In order to be eligible for accommodations and/or auxiliary services through OSS students must:

  • Have completed the admission process to Bergen Community College.
  • Have and submit current and appropriate documentation of such disability from a properly credentialed professional.
  • Have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activity, that includes but is not limited to walking, talking, learning.

 

Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD)

Students with Attention Deficit Disorder are required to submit current (which is no more than five (5) years old) documentation that substantiates a diagnosis of AD/HD. Documentation should include evidence of impairment, relevant testing information and a summary which includes recommended academic supports.

Hearing Loss

Students with a hearing loss are required to present an audiogram which is no more than five (5) years old and a comprehensive evaluation that includes the following:

  • Type and severity of the hearing loss
  • Specific functional limitations in an educational setting related to the hearing loss and how the hearing loss may affect class participation
  • Suggestions of reasonable accommodations that might be appropriate at the post secondary level

 

Learning Disability

Students with a learning disability are required to provide a current (which is no more than five (5) years old) comprehensive psychological and education evaluation. Testing should be comprehensive and include current measures of aptitude (e.g. WAIS-R), achievement (e.g. current levels of functioning in reading, math and written language), and information processing. A qualified profession must conduct the evaluation.

Physical / Medical Disabilities

Students with physical or medical disabilities are required to present current (which is no more than five (5) years old) documentation from physicians or medical specialists with an expertise in the area for which accommodations are being requested. Documentation should include a clear statement of the diagnosis, the impact the disability has on the student’s ability to function in an academic setting and any recommended accommodations or supports that will be needed.

Psychological Disability

Students with a psychological disability are required to submit current (within past 6 months) documentation by a licensed mental health professional that includes a clear statement of the disability, including the DSM-IV or DSM-V diagnosis, summary of present symptoms and how they impact a person’s ability to learn in an educational setting and recommended academic accommodations. Any information relating to medications prescribed and their impact on the student’s ability to meet academic requirements should also be provided.

Visual Impairment

Students with a visual impairment are required to present a current (which is no more than five (5) years old) report or letter from an ophthalmologist of optometrist that includes the following:

  • The specific medical condition which causes the visual impairment
  • The degree of visual acuity, including with corrective lenses
  • The extent of the visual fields
  • Whether the condition is mitigated by corrective lenses or medication