What constitutes a disability?

A disability is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is an example of a major life activity. If you have a mental or physical condition, a history of such a condition, or a condition which may be considered by others as substantially limiting, you may have a legally defined disability.

What does substantially limiting mean?

According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, substantially limiting is defined as being unable to perform a major life activity, or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed, in comparison to the average person or to most people.

What is a major life activity?

According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a major life activity is defined as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

I'm on crutches. Why can't I park in handicapped parking spaces?

Handicapped parking spaces are reserved for individuals who have been certified by a state Department of Motor Vehicles. If you feel that your medical condition warrants this designation, you may apply for a handicapped parking permit by getting an application at your local county courthouse, then taking it to your physician to complete.

What role do my parents play in the process?

Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. In this case, the student is responsible for their own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have an open dialogue with their parents. Parents can be a wonderful source of support.

Who is eligible for support services?

Only enrolled Del Mar College students are eligible for services. Students not yet enrolled may meet with a disability specialist prior to enrollment to explore possible services available following enrollment. Although not accommodations, Special Services supports students with issues and situations related to advocacy, accessibility, and transportation services.

What must students do to request and receive services?

The required steps for students to request and receive services are:

1. Every student requesting services for the first time must meet with a specialist for needs assessment. Appropriate services will be determined based on student input, staff evaluation, and diagnostic/medical information available. 
2. Student must provide recent documentation from a licensed professional describing the disability and recommended accommodations. 

What is acceptable documentation?

Acceptable documentation should reflect the following:

1. Should be current (in most cases, within three to five years) 
2. A specific diagnosis 
3. Medical and educational history related to the disability 
4. Level of severity of the disability 
5. Current medications/treatment 
6. Functional limitations due to the disability 
7. Recommended academic accommodations