Access & Disability Resources
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Access & Disability Resources
Access & Disability Resources
(ADR) is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal, effective,
and meaningful access to all academic programs, community events, goods, and services
provided by the college in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Students with disabilities seeking services and/or accommodations will need to register
with ADR. Registration includes completing the ADR Intake and Request for Accommodations
form (see dialog box below), submitting relevant and current disability documentation
and participating in an Intake meeting with an ADR staff member.
Alternate Format
If you need assistance accessing any of the content from this site, please email
adr@massasoit.mass.edu
or call 508-588-9100 x1807
Beginning in Spring 2025, ADR will be using a secure online platform called
Accommodate
to manage the registration and accommodation process. Accommodate will allow students
to: view and upload documentation, request accommodations for the semester, book appointments
to meet with ADR staff, book testing room appointments and receive news and reminders
To register with Access & Disability Resources please complete the
ADR Intake and Request for Accommodations
form. You will need your Massasoit ID and Massasoit email to complete the registration
form. Although not required, you are encouraged to upload qualifying documentation
at the time you complete the ADR Intake and Request for Accommodations form. However,
you will be able to upload documentation at a later point in the registration process
if your documentation isn’t immediately available. Please note you may be asked to
provide additional documentation at a later point. Please review the Documentation
Guidelines in the dialog box below.
Returning Students: How to Request an Updated Accommodation Letter
Access the Accommodate platform at
OR
log onto the student portal (My.Massasoit), Locate the Access & Disability Resources
(ADR) card, Under
Returning Students Continuing ADR Services
click on Login to Accommodate
Click on "Accommodation" on the left side menu and select "Semester Request"
To request accommodations for the current semester (Fall 2025), click the "Add New"
button.
Use the drop-down menu and select the current semester. You will see your class schedule
appear.
You can choose between:
Submit for all Accommodations" if you want your Accommodation Letter to list all your
approved accommodations for all of your courses.
OR
"Review The Renewal" which allows you to select which accommodations you want to send
to which professors. If you select to "Review the Renewal", use check marks to select
the courses that you want the accommodations to be sent or use the "Remove Accommodation"
button if you do not want an accommodation to be sent. Then Click "Submit".
You will receive a "Semester Request Received - Under Review" email.
Access & Disability Resources will review your Semester Request and once approved,
your Accommodation Letters will be available to you and your professors on the Accommodate
platform. While the Accommodation Letter is sent automatically,
you are still responsible for checking in with your professors about your accommodations
To review your Accommodation Letter, access the Accommodate platform or go to your
My.Massasoit portal, access the ADR card and click on Login to Accommodate.
On the left-hand side click on Accommodation, then click on Letter.
Scheduling testing appointments with ADR is now done through the ACCOMMODATE platform.
Students taking courses at the Brockton and Canton campuses will need to follow the
instructions below. Students requesting testing accommodations at the Middleboro campus
will need to reach out to ADR (
adr@massasoit.mass.edu
) with exam details. You must be approved for testing accommodations to book a testing
appointment with ADR. Requests need to be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Log into the student MyMassasoit Portal
Locate the Access & Disability Resources card
Under Returning Students Continuing ADR Services
Login to Accommodate
Click on the "Testing Room" tab located on the left side of the screen.
Click on "New Booking Request" at the bottom of the page.
In box #1, Select the course that you have a quiz, test or exam in from the Course
drop down menu.
If the amount of scheduled test time is different from the full length of the class
(for example a 20 min quiz during a 50 min class) select “Add Optional Filters” and
select “yes” and then choose the amount of time the class is allowed for the quiz,
test or exam. Accommodate will then apply the extended time that you are approved
for in the request that comes to ADR.
If you are scheduling for a final exam select “Add Optional Filters” and select “yes”
indicating it is a final exam. Accommodate will apply the amount of extended time
you are approved for in the request that comes to ADR.
Select “Next Step”
In box #2, Select the date of exam. The quiz, test or exam must be scheduled, 48 hours
in advance, for the same day and time as the rest of the class unless you have prior
approval from the professor.
In box # 3, Select a Space (the campus) where you attend class, Brockton or Canton.
The “Confirm Exam Booking” pop-up will show. Confirm all details of your submission
are correct before submitting. Select Submit Request to send your quiz, test or exam
request to ADR for pending approval.
Why is ADR requesting documentation?
Academic accommodations and services will be determined through an interactive process
(between the student and ADR staff) which includes a discussion regarding disability
history, prior use of accommodations and the impact of the disability in the educational
environment. Documentation can be used to help verify a disability.
Documentation that can be submitted for review.
Diagnostic testing such as Neuropsychological Evaluations, Educational Assessments
or Psychological Evaluations
Provider Disability Verification letter from a physician/health care provider or mental
health care practitioner. See Guidelines below.
Veteran’s Affairs Disability Rating letter
Disability Verification Form
Can be used if you do not have documentation of your disability and your physician,
healthcare provider or mental health practitioner prefers to fill out a form rather
then write the Disability Verification Letter
« IEPs and 504 Plans are not typically considered sufficient documentation but can
be provided as supplemental documentation.
Provider disability verification letter guidelines
The disability verification letter should address the following:
Diagnosis and/or DSM code and method to determine diagnosis.
Date of the initial diagnosis (if available).
Date of the most recent appointment.
The severity of the disability and its impact on the student (low, med, high).
The impact of the diagnosis on the student in the academic setting
The frequency, duration and progression of symptoms.
Include suggested accommodations.
Include Professional’s credentials and signature
Written on the practice’s letterhead
The disability verification letter can be given to the student to deliver to ADR or
uploaded to
documentation
Students may have one or more of the following disabilities, conditions or impairments
(this list is not exhaustive): learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder,
psychiatric disorders, physical or mobility impairments, chronic health conditions,
deafness or hearing loss, blindness or low vision, traumatic brain injury, service
related disabilities, or a temporary disabling condition that may require temporary
accommodations.
Disability documentation is maintained in secure electronic files with access limited
to ADR staff. Diagnostic information does not become part of the student’s academic
transcript. Faculty will not be informed of a student’s diagnosis, but will need to
receive an Accommodation Letter informing faculty of the student’s approved accommodations.
ADR staff are considered mandated reporters which means that explicit information
shared with ADR about sexual assault or recent suicide attempts or plans, requires
us to help connect students with confidential resources. If students would rather
not disclose to ADR staff, they can share diagnoses, symptoms and impact without sharing
explicit details of the event or events.
Newly admitted students may be required to take placement tests to determine suitable
Math and English courses and/or satisfy prerequisites for classes. Testing accommodations
for placement tests are available through ADR for students with a documented disability.
Testing with accommodations is by
appointment only
and needs to be scheduled directly with ADR; appointment times will vary by campus,
proctor availability, accommodations being requested and department obligations.
Placement tests for Math and Reading are untimed for all students, only the writing
portion is timed.
In order to receive accommodations for placement testing, students will need to be
registered with ADR (see Register with ADR dialog box above)
On the day of the placement testing, students will be asked to show a photo ID to
verify their identification.
ADR does not offer diagnostic testing, coaching (social or academic), personal care
assistance, transportation assistance, or modification of curriculum.
Access & Disability Resources is the office on campus that is responsible for providing
services and accommodations for eligible students with disabilities under ADA and
Section 504 legislation. However, separate from ADR, the TRIO SSS cohort program is
available to students with disabilities.
TRIO Student Support
Services (TRIO SSS)
supports students who are a) first generation, b) low-income, and/or c) have a documented
disability. The free services available to all TRIO participants at Massasoit Community
College include: 1-on-1 Academic Advising, Transfer Counseling, Four-year College
Visits & Tours, Financial Aid Counseling, Grant Aid Scholarships (for eligible students),
Educational Seminars & Workshops, Individualized Assessment and Evaluation (financial,
educational and career exploration), Peer Mentoring & Leadership, Cultural Events
& Activities and Referral Services.
Access & Disability Resources has a variety of assistive technologies available to
assist you in accessing your testing material during a testing appointment. In addition,
some technologies can be loaned out for the semester (if the student is registered
with ADR). JAWS Fusion is available in ADR, in both Canton and Brockton libraries
and in the Student Success lounge in the B building on the Brockton campus. Please
meet with a disability counselor to learn more about how assistive technology may
be helpful to you and what assistive technology is available for free on a variety
of apps and personal devices.
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Voice recognition computer software that types as you talk. A great resource for students
with dysgraphia, spelling, upper extremity injuries, upper extremity mobility challenges
and/or typing issues. The more you use Dragon Naturally Speaking the more familiar
it gets with your individual voice, vocabulary and speech. It does take practice for
it to become truly useful.
Kurzweil 3000
This software program scans written material and reads it out loud. It can assist
with writing organization and will typically benefit students with reading and/or
attention issues.
JAWS Fusion (JAWS and ZoomText)
JAWS is a screen reader software designed for students who are blind or have limited
vision. ZoomText Magnifier/Reader is a fully integrated magnification and reading
program tailored for low-vision users.
GLEAN
Note taking software- with transcription
Braille Printer
Specialized printer that prints documents in Braille
Live Scribe Smart Pens
Pens with the capacity to record lectures. Designed to assist students taking their
own notes. Pens and their specialized note books are available to loan for the semester.
Individual Assistive Listening Devices (by Phonak)
Microphones and receivers are used to amplify sound.
My Reader Closed Circuit TV
Magnification system for printed materials.
Massasoit is committed to access, whether it be physical or print access, however,
if you happen to experience a barrier to a physical space, printed material or attitudinal,
we want to know about it so that we can respond to the person who encountered the
barrier. Students, staff and visitors to the campus (in person or remotely) are encouraged
to complete the
Report an Access Concern form .
Adjustment Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Hearing Loss
Mobility Impairment
Neurological Disorder
PTSD
Sleep Disorder
Substance Abuse Disorder
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment
Massasoit Community College’s Access and Disability Resources (ADR) office provides
academic accommodations for veteran students who have a disability as a result of
their service. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, extended time
for testing, testing in a reduced distraction area, peer note taking, priority seating
and availability to take short breaks. Individual accommodations are determined at
the time of intake.
If you are interested in learning more about ADR services and how academic accommodations
may mitigate some of the challenges you experience as a veteran with a service connected
disability please contact ADR at 508-588-9100 x1807 or email
adr@massasoit.mass.edu
NOTE:
Diagnostic information will be needed in order to complete the intake and to identify
appropriate accommodations, however, diagnostic information or specific diagnosis
WILL NOT be shared with faculty.
Massasoit is committed to providing students with disabilities equal, effective and
meaningful access to all academic programs, community events, goods, and services
in compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For more information,
please see the
Affirmative Action Policy
. The student can also choose to go directly to the
Office of Civil Rights
to file a grievance with the U.S. Department of Education at OCR Complaint.
If a student is requesting a change to their accommodation(s) we ask that the student
meet with a staff of ADR. A change to accommodations can be based on a change in diagnosis,
increase in symptoms, or another change the student believes necessitates a review
of their accommodations. A staff member from ADR will meet with the student as part
of the interactive process and obtain any additional relevant information necessary
to make an informed determination. If the ADR staff is unsure if the requested accommodation
is reasonable, the student will be asked to fill out the
Request to Adjust Approved Accommodation
form. ADR staff will then meet as a team to discuss the requested accommodation(s),
the basis of the student’s request and potential for equitable alternative accommodations.
If the requested accommodation adjustment is approved, ADR will provide an updated
Accommodation Letter to the student. The updated accommodations will become effective
as soon as the updated letter is shared with the student’s faculty.
If a student has requested an accommodation and the accommodation is denied by the
ADR team, the student has the right to appeal the decision. Students that believe
an unfair determination was made can complete the
Accommodation Appeal
form. The student will need to meet with the Director of Academic Support Services
to discuss their case. The Director will review the determination made by the ADR
team, review the appeal form and then meet with the student to review the basis of
their appeal. The Director will review all elements of the appeal and then issue a
decision in writing to the student.
ADR Procedures
Disability Discrimination Complaint Process
Massasoit Community College and Access & Disability Resources is committed to ensuring
that students with disabilities have equal, effective, and meaningful access to all
academic programs, community events, goods, and services provided by the college in
compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Students are encouraged to meet with ADR staff to discuss concerns regarding disability
discrimination and to work together to find a resolution to the expressed concern.
However, the disability discrimination complaint process takes place outside the operations
of the ADR office. If the student is dis-satisfied with the resolution suggested by
ADR, or decides to by-pass ADR, they may choose to file a disability discrimination
complaint. For more information, please see
Affirmative Action Policy
on the Massasoit website. The student may also choose to go directly to the
Office of Civil Rights
to file a grievance with the U.S. Department of Education at OCR Complaint.
Accommodation Appeal Process
Massasoit Community College and Access & Disability Resources is committed to ensuring
that students with disabilities have equal, effective, and meaningful access to all
academic programs, community events, goods, and services provided by the college in
compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If a student has requested an accommodation and the accommodation request has been
reviewed and denied by the ADR team, the student has the right to appeal the decision.
Students that believe an unfair determination was made can complete the
Accommodation Appeal
form. Once the form gets submitted, the student will need to meet with the Director
of Academic Support Services to discuss their case. The Director will review the determination
made by the ADR team, review the appeal form and then meet with the student to review
the basis of their appeal. The Director will review all elements of the appeal and
then issue a decision in writing to the student.
Request to Adjust Approved Accommodations
Access and Disability Resources (ADR) is the office responsible for determining reasonable
accommodations for eligible students. Students are deemed eligible for accommodations
based on a review of current documentation, student interview, and history of accommodation
use. Specific accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis with consideration
given to the correlation between the student’s requested accommodation and the functional
limitations experienced because of the disability. In addition, accommodations must
not substantially alter the educational program, intent, process, or be an administrative
burden for College personnel to execute. Requests for accommodations must be submitted
in a timely manner and cannot be enacted retroactively. However, students may find
that changes to their accommodations may be necessary at some point during their education
at Massasoit.
Students are always welcome to meet with ADR staff to discuss a request for an adjustment
to the accommodations they were initially approved for. A change to accommodations
can be based on a new diagnosis, increase in symptoms, or another change the student
believes necessitates a review of their accommodations. A staff member from ADR will
meet with the student as part of the interactive process and obtain any additional
relevant information necessary to make an informed determination. If the ADR staff
is unsure if the requested accommodation is reasonable, the staff will ask that the
student fill out the
Request to Adjust Approved Accommodation
form. Once the form is submitted the ADR will meet as a team to discuss the requested
accommodation(s), the basis of the student’s request and potential for equitable alternative
accommodations. A team determination will then be made. If the requested adjustment
is approved, ADR will provide an updated Accommodation Letter to the student. The
updated accommodation(s) will become effective as soon as the updated letter is shared
with the student’s faculty.
If the student is dis-satisfied with the determination made by the ADR team, the student
may appeal the determination and initiate completing the
Accommodation Appeal
process.
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