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Student Rights
The differences between K- 12 and higher education
Student rights and responsibilities
Participation by students with disabilities in DSS is entirely voluntary. Students receiving services and/or instruction through the DSS office shall follow DVC procedures.
Accommodation disputes
The college has adopted a policy and set of procedures specifically for handling accommodation disputes. The following section gives information on the procedure to follow if you have a complaint.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
The following discussion highlights Section 504 as it pertains to the academic and program aspects of community colleges. The discussion is not inclusive of all aspects of Section 504 or even of all those relating to post-secondary institutions. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in recruitment, admission and treatment after admission. It mandates all recipients of federal funding to make adjustments and accommodations in their programs and activities in order to provide qualified individuals with disabilities with opportunities equal to those enjoyed by qualified individuals without disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) extends federal civil rights protection in several areas to people who are considered disabled to be considered disabled under the ADA, a person must have a condition that impairs a major life activity or a history of such a condition or be regarded as having such a condition. A disabled person must be qualified for the job, program or activity to which s/he seeks access. That means the person must be able to perform the essential functions of the job or meet the essential eligibility requirements of the program or benefit, with or without an reasonable accommodation to his or her condition.
Comparison of IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA
The ADA information can also be found in the DVC Library.