Disability Support Services

Identifying Disabilities

Students requesting accommodations must self-disclose their needs and provide documentation that verifies eligibility to the DSS. (Information regarding a student’s disability is not part of the College admissions process.)

Our process allows for counseling and consideration of reasonable accommodations for students with a disability.

All information received will be maintained with confidentiality.

Written documentation is necessary when requesting disability support services. The documentation should be current (i.e., within the past 3–5 years) and clearly identify the student’s disability or health condition and possible academic accommodations. Documentation can include medical reports or psychological evaluations. All documentation must be provided by an evaluator with expertise in the specific area of the disability.

• Have questions about what documentation will best help determine the appropriate accommodations and services? Read our General Medical Documentation Guidelines.
• Documentation needs may vary by disability type and other case-by-case circumstances.
• The requirement for current documentation does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent unchanging nature.
• In the event of questions or concerns about the age, availability or appropriateness of documentation, contact the Disability Support Services office to discuss your specific needs and documentation, as special circumstances may warrant individualized consideration.
• If documentation is lacking, you are given the opportunity to provide the needed information. As a courtesy, the College offers a list of agencies and practitioners qualified to conduct assessments. The College does not endorse any agency or practitioner.
• All documentation the College receives is confidential and is not shared without your written permission.

The College maintains the right to make the final decisions in regard to reasonable accommodations/learning strategies.

Students should use the following steps to access services in the most timely and efficient manner possible:

We recommend students first complete all other necessary steps needed for enrollment; admissions, placement assessments, registration, and financial aid are generally more time sensitive. It is important to be aware of the deadlines for each office.

1. You will need to self-disclose your diagnosis and provide documentation that supports eligibility.

Complete an accommodation request using this link to Accommodate:
https://carrollcc-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation

When filling out the form, you will see a place to upload your documentation. You can skip that and submit the form without documentation if you do not have an electronic copy.

All information received by the ADA Office will be maintained with confidentiality. Documentation can be uploaded to Accommodate (preferred), emailed, mailed, faxed, or dropped off in person (A101/Admissions).

When DSS has received and reviewed your intake form, you will be contacted via your Carroll student email to schedule an appointment.

2. Once you have completed these steps, a scheduled intake meeting with a DSS Office staff must occur.

Meetings will typically be scheduled through the Accommodate system or by appointment. This meeting can be done in-person or virtually through Microsoft Teams and is scheduled through the Accommodate system.

During the meeting we jointly discuss:

• The disability and its impact
• Review and establish specific accommodations
• Rights and responsibilities
• Additional services and possible support plans
• Answer any questions you may have

At the end of the intake, specific accommodations will be identified, and we review how those are requested and provided each semester.

3. Complete Your Semester Request

Our office will then send out accommodation memos directly to your instructor. You will also receive a copy of these.

The accommodation memos only list the accommodations you have the ability to use and will never include any of your personal information.

NOTE: An intake meeting does not need to happen every semester, but students are required to submit a semester request each semester.

Carroll Community College is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Students requesting support services from the Office of ADA/Disability Support Services or seeking general information may contact us directly at any time:

Joe Tatela, Director

JTatela@carrollcc.edu | 410-386-8327

Kiersten Meyers, Assistant Director

(Primary contact for high school students)

KMeyers@carrollcc.edu | 410-386-8329

Jess Hurtt, Outreach Specialist

JHurtt@carrollcc.edu | 410-386-8429

Visit campus: A101

MD Relay: 1-800-735-2258

Fax: 410-386-8428 (may be delayed)

Email: disabilitysupport@carrollcc.edu

Website: www.carrollcc.edu/disabilitysupport

Accommodations need to be requested EACH semester (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). Here’s how!

1. Log into the Lynx Student Portal and click the “Accommodate” tile. Or use the student Accommodate link.
2. Click on “Accommodation” on the left-hand side and then on “Semester Request”
3. Select Accommodation
4. Select Semester Request
5. Select Add new
6. Select the semester (example: 2025/FA)
7. Select Submit for all OR select “Review” to choose individual courses you want to use accommodations

It is important that you create only one semester request at a time. For example: If you are taking a Winter and Spring course, please create a Winter request separate from your Spring request.

Important reminder: If you add a new class after submitting a semester request, you will need to submit a new request in order for letters to be sent to your new class/ faculty. For example: You registered for two courses and completed your semester request. You then added another course, changing your schedule to three courses. You will need to complete another request for that course.

If you are unable to complete the online Semester Request, please email disabilitysupport@carrollcc.edu or call 410-386-8429 for help.

More information is coming soon!

Assistance with course registration is available through the Office of ADA Support Services. Students with disabilities are also welcome to use the academic advising services available to all students in the Advising and Transfer Center (A102).

Students with disabilities are eligible to apply for the same types of scholarships and financial aid available to all students. In addition, students with disabilities may be able to obtain assistance through the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Any individual receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is eligible for a tuition waiver and should contact the Cashier’s Office near the front entrance of the Great Hall. For more information, contact 410-386-8040.

Parking is provided for students with physical disabilities in front of the Allied Health/Nursing Building, between the Allied Health/Nursing Building and the Learning Resources Center, and behind the Fine Arts/Business Training Center. Reserved parking spaces are identified using the familiar “handicap parking only” international symbol. View a map of parking available on the campus.

Parking spaces marked for disabled use require a Motor Vehicle Administration-issued disabled license plate or permit.

Temporary permits may be issued by the Facilities Management office (A203) with proper documentation. Permits are good for up to two weeks and cannot be renewed.

If the temporary disability exceeds the two-week period, a permanent or long-term permit must be applied for through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

The Facilities Management office is responsible for the removal or modification of physical barriers throughout the campus. College facilities are regularly examined to ensure accessibility requirements are met. Stairwells in every building are signed “Stair Area of Rescue Assistance, Use for Rescue Assistance During an Emergency.” Students with disabilities are encouraged to become familiar with these locations. Questions or concerns related to building accessibility should be directed to the Facilities Management office at 410-386-8490.

Testing Center hours may vary depending upon the day and semester. Check here for current hours and requirements.

Students are typically required to contact the Testing Center at 410-386-8450 in advance of their test date(s) to schedule appointments for accommodated tests or exams.

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America – Resources for College Students
• Join Carroll’s Chapter of ACTIVE MINDS or contact Disability Support staff for Club information.
• Carroll County Department of Health – Mental Health Resources
• Student Care & Integrity and Student Assistance Program (SAP) Info