into all aspects of college life. It is our goal to help ensure equal opportunity for self-identified students with documented disabilities. Each student is encouraged to act as his or her own advocate by taking responsibility for securing services and accommodations through the Office of Counseling and Disability Services (OCDS).
Section 504 and the ADA protect qualified individuals with disabilities. An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. Under Section 504 and the ADA, a person is a qualified individual with a disability if he or she meets the essential requirements for receipt of services or benefits, or participation in the programs or activities of a covered entity. The question of whether a particular condition is a disability within the meaning of Section 504 and the ADA is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Although the Office of Counseling and Disability Services is able to respond to most requests, there are natural and legal limitations to what services can be provided. It is the college's goal to assist students in developing their potential in light of what is feasible and reasonable under the law.
All or some of the following services may be available on an individual basis depending on the specific documented disability:
The documentation requested by and submitted to the OCDS will provide the basis for granting the appropriate services/accommodations. This office provides assistance and accommodations for students with documented special needs. These may include:
For further information regarding services for students with disabilities, please contact the OCDS at the NC campus that you are interested in attending. The office phone numbers are listed below:
