Student Accessibility Services

Welcome to Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Student Accessibility Services! We’re glad you’re here.

Meet our ADA coordinator, Taylor Mathias

Taylor is a native of Ridgeland, South Carolina and serves as our ADA and Career Services Coordinator. Before joining the Student Services team at TCL, she spent seven years working in K–12 education here in the Lowcountry. She earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Beaufort and holds her M.Ed. in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Taylor is dedicated to working alongside students, faculty, and staff to help create a welcoming campus where everyone can reach their potential. When she is not on campus, Taylor enjoy spending time with her friends and family.

Assistance on Your Path to Success

The Student Accessibility Services office at TCL is committed to partnering with students, faculty, and staff to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible learning environment. Through collaborative engagement, support, and services, we promote equitable access while upholding academic standards. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals by ensuring success is attainable for all.

What is a Disability?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is a physical or mental condition that significantly affects one or more major life activities. Disabilities may be short‑term or long‑term.

Any student enrolled at TCL who has a documented disability that affects their learning experience may be eligible for accessibility services. To receive academic accommodations, students are responsible for notifying the Office of Student Accessibility Services about their disability. This process is required by the ADA (as amended in 2008) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students must also provide appropriate documentation of their disability.

TCL recognizes and affirms that students with disabilities are protected under that Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. No qualified student with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in an program, activity, or service based on their disability.

Academic accommodations are personalized supports designed to help students fully participate in classes and assessments. These accommodations do not change course expectations or learning requirements; instead, they provide alternative ways for students to access course materials, participate in learning activities, and demonstrate their knowledge.

Services and accommodations cannot be provided until the required documentation is received and reviewed. The specific accommodations offered are determined on an individual basis and depend on several factors, including the nature and impact of the disability, the requirements of each course or service requested, and a discussion with the student, faculty members, and/or other service providers.

TCL is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible campus. The college provides programs, services, and learning environments that support equal access for students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to participate fully. To uphold this commitment, TCL regularly reviews its programs, services, and facilities to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity for all students who need accommodations.

Confidentiality of a student’s disability records is maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which restricts the college’s release of certain records without the written consent of the student.

How to Register for Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

New Students

(Students who have not ever registered with the Student Accessibility Services office at TCL )

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is here to support you and help you succeed academically.

To register and request accommodations, follow these steps:

1. Complete the New Student SAS Intake Form / Submit Disability Documentation

New Student Accessibility Services Intake Form

Documentation must be provided by the student at their own cost and effort. Please attach and submit all documentation to your completed SAS Intake Form.

- Any documentation not attached to your SAS Intake Form, should be submitted to ada@tcl.edu before scheduling your Intake meeting with ADA coordinator
  
  Acceptable documentation may include:

- An evaluation from a qualified professional
- Documentation of a prior diagnosis, accommodation, or disability classification (such as eligibility for special education services)
  - Note: IEPs and 504 plans from high school are helpful but may not be sufficient on their own

****Notes written on a medical prescription pad are not accepted.

2. Schedule an Intake Interview with the ADA Coordinator
After your intake form and documentation are submitted, schedule a meeting with the ADA Coordinator.

Schedule Your Intake Meeting Here

**** This meeting should be scheduled at least 30 days before the start of the semester to allow time for accommodations to be arranged.

3. Review and Approve Your Accommodations

- During the intake interview, your documentation will be reviewed to determine appropriate accommodations.
- If no additional documentation is needed, a Faculty Notification Letter will be created for each course you are enrolled in.
- This letter outlines your approved accommodations and is sent to you and your instructor for review.

4. Finalize Your File

- Your SAS file is not complete until the Faculty Notification Letter is approved and signed by both you and your instructor.
- No accommodations can be provided until both approvals are received.

If an instructor has questions or does not agree with the accommodations, they should contact the SAS office. Once an agreement is reached, an updated Faculty Notification Letter will be created and sent to you for approval.

Returning Students

(Students who are currently registered with the Student Accessibility Services office at TCL and/or has been registered with the SAS office at TCL within the last seven (7) years )

To receive accommodations each semester, returning students must complete the process again.

1. Submit the Returning Student SAS Intake Form

Returning Student Accessibility Services Intake Form

- If you have additional documentation to add to your file, please upload to your SAS Intake form.

