Students

Click on a question to go to the response.

1. What is a “Current Documentation” of disability?
2. What are accommodations?
3. What services are not provided?
4. Is there financial aid available?
5. Is there transportation available?
6. What is the procedure for “Emergency Exit” if I am blind or physically disabled?
7. What Adaptive Technology is available?
8. What books on tape or other adaptive equipment is needed for home use?
9. What if my medical condition changes?
10. How do I get a sign language interpreter?
11. Can I meet with a Counselor other than the one I am presently working with?
12. My professor will not let me take my tests in the Office of Testing Services even though I have accommodations, what should I do?
13. Are there any remedial courses specifically for students with disabilities at Bergen Community College?

1. What is a "current documentation" of disability?

We accept one or more of the following types of documentation:

• Medical Documentation: Should indicate your disability, how it impacts your ability to function in college and what academic accommodations are recommended.
• Audiogram (for Deaf or ard of hearing students).
• Snellen Chart (for visually impaired or blind students).
• A letter from your Psychiatrist and Counselor/Therapist. This letter should include:
  • a. Mental Health Professional’s contact information
  • b. DSM-4 Diagnosis
  • c. Brief description of how major life functions may be impacted
  • d. Recommended accommodations in college such as, extended time, preferential seating, notetaking etc.
  • e. Information regarding medications
  • f. A statement that indicates the individual is not a danger to self or others.

Other documentation that may be accepted includes information provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Division for Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Documentation cannot be more than 3 years old

Please send a copy, do not send the original, of your documentation to:

The Office of Specialized Services

400 Paramus Road, Room L-116

Paramus, NJ 07652.

You will receive a letter confirming receipt of your documentation.

Back to Top

2. What are Accommodations?

Accommodations are services that are individually based on each student’s disability and functional limitations. You must come to our office to obtain services, even if taking on-line classes. Services are not put in place automatically like they are in high school.

Accommodations may include use of a tape recorder, interpreters, notetakers, tutors or extra time for tests. Adaptive equipment is available in the library and in L-116.

Please plan early or the individual service you require may not be available.

Back to Top

3. What services are not provided?

Colleges do not provide segregated Special Education. Students with disabilities must meet the same academic standards.

Appropriate behavior is also expected. The presence of a disability does not mean that inappropriate language or conduct is acceptable.

On-going psychiatric treatment is not provided, nor is personal attendant care.

Back to Top

4. Is there financial aid available?

There are many sources of financial aid available, but most require meeting strict application deadlines. Plan early by contacting the Financial Aid Office at (201) 447-7148.

Other sources may include:

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

60 State St. Hackensack, NJ 07601

(201) 996-8970

Developmental Disabilities Council

1-800-792-8858

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Newark, NJ 07101

(973) 648-2512

Back to Top

5. Is there transportation available?

Be Sure To Call Early!!!

Access Link

(973) 491-7000 or (800) 955-2321

For further details, log onto the NJ Transit Access Link

Bergen County Community Transportation

178 Essex St.

Lodi, NJ 07644

(201)-368-5955

Back to Top

6. What is the procedure for “Emergency Exit” if I am blind or physically disabled?

Staff will review the procedure during orientation. There are “Areas of Rescue” on each of the floors, except the Main Floor. There are telephones at each “Area of Rescue” that will link you with our Public Safety Office.

Back to Top

7. What adaptive technology is available?

There is adaptive technology in our dedicated lab in Room L-116, the Library, the Tech Building and other labs and classrooms.

The Adaptive Technology includes JAWS, ZoomText, Kurzweil, and Co:Writer. Please have a set of headphones for personal use.

Back to Top

8. What books on tape or other adaptive equipment is needed for home use?

Check with:

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

Bookshare

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

For adaptive technology at home contact:

Adaptive Technology Center College of New Jersey

609-771-2610

Back to Top

9. What if my medical condition changes?

Please keep the Nurse’s Office informed as to any serious or permanent changes.

If you experience seizures, on-going fevers or infections, have a progressive type of condition, or take several types of medications, please make sure the enclosed medical form describes your situation.

Back to Top

10. How do I get a sign language interpreter?

To request a sign language interpreter, please contact :

Center for Collegiate Deaf Education, located in room L-121B, Pitkin Education Center

or

Send an email to CCDE@bergen.edu

Back to Top

11. Can I meet with a Counselor other than the one I am presently working with?

For academic counseling: you may work with one of two OSS Academic Counselors or you may choose to meet with an Academic Counselor in the Counseling Center.

For accommodations: it is recommended to remain consistent with one Accommodations Specialist.

Back to Top

12. My Professor will not let me take my tests in the Office of Testing Services even though I have accommodations, what should I do?

Contact your Accommodations Specialist immediately if you are having difficulty obtaining your accommodations.

Back to Top

13. Are there remedial courses specifically for students with disabilities at Bergen Community College?

Bergen Community College (BCC) does not offer Special Education courses. BCC does offer developmental courses in Mathematics and English for all students who qualify based on their Accuplacer Placement Test scores.

Back to Top