Admissions and Disability Documentation

Students with a disability must meet the same admissions criteria as other students. In addition, students with a disability must also submit official documentation that is no more than three (3) years old verifying their disability.

Official documentation may include a comprehensive psychological or neurological report, vocational rehabilitation documentation, or medical records. The type of documentation required will vary according to the student’s disability and will be determined during the intake interview.

Academic Plan

Using the disability assessment information, career interest inventories, placement test results, and the intake interview, the Disability Services counselor and the student will plan academic goals and determine the necessary accommodations.

It is recommended that students interested in requesting accommodations meet with the counselor to discuss their educational/vocational goals. These goals would include: the support services needed by the students based on the specific disability, the student’s responsibilities and obligations, the College’s commitment, course sequence, accommodations, course substitutions, etc.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking areas are available at all CPCC campuses. Information about accessible parking locations is available from Campus Security and the Disability Services Office. Students with a disability must display a disabled parking placard when using these spaces. A placard may be obtained from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Campus Visit

Any student with a disability who is interested in attending CPCC, and specifically, students with physical, hearing, and visual disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Services Office at the Central Campus to arrange a campus tour prior to admission and class registration.

At that time, students may investigate accommodations such as assistive technology, mobility training, academic support services, and classrooms locations.

Full-Time Academic Status

Based on the nature of the disability, a student may not be able to take a full course load of 12 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters or 9 credit hours in the summer semester.

The Disability Services counselor will recommend a full course load for students with disabilities based on the following: 1) the nature of the disability; 2) the course design, 3) the demands of the course; 4) the time the student requires to complete certain academic tasks; 5) the nature and the effects of medication the student may be taking; and 6) the stability of the disability.

Reasonable Accommodations

To receive timely and appropriate accommodations, students should contact the Disability Services Office at least six (6) weeks prior to enrollment. Students must maintain contact with their Disability Services counselor throughout each semester. At all times, students are encouraged to discuss their accommodation needs with each instructor.

Unidentified Disabilities

Students may have academic difficulties or may be unaware of hidden disabilities. Students who continue to experience academic problems may come to the Disability Services Office for consultation. Faculty or staff may also refer students.

The Disability Services Office will discuss student concerns confidentially and make referrals to the appropriate community resources for assessment, diagnosis, and documentation. The Disability Services Office does not conduct disability evaluations.