Disability Access Services Disability Access Services

Disability Access Services

 

 

Disability Access Services (DAS) at FCC assists and supports eligible students with disabilities. Student services may include individualized accommodation plans, transition coaching, as well as workshops and programs. Students will be empowered to become self-advocates in order to achieve individual success at FCC and beyond. DAS provides community outreach and collaborates with agencies and resources to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Please call to schedule an appointment.

 

 


 

Contact

Annapolis Hall (A-105)
Phone: 301.846.2408 (Voice)
Email: [email protected]

 

Service Hours

Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Later evening hours are available on Mondays by appointment.

This includes continued virtual services with all appointments scheduled in advance. Drop-in assistance is available for on-campus questions. Please email [email protected] or call 301.846.2408 to set up an appointment.

 *Students can request interpreting services in the evening by emailing [email protected].

 

 

  Disability Resources

  • Individualized Accommodation Plans (Student Success Plans)
  • Appointments for academic coaching, case management, and as-needed touch base meetings
  • Student Success Alert Program
  • Assistive Technology
  • Bess and Frank Gladhill Learning Commons and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Learning Center (tutoring and writing center services available to all enrolled students)
  • Wednesday Getting Connected Club for students (offered in fall semester)

FCC facilities include handicapped parking spaces (permit required), physically accessible restrooms, elevator access in buildings, and various forms of assistive technology available to eligible students upon request through the DAS office.

Steps to Obtain Disability Resources


Before requesting accommodations for FCC courses, students must have submitted an Application for Admissions and be issued a student ID number. Please know that DAS can always answer any accommodations questions before applying to FCC. Some of the types of disabilities that can obtain accommodations, but are not limited to, include the following:

 

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
  • Learning Disabilities (LD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Acquired Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Psychological Disabilities (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar)
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Sensory Disabilities (Hearing, Vision)
  • Mobility Disabilities
  • Chronic Health (Crohn’s, Sickle Cell, Diabetes)

 

To begin your Request for Accommodations at FCC, students must do the following: 

Submit Request for Services

While filling out the Request for Services, students will have the opportunity to upload their disability documentation. If students cannot submit their documentation through the Accommodate platform, they can provide it to Disability Access Services in the following ways:
  • Email the documentation to [email protected]
  • Fax: 301-624-2778
  • Drop off at the Disability Access Services Office in Annapolis Hall, Room 105, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Request for Services Application
https://frederick-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/

DAS Disability Documentation Guidelines  
www.frederick.edu/student-resources/disability-access-services/das-disability-documentation-guidelines.aspx

It is expected that the student fills out their application for accommodation; if a student needs assistance with submitting the Request for Services through Accommodate, the student will need to contact DAS at 301-846-2408 or by email [email protected] 

Schedule Meeting with DAS Staff

After the student has submitted their Request for Services and documentation, they will need to set up an in-person or Zoom appointment to discuss their accommodation request with the Disabilities Specialist. Following the appointment, the Disabilities Specialist will review all the information and send an accommodation approval letter to the FCC student’s email.

Please email [email protected] or call 301.846.2408 to set up an appointment, or schedule an appointment through the Accommodate platform.

Approval Letter

The student accommodation approval letter will include information on sending professors notification of accommodation for each course.
 
Students should (1) submit their request for services and applicable documentation of disability and (2) meet with a Disabilities Specialist a minimum of two weeks in advance of a class starting to ensure approved accommodations can be in place. For alternate format materials including texts, students must be approved for this accommodation and must show applicable proof of purchase in order for requests to be processed. 

Sign Language Interpreting Services

The Coordinator of Interpreting Services is the primary point of contact for the provision of interpreting services for scheduled classes, labs, tutorial sessions, and College-sponsored events or academic activities. The Coordinator works cooperatively with faculty, staff, and disabilities specialists to maintain effective communication regarding student needs and the implementation of services.

Traci Lowrey, CI/CT
Coordinator, Interpreting Services
Annapolis Hall, A-105D
301-846-2476 Voice
240-578-0844 Text
Email:  [email protected]

Request Sign Language Interpreting & Transcription Services


Interpreting Internships
Interested in interning with FCC’s Interpreting Department?  Qualified applicants work with one or more interpreters from the interpreting department to facilitate communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, employees, and visitors on campus with a mentor. The Sign Language Interpreter intern interprets for academic courses (both credit and Continuing Education), campus activities/events, and miscellaneous assignments for the College. Hours will vary each semester depending upon the interpreting needs of the College.

If you are interested, please CLICK HERE to fill out the google application form.  Submissions will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified regarding next steps.
 

Title IX Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations.