Any documentation not attached to your SAS Intake Form, should be submitted to ada@tcl.edu

2. Schedule a Meeting with Student Accessibility Services

Schedule Your Intake Meeting Here

****This meeting should be scheduled at least 15 days before the start of the semester to allow time for accommodations to be arranged.

3. Review and Approve Your Accommodations

- During the intake interview, your documentation will be reviewed to determine the effectiveness of your current accommodations or if any changes are needed.
- If no additional documentation is needed, a Faculty Notification Letter will be created for each course you are enrolled in.
- This letter outlines your approved accommodations and is sent to you and your instructor for review.

4. Finalize Your File

- Your SAS file is not complete until the Faculty Notification Letter is approved and signed by both you and your instructor.
- No accommodations can be provided until both approvals are received.

Important Notes

If you request new or additional accommodations, you may need to submit updated or additional documentation.
Receiving accommodations in one semester does not guarantee the same accommodations in future semesters.
Student needs may change over time, and it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations every semester.

Examples of Accommodations & Accessible Services at TCL

Classroom Accommodations

Classroom accommodations support access to lectures, materials, participation, and the learning environment.

Academic Access & Instructional Materials

Alternative Textbook Formats
Textbooks may be provided in accessible formats such as eBooks, PDFs, audio, or screen-reader compatible materials. These formats allow students to listen to content rather than read when appropriate.
Brailled Materials
Course materials transcribed into Braille using specialized equipment for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Large Print Handouts
Written materials enlarged to support students with visual or processing impairments.
Audio, PDF, or Digital Textbooks
Accessible textbook formats to support screen readers or audio learning needs.
Copies/Access to Instructional Materials
Faculty will provide access to PowerPoints, lecture notes, and other instructional materials in advance whenever possible.
Faculty are encouraged to upload materials at least 24 hours before class.
Early Access to Course Syllabus
Students may receive the syllabus prior to the start of the term to allow time for alternate format materials or extended preparation.

Classroom Environment & Participation

Accessible Furniture
Classroom furniture appropriate to a student’s disability, allowing full participation in course activities.
Priority Seating
Student is permitted to choose seating that best accommodates their disability-related needs.
Clear View / Lip-Reading Access
An unobstructed view of the instructor to support lip-reading and communication.
Recordings of Lectures
Students may record lectures using personal devices. Recordings may be uploaded to a note-taking service if required.
Note-Taking Assistance / Recorded Lectures
Support services to ensure access to course notes and lecture content.
Captioning
Closed captioning for videos and multimedia content to provide access to spoken dialogue and sound effects.
Visual Media
Use of graphics, handouts, and visual teaching aids to supplement spoken instruction.
Personal Care Breaks
Students may leave class for 5–10 minutes to manage documented medical needs. Students are responsible for material missed.

Attendance Flexibility

Students whose disabilities impact attendance may qualify for flexible attendance accommodations. This accommodation requires collaboration between the instructor and the student and is used only for disability-related reasons.

Attendance
Student must notify the Accessibility Coordinator (AC) and instructor if a disability-related crisis occurs. Absences will be marked as “FA” and not counted toward the absence limit.
Missed Tests/Quizzes/Exams
Student must contact the instructor within 24 hours of the missed assessment to arrange an alternate date.
Missed Assignments/Papers/Projects
Student must email the instructor within 24 hours after the deadline to request a new due date.
Hospitalization
Student should contact the instructor and Accessibility Services as soon as medically possible.

Testing and Exams Accommodations

Testing & Exam Accommodations

Testing accommodations ensure equal access to assessments without altering course objectives.

Testing Environment & Time

Extended Time
Additional time on tests, quizzes, and exams.
Standard accommodation is time-and-a-half. Double or triple time may be approved based on documentation.
Limited Distraction Testing Room
Quiet testing space with reduced noise and visual distractions.

Exam Format & Presentation

Brailled or Large Print Tests
Exams provided in Braille or enlarged formats as needed.
Screen Reader–Accessible Tests
Digital exams compatible with screen readers and audio playback.
Oral Testing / Orally Administered Exams
Test questions delivered verbally with oral or written student responses.
Reader
A reader may read test questions aloud without providing interpretation or assistance.
Scribe
A scribe records student responses exactly as dictated, without influencing content.

Assistive Technology & Tools

Word Processor / Computer Usage
Use of a computer for written responses, spellcheck, or assistive software.
Calculator
Calculator use permitted when the test does not assess order of operations.
If order of operations is assessed, multiplication or division tables may be provided.

STUDENT SERVICES