LEGAL RIGHTS

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Federal and State laws, particularly Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, protect the rights of students with disabilities to enjoy full participation in all programs and services provided through the community college system. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states in part that:

"No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reasons of...disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

"(An institution)...shall make such modifications to its academic requirements as are necessary to ensure that such requirements do not discriminate or have the effect of discrimination, on the basis of disability, against a qualified applicant or student with a disability...Modifications may include changes in the length time permitted for completion of a degree requirements, substitution of specific courses required for the completion of degree requirements, and adaptation of the manner in which specific courses are conducted."

Continued...

5                                    Revised 02/08