Frederick Community College (FCC) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Pregnancy and Parenting students. Under the FCC Title IX policy, students may request accommodations or reasonable adjustments through the Disability Access Services (DAS) Office in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator due to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, conditions arising in connection with pregnancy, stillbirth, infant death, perinatal loss, and recovery from any of these conditions.

If a faculty or staff feel a student's approved accommodation fundamentally alters the technical standards or essential requirements of the course or program, they must contact the Disability Access Services Office immediately. Please refer to the Fundamental Alternation of Essential Course Requirements section of this page.


Examples of pregnancy and parenting accommodations can include the following:

  • Furniture adjustments, such as larger desks, due to pregnancy-related needs
  • Frequent breaks during class to care for pregnancy-related needs or access lactation rooms.
  • Reschedule exams due to pregnancy/parenting-related absences.
  • Providing an alternative to make up for missed classwork.
  • Access to food and water during class
  • Excused absences and the ability to submit missed class work due to pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting if deemed medically necessary, including after the semester has ended. Pregnant and parenting students can submit make-up work without penalty due to doctor's appointments, medical conditions, and childbirth. Students cannot be forced to submit make-up work during medically related absences and, if approved, cannot be required to submit a doctor's note to professors.
  • If the student deems it necessary, they may take a medical leave of absence from FCC courses or programs. Pregnant and parenting students will be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status before the student's medical leave.

Frequently asked questions:

How do students submit a request for pregnancy and parenting-related accommodations?

  1. Submit an online "Request for Services."
  2. Pregnant and Parenting Students do not need to provide supporting documentation of their accommodation-related request unless the request is not obviously related to the student's pregnancy. If documentation is needed, Disability Access Services will communicate the information needed from the student's treatment provider.
  3. Students can upload the documentation to the Request for Services application or email them to [email protected]. 
  4. Once the above steps are completed, please email [email protected]  or call 301-846-2408, to schedule an appointment to discuss your request.
  5. Requests can be submitted on behalf of a pregnant student if they cannot medically do so.
  6. Once approved, DAS will work with the student's professors and the Title IX coordinator to ensure accommodation implementation.

Fundamental Alteration

How are Fundamental Alteration of Essential Course Requirements determined?

Fundamental Alteration is a change in a course or program that alters the essential elements of a college course, service, activity, or program. The determination must be on a case-by-case basis, separate the general expectations of a course, and look at what is essential to demonstrate the mastery of class objectives and components of the program. A Deliberative Process to Determine Essential Components of Courses and Programs will be used to determine if a Fundamental Alternation of Essential Class Requirements is warranted. (Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act).

Deliberative Process
  • Before fundamental alteration of essential class requirements is determined, faculty members or the program must contact the Director and/or Assistant of Disability Access Services to discuss their concerns and go through a deliberative process.
  • Disability Access Services will then conduct a deliberative discussion with a committee involving the instructor, department chair, Deans, or other faculty, staff, and/or administrators deemed appropriate and trained in determining the reasonableness of the request, fundamental requirements of the program and any alternative solutions for the student. Essential Objectives and Components will be explored during the deliberations.
  • The Director of Disability Access Services will notify the student in writing of the final decision regarding the accommodation request.  If the accommodation is denied, the student will be provided information on how to appeal the decision.

Determining Essential Objectives and Components of Courses and Programs
Essential Objectives of Courses and Programs establish the core learning outcomes and skills students must demonstrate with or without accommodations.

The following questions must be asked to determine if a student’s accommodation request alters the core learning outcomes and skills.
  1. What are the general class policies and processes, and how do they relate to the essential objectives and components of the course? Are these policies clearly stated, and how are they communicated?
  2. Does the approved accommodation correlate with the student’s disability or barrier?
  3. What is the course designed to do and measure? What activities are being used to measure students’ knowledge related to essential objectives and components of the course?
  4. Does the accommodation lower learning standards or objectives? How?
  5. Does the accommodation fundamentally alter the class requirements? Explicit detail is needed if the accommodation does.
  6. Does the accommodation give the student an unfair advantage over other students? Does the request exceed equal access? If so, how? Please note that providing accommodations allows for equal access for students; exceeding equal access doesn’t level the playing field but gives the student an advantage/edge.
  7. Have reasonable alternatives or accommodations been granted to students in the past, or have other colleges with similar program requirements been consulted about what they have done in similar situations?
  8. Are there specific licensing requirements that the accommodation would modify? What is alternative/flexibility in methods of instruction, assessments, or assignments that can create access?
 

