Accommodations & Alternative Testing
The American with Disabilities Act requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship.
An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, expensive, substantially disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program.
Reasonable accommodation is provision of an auxiliary aid, or modification to the course or program that will allow access to the educational program, material, activity, or degree. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Making existing facilities readily accessible to, and usable by, persons with disabilities
- Flexible time lines for program completion
- Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices
- Appropriate adjustments or modification of examinations or policies
- Provision of qualified readers, note takers, and/or sign language interpreters
- Provision of alternate print formats
NOTE: Personal care attendants are not considered a reasonable accommodation.
The Center for Access and Assistive Technology works on a case-by-case basis in the funding and provisions for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
How to Request Accommodations
First-Time Student Registration
To best facilitate services, students should register with the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at least three weeks before the start of the semester of his/her need for accommodations. Students requiring special adaptive computer software or equipment are encouraged to contact the center at least six weeks before the semester begins.
Current/Returning Students
Students should renew their accommodations, schedule appointments and reserve seats for alternative testing on the CAAT portal.
NOTE: Appointment requests are reviewed, or approved, during regular business hours.
Students registered with the CAAT and approved for test accommodations should use the CAAT Portal to request accommodations for taking their class quizzes, tests and exams in the Center for Access and Assistive Technology. Office hours during the academic year are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appropriate testing accommodations will be available to evening and weekend students by appointment.
Employees
Employees with disabilities who need to request reasonable accommodations, should contact DeAnne Martocci at d.martocci@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-8104.
Visitors
Visitors to campus with a disability requiring reasonable accommodations, should contact the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at caat@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7154.
Resolving Conflicts
Individuals looking to resolve any conflicts related to reasonable accommodations, should review the Resolving Conflicts section of the college's ADA/Section 504 Compliance Statement.
Get in Touch
Center for Access and Assistive Technology
TDD: (518) 629-7596
Fax: (518) 629-4831
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.