Accommodations Policy

 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy on Accommodations is to ensure that Hudson County Community College (“College”) provides equal access to employment and educational opportunities, programs, services, and facilities for individuals with disabilities or different learning and working abilities. These students, employees, and members of the public, who are beneficiaries of the college's programs and services, are essential members of the diverse culture on our campus. The College is committed to providing these individuals with an inclusive educational experience.

POLICY

The College and its Board of Trustees (“Board”) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The College is committed to providing equal access to employment and educational opportunities, programs, services and facilities for individuals with disabilities and different learning and working abilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504); the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability; and other applicable rules and regulations as may be amended from time to time.

The College recognizes that some individuals, including individuals with disabilities as defined by the applicable laws, may need reasonable accommodations to participate in or benefit from its educational programs, services, and activities, and to have equal employment opportunities.

The College will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the applicable laws to enable qualified employees, students, and members of the public to participate fully in the campus community. Employees, students, and members of the public with disabilities who are seeking accommodations should notify the Office of Accessibility Services of any accommodation requests and supply all required supporting documentation.  

The Board delegates to the President the responsibility to develop procedures and guidelines for the implementation of this policy. The Office of Accessibility Services will ensure compliance with this policy in all matters.

 

Procedures

Employee Process for Requesting Accommodations Procedure

Step 1

Complete the Employee Accommodation Request Form.

Step 2

Gather the appropriate medical documentation. Have your medical provider complete the Employee Medical Inquiry Form.

Step 3

Schedule an appointment with the Director of Accessibility Services to discuss your accommodation request. The Director of Accessibility Services may need to speak to you supervisor regarding the essential functions of your position. 

Step 4

The Director of Accessibility Services will respond to the employee in writing about the request for reasonable accommodations within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the supporting documentation and information set forth in this procedure.

Accessibility Services (AS) Employees Appeal Procedure

The College has implemented this internal appeal procedure for employees with disabilities who have followed the proper procedures for requesting accommodations in a timely manner but believe that they have not been granted appropriate or denied reasonable accommodations, or believe that approved accommodations have not been effectively implemented.

The College will attempt, when practical, to first resolve all appeals through its informal process as outlined below. If this does not resolve the issue, the formal process will then be utilized to issue a decision following an investigation.

The AS appeal procedure does not supersede or replace other College policies and procedures.

The College prohibits any retaliation against individuals for filing an appeal or grievance.

Informal Process

      1. An employee may request that their accommodation request denial or implementation be reviewed and reconsidered by the AS Office.
      2. The appeal should be submitted in writing (see Appeal Form for guidance regarding needed information) to the AS Director, and should be done so as soon as possible after the denial or event serving as the basis for the appeal, in order to ensure a prompt and impartial review into the matter.
      3. The AS Director will review the request and any related documentation, and meet with the employee to discuss the appeal.
      4. The AS Director will respond to the employee in writing with their decision on the matter within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request.
      5. If the employee is satisfied with the outcome of this process, the appeal will be considered resolved.  

Formal Process

      1. An employee who is not satisfied with the outcome of the Informal Process (above) may file a formal appeal. The appeal must be submitted on the Appeal Form to the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Again, the appeal should be filed as soon as possible after the decision/event that serves as the basis for the appeal.
      2. The CDO will review the appeal, any related documentation, consult with relevant parties, and meet with the employee.
      3. The decision by the CDO will be in writing to the employee and delivered within thirty (30) days of the submission of the appeal. The decision of the Chief Diversity Officer is final.

Accessibility Services (AS) Students Appeal Procedure

The College has implemented this internal appeal procedure for students with disabilities who have followed the proper procedures for requesting accommodations in a timely manner, but believe that they have not been granted appropriate or denied reasonable accommodations, or believe that approved accommodations have not been effectively implemented.

The College will attempt, when practical, to first resolve all appeals through its informal process as outlined below. If this does not resolve the issue, the formal process will then be utilized to issue a decision following an investigation.

The AS appeal procedure does not supersede or replace other College policies and procedures (grade appeal, etc.)

The College prohibits any retaliation against individuals for filing an appeal or grievance.

Informal Process

      1. A student may request that their accommodation request denial or implementation be reviewed and reconsidered by the AS Office.
      2. The appeal should be submitted in writing (see Appeal Form for guidance regarding needed information) to the AS Director, and should be done so as soon as possible after the denial or event serving as the basis for the appeal, in order to ensure a prompt and impartial review into the matter.
      3. The AS Director will review the request and any related documentation, and meet with the student to discuss the appeal.
      4. The AS Director will respond to the student in writing with their decision on the matter within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request.
      5. If the student is satisfied with the outcome of this process, the appeal will be considered resolved. 

Formal Process

      1. A student who is not satisfied with the outcome of the informal appeal process (above) may file a formal appeal. The appeal must be submitted on the Appeal Form to the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). The appeal should be filed as soon as possible after the decision/event that serves as the basis for the appeal.
      2. The Chief Diversity Officer will review the appeal, any related documentation, consult with any relevant parties, and meet with the student.
      3. The decision by the CDO will be in writing to the student and delivered within thirty (30) days of the submission of the appeal. The decision of the Chief Diversity Officer is final.

Approved: May 2021; February 2023
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Category: Accessibility Services
Subcategory: Accommodations
Responsible Office(s): Accessibility Services
Scheduled for review: February 2026

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