Disability, Culture, and Identity


Deaf

Black Deaf Communities Latinx Deaf Communities Asian Deaf Communities Queer Deaf Communities

Web Resources for Persons with Disabilities

Resources for Disability Evaluation/Testing

This is list of resources not recommendations.  For specific recommendations, please contact your primary care provider.  You are welcome to use other qualified medical professionals not on this list.
Make sure to provide them with the Disability Access Services Documentation Guidelines to ensure that what they provide will meet the guidelines and that they are licensed in the area needed.
 
Dr. Jennifer Carter, Licensed Clinical Psychologist 
97B McCain Drive, Frederick, MD 21703.
Phone 240-535-5360   
 
Dr. Allan L. Levy, Comprehensive Counseling
172 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
Phone 301-663-8343
 
Dr. Jeff Lensbower, Psychologist
1970 Scotland Avenue, Suite A, Chambersburg,   PA 17201. 
Phone 717-263-6370 
 
Julie A. Morrison, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, Psychological Evaluations and Therapy. 
10440 Shaker Drive, Suite 209, Columbia, MD  21046. 
Phone 410-952-9574
 
Rick Parente, Psychologist, Evaluation, Diagnostic and Treatment Services
204 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286
Phone 410-337-9666
 
Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland
For assessment contact: Kathleen Nadeau.  www.chesapeakeadd.com  
8607 Cedar Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910. 
Phone 301-562-8448
 
Frederick Psychology Center – Clinicians providing evaluation and testing
220 North Market Street, 3rd floor, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone 301-695-6455
 
Thrive Center for ADHD and Comprehensive Mental Health
Psychology professionals providing evaluation and treatment
6310 Stevens Forest Rd., Ste. 100, Columbia, MD 21046
Phone 410-740-3240  [email protected]
 
 
Students may also contact the Division of Rehabilitative Services to determine eligibility for services which may include an assessment: 
Frederick Office:
1890 North Market St., Suite 300
Frederick, MD   21701
Phone:  240-629-7581 

The first step is to make an appointment to attend an orientation by calling the number listed.(revised 6/22)

University of Maryland Psychology Clinic
 
The Psychology Clinic offers year-round, sliding-fee scale services for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include individual therapy and psychoeducational assessment, such as LD/IQ/ADHD. The Psychology Clinic is staffed by Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Program Faculty Members, and graduate students from the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.

Located in the Biology/Psychology Building on the University of Maryland College Park campus.
4094 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742 
 [email protected] or 301-405-4808
 
Loyola Clinical Center -currently closed for psychoeducational assessments through 12/22
 
As a graduate training facility, Loyola University graduate students are trained to conduct comprehensive evaluations.  They provide sliding-fee scale psychoeducational testing (learning and attentional differences, deficits and strengths) and neuropsychological testing (strokes, TBIs).
 
Located at the Columbia Graduate Center,
8890 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
and Belvedere Square,
5911 York Road, Ste.
100, Baltimore, MD 21212 
[email protected] or 410-617-1200

Frederick County Resources

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services

240-629-7581
1890 N. Market Street, Suite 300, Frederick, MD 21701
http://dors.maryland.gov/

Eligibility Criteria: Serves individuals with significant physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities.

Eligibility Process: For information or an appointment, call the nearest DORS office or 1-888-554-0334, visit the local DORS office, or submit the online referral form.

Types of Services: Career assessment and counseling, assistive technology, job training, higher education, job placement.  Also specialized services for students age 14-21.
 

The Arc of Frederick County

301-663-0909
620 A Research Court, Frederick, MD 21703
http://arcfc.org/

Eligibility Criteria: Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Process: Call to speak with a representative directly.

Types of Services: Support services to assist students with enrolling in courses at FCC. Information and referral, youth transitioning program (housing, benefits, employment), independent living skills and job assistance for adults.  Self-advocacy group for adults.  Volunteer opportunities for FCC students who are looking to gain experience serving children and adults with developmental disabilities.
 

Goodwill Industries

301-662-0622
5112 Pegasus Court, Suite M, Frederick, MD 21704
http://www.gimv.org/

Fee Structure: Most programs are free.  Some are supported through the Division of Rehabilitation Services for their clients.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals 16 years and older.

Eligibility Process: Intake appointment at the number above.
 

Frederick County Workforce Services

301-600-2255
200 Monroe Avenue, Suite One, Frederick, MD 21701
http://www.frederickworks.com/

Fee Structure: Free service to Frederick County residents.

Eligibility Criteria: Primarily adults though some programs may be for specific populations, e.g., Summer Jobs Program for youth ages 14-24, Teen Job Skills Boot Camp, Youth Pathways.

Eligibility Process: Call for an appointment or submit an online information request.

Types of Services: Basic computer classes, employment counselors, career exploration assessments, and job training may be provided.
 

Service Coordination, Inc.

