Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Key Differences Between High School and College for Students with Disabilities

TCC is committed to creating an accessible environment where individuals are viewed on the basis of their ability, not their disability. The Student Accessibility Services Office assists students in receiving educational accommodations, academic advising and other educational support services.

 Student Accessibility Services Documentation Guidelines and Information Packet

• Complete the online Application for Student Accessibility Services

  This application will provide information that will help us support you and your educational goals. If you need the application in an alternate format, please let the SAS Office know.

• Provide documentation to inform the Accessibility Advisor in assisting with accommodations.

  Click the links below to view specific requirements for documentation. After your initial meeting with an Accessibility Advisor, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.

  • ADHD Documentation Guidelines  

  • Physical Disabilities Documentation Guidelines

  • Psychiatric Disabilities Documentation Guidelines  

  • Specific Learning Disabilities Documentation Guidelines

• Make an appointment to meet with an Accessibility Advisor in the SAS Office.

  During this meeting, you will learn how to access accommodations on campus, what your rights are, and what your responsibilities are in receiving accommodations. Please notify the office if you will not be able to keep your appointment.

The Accommodated Testing Center helps eligible students utilize their accommodations during testing. The Adaptive Computer Lab provides students with a wide range of technology, such as computer workstations, copiers, scanners, CCTVs, JAWS, Zoomtext, Dragon Naturally Speaking and Kurzweil.

Location: FPAC Room 219
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8271
E-mail: ACCTesting@tcc.fl.edu

Accommodations Reference List

Alternate Materials Request Form

Exam Request Form

SAS Authorization for Release of Information

ASL interpreting services are available upon request, please complete the Interpreter Request Form.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Accommodations/ Instructor Letters

When a student requests classroom accommodations, they must provide Student Accessibility Services with appropriate documentation of disability. Our office staff will interpret the documentation to determine that the requested accommodations are reasonable. An Accommodations Letter will be produced for each student and emailed to the student’s TCC email account. Accommodations are determined based on documentation of disability. Students are expected to share their Accommodations Letter with each instructor, EVERY term.

EXAM PROCTORING

Students are required to submit Exam Accommodations Request form at least 48 hours (2 school days) in advance of each exam. Once students schedule an exam with Accommodated Testing Services, you will receive an email notifying you of the exam request. Instructors are required to send exams via email or intercampus mail to the Accommodated Testing Center prior to the exam. Instructors should also include any relevant information pertaining to the exam administration (eg. notes, formula or reference sheets, use of calculators, etc.).

CAPTIONING/TRANSCRIBING OF VIDEOS

Student Accessibility Services will assist faculty members in obtaining captioned copies of videos in order to ensure the accessibility of any audiovisual materials they may use for instruction.  If this material is not available in a captioned/accessible format, Student accessibility Services will assist the faculty member in providing resources to get the material in an accessible format. 

SAMPLE SYLLABUS STATEMENT

Tallahassee Community College is committed to providing accessible programs, services, facilities and positive learning environments that foster growth and development for students of all abilities. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students, faculty and staff to provide a variety of reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access, promote advocacy and empower students to achieve educational and career goals while maintaining the community and academic standards of Tallahassee Community College. Students seeking accommodations should:

1. Schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services and provide appropriate supporting documentation.
   • Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8430
   • E-mail: SAS@tcc.fl.edu
   • Fax: (850) 201-8433
2. Discuss needs, special arrangements and eligible accommodations with instructor(s).

TRAINING

Student Accessibility Services staff members are available to conduct training for your classes or faculty/departmental meetings on a variety of disability-related issues. Topics include sensitivity training, legal responsibilities, and policies and procedures.  In addition, we are willing to help develop training materials to meet the individual needs of your department and staff.  Please contact our office for more information or to schedule a presentation.

• Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8430
• E-mail: SAS@tcc.fl.edu

Students can schedule accommodations for tests administered by Certiport by setting up a Certiport ID account, and making sure to provide both the Certiport Exam Accommodations Request Form and Release Form to the Student Accessibility Services Office. Please fax the Accommodations Request Form and Release Form, as well as a copy of your documentation to (850) 492-4160. Or, you may bring the application materials to our office, where someone can fax the information for you.

The application will take up to 10 days to process, so we encourage you to complete the application as early as possible.

Complete the Certiport application process.

Certiport has specific guidelines for required documentation. Student Accessibility Services does not determine approval of accommodations for Certiport exams.

Sonja Wright-Smith – Assistant Director Student Services

sonja.smith@tcc.fl.edu

Dr. Sonja serves as the Assistant Director, prior to joining TCC Student Service, she served as the Director of the Access Office (Disability Services) and has several years of working with students at several different institutions. She will oversee the Accessibility Services, Case Management Services, Veterans Success Center, & Talon’s Market. Dr. Sonja served as the GA AHEAD President and secretary for a few years and assisted with the RAC DSPs committees with the University Systems of GA.

Having over 14 years of working with student with disabilities experience, Sonja comes to TCC with a wealth of knowledge to ensure delivery of the best possible student experience when visiting any of the Student Services offices. She has an Associate of Applied Science in Information Processing, Bachelor of Science in Administrative Services. Both degrees were received in 1994 from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Human Services from Capella University in 2005. Dr. Sonja is committed to continuing her journey that will enhance educational advancement for the at-risk socioeconomic population. Sonja is definitely a lifelong learner has a Master in Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University in 2008. She completed her Doctorate in Ministry in Biblical Counseling from seminary in 2018.

She loves listening to gospel music, reading, shopping, and traveling. Dr. Sonja is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her mission is to enhance her skills needed to continue a journey that pertains to providing services for the betterment of all mankind especially consumers that are functioning at a disadvantage. Her favorite saying is “Don’t ask God to order your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet”.

Kayla O’Neal– Student Services Case Manager

kayla.oneal@tcc.fl.edu 

Kayla joined the TCC community in October 2020. Before coming to TCC, Kayla worked as a clinical social worker providing individual, family, and group therapy to individuals ranging from early childhood to adulthood. In working with individuals with various needs Kayla prides herself on advocating, providing social and emotional support, collaborating with individuals, and utilizing community resources to assist those in achieving their own self-determination.  

Kayla earned her Bachelor of Arts in African American studies and Criminology and Law from the University of Florida in 2018.  Kayla furthered her education in obtaining her Master of Social Work from Florida State University in 2020. Kayla is committed to helping those who are in troubling situations overcome their obstacles for a better future with integrity, empathy, and competency. 

Margaret Stevens – Office Assistant

Victoria Gonzalez – Office Assistant