Accessibility Support

At San Jacinto College, we know that some students need extra support to succeed in school. That’s why we’re here to support you. Learn about Accessibility Services and how to apply for help.

Breaking Through Barriers

Our accessibility services coordinators are here to help students with disabilities. We can help with learning problems, vision or hearing issues, mobility challenges, brain injuries, chronic illnesses, ADHD/ADD, and other needs. When you meet with a coordinator, they will make a plan to help you. Options may include, but are not limited to:

Extra time for tests
Sign language interpreters
Captioning for students who are deaf or hard of hearing
Special technology
A calculator for math
Enlarged print materials

San Jacinto College provides accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from the College’s programs. Reasonable accommodations are those that support student access to the College’s programs without fundamentally changing the nature of the program at issue. Accommodations may not lower academic standards, change an essential element or core learning outcome of a course, create a health or safety risk, or waive a requirement for licensure or certification.

Some programs, including various workforce and health professions programs, have specific physical requirements that are fundamental to the program. Students are encouraged to review these requirements in advance of enrollment and to seek guidance on accommodations that might be needed. Our accessibility services coordinators will work with you to identify accommodations that meet your individual needs while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Looking for more targeted support? Check out our Neurodiversity Support services.

Neurodiversity Support Services

If you've received prior accommodations at San Jac and would like support for an upcoming semester, please fill out the returning student request form.

Returning Student Accommodations Request Form

If this is your first time applying for accommodations, follow the steps below.

Get Documentation

You must provide documentation from a qualified medical professional regarding your disability. Attach this to your application.

See Documentation Guidelines
Submit the Application

This application is for first time applicants only. Don’t forget to include your medical documentation!

Are you a returning student? Use the returning student request form.

First-Time Application Form
Determine Accommodations

You will be contacted either by phone or email five to seven business days after you submit your application. We will set up a time to meet to discuss accommodation options based on your disability.

Do you need sign language interpretation? Submit a request at least five (5) days in advance. If you give less than 48 hours (2 business days) notice, we may not be able to help. To request an interpreter for classes, contact the Accessibility Services Counselor at your campus.

Interpreting Request Form

Can Accessibility Services conduct the assessment to provide a disability diagnosis?

Accessibility Services does not test or evaluate to diagnose disabilities. Students will need to provide current paperwork to support your request.

Please refer to the San Jacinto College Guidelines for Documentation of a Disability for documentation requirements. Alternatively, your provider may complete the San Jacinto College Documentation Request Form.

What role do my parents play in the process?

If you're 18 years or older, you're legally an adult. This means you are responsible for your own requests and disability-related decisions.

However, we know parents can provide more information and be a source of support. We encourage you to maintain an open dialogue with your parents throughout this process.

Is my information confidential?

Yes, your information is confidential and can not be shared with anyone without your permission.

The Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA regulates disclosure of disability documentation and records maintained by Accessibility Services. Under this federal act, we need your written consent before we can release any disability documentation or records.

However, FERPA does have exceptions that allow us to disclose records without your prior consent. These exceptions include:

To other school officials who have “legitimate educational interests,” as defined by the institution
To officials of other schools in which you seek enrollment
In connection with your application for, or receipt of financial aid
If disclosure is necessary to protect your, or another student’s health or safety
In response to a lawfully issued subpoena

Find out more about FERPA

Are accommodations available in all programs?

Yes, students may request accommodations in any program offered by San Jacinto College. Each student’s situation will given an individualized assessment. Please be aware that some course requirements and exams are governed or administered by outside agencies, including federal or state regulatory agencies. Some accommodations may be subject to the approval of these agencies and thus will take additional time to process. For example, some workforce programs may impose certain safety protocols or physical agility requirements or require that certain tasks be performed in a certain amount of time. Examples include course offerings in the maritime program (link) and emergency medicine (link).

Students are encouraged to carefully review the program requirements and contact Accessibility Services prior to enrollment to discuss available accommodations.

When should I apply for accommodations?

We strongly encourage you to apply for accommodations a few weeks before the semester begins. Because a student’s needs may change over time, however, you can apply at any point in the semester.

Please note that some course requirements and exams are governed by outside agencies, and the approval process may take longer than a few weeks. This is most likely to be the case in certain workforce certificate programs or health professions programs. Students are encouraged to learn about these requirements and potential accommodations before enrollment.

Can an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan be accepted as documentation for a learning disability?

An IEP or 504 Plan provides proof of need for academic accommodations. It can be included with a comprehensive assessment of tests. You may still need to provide additional documentation to support the IEP or 504 Plan.

How do I know if I qualify for accommodations through Accessibility Services?

If you’re not sure if you can get help, contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator at your campus. They will talk to you about your needs and figure out if you need any official paperwork or services.

I am a student with a disability. Will Accessibility Services seek me out like they did in high school?

No. It is your job to ask for help through Accessibility Services.

In college, students with disabilities are protected by the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In high school, students are protected by a different law called IDEA. This is why the rules are different in college.

Does Accessibility Services provide personal care or attendant services?

We only provide support for school-related needs. Personal care, like using a wheelchair or other personal aids, is your responsibility.

How do I file a grievance?

You may file a formal appeal if you do not agree with the decision of the Accessibility Services Coordinator. This includes:

Being denied accommodations
A disagreement on the approved accommodations

Contact our office for information on the appeal process at Accessibility.Services@sjcd.edu.

Do I have to apply for accommodations to bring a service animal on campus?

No, you don’t need to apply to bring a service animal on campus. However, please let Accessibility Services know as a courtesy. This helps us prepare and allows us to share other services that might help you.

We’re open for walk-in assistance. Come see us in Student Support Services on any campus.

Or send questions to Accessibility.Services@sjcd.edu.