301-663-8044
5283 Corporate Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD 21703
https://www.servicecoord.org/

Fee Structure: Free to eligible individuals.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Process: Complete the online application at dda.dhmh.maryland.gov and click Apply for Service or call 1-888-791-0193 for more information.

Types of Services: Residential placements, medical day programs, supportive employment, job coaches, and other support services.

 

Unified Community Connections Agency

301-663-8700
5736 Industry Lane, Frederick, MD 21704
www.unified.org

Fee Structure: Funded through Developmental Disabilities Assistance (DDA) in collaboration with DORS.

Eligibility Criteria:  Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (disability prior to age 21).

Eligibility Process: Must apply for and be determined eligible for services by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

Types of Services: Adult day habilitation for pre-vocational skills, assistive technology evaluations, medical adult day care, transportation to their site for services, residential services and supports, supported employment, respite care, and transitioning youth services.

 

The Scott Key Center

301-600-1600
1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick, MD 21702
http://www.scottkeycenter.org/

Fee Structure: Through government funding.

Eligibility Criteria: Must be a Frederick County resident with a disability age 21 and over.  Prospective participants would need to go through the Developmental Disabilities Administration for funding.

Eligibility Process: Start with a Developmental Disabilities Administration application found at dda.dhmh.maryland.gov

Types of Services: Day habilitation, supported employment, vocational services, individual support services, individual job placements, job development, and transportation.
 

Adult Basic Education, Frederick Community College

240-629-7962
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
https://www.frederick.edu/workforce-continuing-education/ce/adult-ed.aspx

Fee Structure: Varies depending on program, many are free.

Eligibility Criteria: Maryland resident who is age 16 and over and officially withdrawn from school and either does not have a high school diploma or GED, or whose native language is other than English for ESL.

Eligibility Process: Call to make a reservation to attend an orientation for testing and placement.

Types of Services: GED classes, English as a Second Language and Family Literacy classes, External Degree program to earn a high school diploma, and Adult Basic Education classes. Orientations are held during day and evening hours at various community locations including the FCC main campus, FCC Monroe Center, and Frederick County Workforce Services-Business and Employment Center at 5340-A Spectrum Drive.

 

The Freedom Center

301-846-7811
550 Highland Street, Suite 510, Frederick, MD 21701
https://thefreedomcenter-md.org

Fee Structure: Varies

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Process: For more information, call the office directly at 301846-7811, or submit the online contact form.

Types of Services: Individual and systems advocacy, information and referrals, peer counseling, individual living skills training, transition services, assistive technology lending library.
 

 

Optimal Health Care, Inc.

240-578-4704
174 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
http://ohc-inc.com

Fee Structure: Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families

Eligibility Process: Complete the DDA eligibility application and select Optimal as       your CCS provider.  https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Types of Services: Case management and youth transition services.
 

 

Sheppard Pratt

240-409-5994 
Multiple facilities and locations 
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-services/developmental-disability-services/

Fee Structure: Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Various service programs including mental health services.

Eligibility Process: Call 240-409-5994 or submit the online contact form.

Types of Services: Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment, residential, community supports, mental health services, etc.

 

Transportation Information For Persons With Disabilities

Meet the DAS Staff

Megan Henry
Megan Henry, M.S
[email protected]
Directory of Disability Access Service
Annapolis Hall (A-105D)
Phone: 240.629.7819
Fax: 301.624.2778

Heather Hinkle
Heather Hinkle
[email protected]
Assistant Director, Disability Access Services
Annapolis Hall Room 105)
Phone: 301-846-2409
Fax: 301.624.2778


Traci Lowery, CI/CT
[email protected]
Coordinator, Interpreting Services
Annapolis Hall (A-105E)
Phone: 301-846-2476 (Voice)
240-578-0844 (Text)
[email protected] (Email)
Fax: 301.624.2778

Ian Astheimer
Ian Astheimer
[email protected]
Administrative Specialist
Annapolis Hall Room 105
Phone: 301-846-2408
Fax: 301.624.2778

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Contact Information

Frederick Community College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and strictly prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment.

All members of the College community are expected to abide by this non-discrimination policy and to comply with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, (ADEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA), and amendments.

Contact Us
Annapolis Hall (A-105)
Phone: 301.846.2408 (Voice)
Email: [email protected]
 
Service Hours

Service Hours
Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Later evening hours are available on Mondays by appointment.

This includes continued virtual services with all appointments scheduled in advance. Drop-in assistance is available for on-campus questions. Please email [email protected] or call 301.846.2408 to set up an appointment.

 *Students can request interpreting services in the evening by emailing [email protected].


 

Related Links
Testing Center
Learning Centers & Tutoring Services
Counseling & Wellness Services
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Financial Aid
Office of Student Leadership & Engagement