Disability Access Services

New Students

Are you a new student? Apply for disability services by selecting the appropriate application for you:

About DAS

What do we do: DAS works with students in any program and at whatever part of their educational journey they are on, to provide accommodations and supports to ensure equal educational access. Examples can include testing accommodations, ergonomic furniture, alternative formatting and more. To see a more expansive list of accommodations, visit Student Resources.

Who is eligible: DAS works with any student with a disability or temporary health situation that makes school harder. Examples can include learning disabilities, mental health diagnosis, blind/vision loss, deaf or HOH, physical/mobility challenges, temporary injuries, pregnancy (including partner supports)

How to get setup

1. Enroll and register for classes at SFCC 
2. Fill out the appropriate application for you by selecting one of the four options at the top of the page. (please contact us if you need any assistance, we are here to help) 
3. In the application there will be a section on documentation, you do not need this to get started with DAS. (for more information on documentation click here)
4. Follow the email prompt to setup an accommodation plan meeting

Important note: Due to high volume time periods, scheduling for appointments have a couple of weeks wait time, so please apply as early as possible. 

Students Transitioning from High School

As a student enters the college system, they may notice that there a few differences in accommodations than they may have experienced in the K-12 system. IEP and 504s do not transfer to the college system but they are used to inform the conversation of what a student may need. While IEP and 504 plans are focused on providing supports for student success, the college system is focused on providing supports that reduce barriers to students access. 

Transitional differences by category:

Self-Advocacy

High School: 

• The school district student’s disability. 
• Primary responsibility for arranging accommodations belongs to the school 
• Personal services for medical or physical disabilities are required. 

College: 

• The student must self-identify to the DAS office
• Primary responsibility for arranging and enacting accommodations belong to the student. Students must advocate for themselves with DAS and instructors. 
• Student must coordinate own personal services such as tutoring, personal aides, transportation etc. 

Parental Role

High School:

• Parents have automatic access to student records and can participate in the accommodations process.
• Parental permission is required until the age of 18 for all decisions regarding the student.

College:

• Parents don’t have access to student records or processes without formal written consent from the student (FERPA form)
• Even if the student is under 18, once admitted to college the are considered adults with full decision-making autonomy.

Documentation

High School:

• I.E.P and/or 504
• Evaluations provided by school
• Documentation is focused on eligibility of services based on disability.

College:

• IEP/504 not transferred but can be used as documentation.
• Student may be required to provide additional evaluative information at cost of student.
• Documentation is focused on demonstrating limitations requiring accommodation.

The Law

High School:

• I.D.E.A (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
• Provides for tailored educational services and modifications based on individual need.
• Focused on student Success

College:

• A.D.A (American with Disabilities Act)
• Provides for reasonable accommodations without significant modification to essential functions.
• Focuses on student Access

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I only sign up at the start of the quarter?

You can sign up for DAS at any time. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, meaning that they will be not applied to any situations prior to being fully set up with an accommodation plan. Due to this and the high-volume periods where wait times can be longer, it is suggested that you apply at your earliest opportunity.

What is Documentation?

Documentation is verification of a condition provided by a doctor, psychologist, therapist, school or other agency. Documentation is not required at the beginning of the process, and DAS is willing to work with you if you are having difficulties obtaining documentation.

Documentation should provide information on diagnosis, medication and side effects, recovery timeline if applicable.

Some examples of documentation include but are not limited to:

• Diagnostic evaluations and assessments
• IEP/504 plans
• Psychological/Counselor recommendations
• Medication records

What if I don’t need accommodations all the time? 

Once you have an established accommodation plan, you have the option of how and when you use them. Communication with both instructors and DAS allows the student to control the use and implementation of their accommodations. It’s always better to have the tools available to use needed.  

What if the accommodations aren’t working? 

You are always welcome to contact DAS to review your accommodations. Sometimes the process can be trial and error as you figure out best strategies, learning styles and course requirements. Making an appointment with your specialist will allow you to go over areas of continued difficulty and identify potential adjustments. 

Is there disability parking on the SFCC Campus? 

Yes, there is disability parking in identified blue “reserved disability permit required” spaces. Please note that you will still need an SFCC parking permit which can be purchased as a day rate, monthly, or quarterly rate. To purchase a parking permit visit the Spokane Colleges Parking Portal

There are also several metered spots available, which even with disability placard, require payment. If you have additional questions about parking, please visit the Parking Services page.

If you have any fines, tickets, or questions about parking please contact Campus Security.