Understanding how accommodations work as you transition from high school to college is important. Upon your arrival at PLNU, here’s what you can expect regarding your accommodations:
Will I get the same accommodations as high school?
PLNU strives to promote access for students with disabilities with goals similar to those of a high school accommodation plan. While accommodations still exist in college, the process for obtaining them is different. One difference in the process is the EAC’s emphasis on student self-advocacy.
In high school, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the school to identify disabilities and create Individualized Education Plans (IEP). In college, students are responsible for identifying and understanding their disabilities and requesting accommodations under the Disabilities Act (ADAAA) and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The EAC serves as a liaison between student and professor after the student becomes registered, but all steps to obtaining accommodations are student-initiated. The EAC determines eligibility for accommodations based on diagnostic documentation provided. Occasionally, high school plans will include accommodations that are not able to be met in college settings or have different policies than their previous institution did.
What is the Law?
High School: The applicable law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA.
College: The applicable law is the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended or the ADAAA and Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Receiving Services at PLNU
Where do I go for services?
The Educational Access Center (EAC) supports students needing accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting accommodations in academic and non-academic settings should contact the office for eligibility and planning purposes. The process for requesting accommodations is listed on the EAC website and accommodations are determined on an individual basis.
When should I request services?
Students should request accommodations when they have committed and deposited with PLNU. Once the student has a PLNU Gmail/Workday account, they may formally begin the accommodation process. The student must take the lead in corresponding with the EAC regarding their accommodations. Once the student has submitted their request for accommodations, a staff member of the EAC will meet with the student to construct a written accommodation plan. Accommodations can be updated at any time.
The EAC also provides short-term accommodations on a case-by-case basis. In these cases, the student should promptly contact the EAC about their temporary disability.
What services and accommodations are available to me at PLNU?
Sample Accommodations for Students Registered with the EAC
*This is a sample list of previously provided accommodations to assist with planning; however, it is not a comprehensive list as new technologies emerge every year. All approved accommodations are determined on an individual basis during the AP meeting with an EAC staff member.
- Adaptive PE course
- Alt. Media (AM)
- Audiobooks or screen reader
- Chapel modality change
- Dining
- Freshman vehicle pass
- Housing
- Emotional support animal (ESA)
- Room close to a bathroom
- Movement breaks
- Note taking software
- Preferential seating
- Testing accommodations
- Recording lectures (includes transcript for notes)
- Response format (print/type/verbal)
Peer Mentor Program at PLNU
EAC students can request an academic and/or social mentor. All peer mentors are trained to help students navigate their disability in the university setting.
Delta Alpha Pi
“Delta Alpha Pi Club & Honors Society at PLNU presents an opportunity to recognize and support high achieving students with disabilities. They strive to advocate for this community, spread positive awareness, and have some fun! We welcome all students who are a part of the EAC or passionate about the community.”
IDS2070: Self-Advocacy in Higher Education
This course is designed to allow students to evaluate campus and personal access issues in light of historical and current laws, available resources, and preferences. The class meets weekly for instructor and student-facilitated discussions and demonstrations with the goal of resourcing students well for success at PLNU. The course is a one-unit quad course and is available to all students.