Application

The following procedures will apply for consideration of requests for auxiliary aids, academic adjustments, or other special services. Students anticipating the need for services should complete the steps below: before May 1 for the fall semester, before Oct. 1 for the spring semester, and before March 1 for the summer session.

Processing times vary depending upon the number of applicants. By providing the Center for Disability Services (CDS) the time and information needed to determine your eligibility and required accommodations, the various academic and service areas will have a reasonable period of time in which to evaluate requests. If a request is submitted after the deadline, the Center for Disability Services will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the request. Late requests may result in delay or substitution of an accommodation for the current semester.

The procedures for application to the Center for Disability Services are as follows:

1. Registration with Center for Disability Services: Make an appointment with a counselor in the Center for Disability Services and provide documentation of your disability and need for accommodations. This information will be kept confidential and only information necessary for the provision of appropriate support services will be released with your student's written permission.
   

2. Application: Complete the Moraine Valley Community College Center for Disability Services application. Forms for release of information will be included. These forms must be completed and returned to the CDS office before services can be provided.
   

3. Review of Documentation: The Center reviews documentation and information received from students former schools and medical professionals. It is in your best interest to make sure that this information is sent to and received by the Center for Disability Services. If documentation is not complete or does not support requested accommodations, you will be directed to acquire additional documentation at your expense.
   

4. The COMPASS Placement Test (Computer-Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System): Required of all full-time students, the COMPASS consists of tests in basic writing, reading, and numerical skills, plus additional tests in either elementary or advanced algebra depending on students high school mathematics background. Part-time students registering for less than 12 credit hours are required to complete the appropriate placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics prior to registering for English composition courses and/or any mathematics course, or they must complete the reading and writing tests after attempting 11 credit hours. Students may use their ACT scores in lieu of a COMPASS test if they score a 20 or above in each category.
    
   The Center for Disability Services strongly recommends that students take the COMPASS test before registering for classes. Its purpose is to identify students' strengths and needs in order to determine if developmental coursework is necessary in one or more areas. Students will not do well in college if their reading, writing, and math skills are not at a college level. Students needing assistance with the COMPASS tests need to make an appointment through the CDS office.
   

5. Psychological Assessment: The CDS can provide services to individuals that have documentation. If a student does not have current documentation or suspects a learning disability, the educational diagnostician can administer the Woodcock Johnson III for a fee.
   

6. Documentation Analysis: The educational diagnostician, Center for Disability Services director and instructional coordinator analyze your documentation, school reports, appropriate medical information, and other pertinent data to determine your eligibility, needed services and auxiliary aids.
   

7. Faculty Notification: After written permission is obtained, your instructors will be notified of the services and auxiliary aids you are eligible for by the Learning Development Support Services instructional coordinator or the Center. Proper adherence to timelines is crucial as many academic departments require additional time to prepare in order to support students appropriately.