Disability Support Services: Access, Inclusion, Success

As NOVA continues to adapt to new ways of teaching and connecting with one another, the Disability Support Services (DSS) office wishes to remind you that students with disabilities may be exponentially impacted. Students who did not need accommodations prior to remote learning may discover that they need them now. Students who have already been using accommodations may discover that they need something new or different. This might include captioning for audio and video; documents that are compatible with screen-reader software or additional time to complete assignments, tests and quizzes. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently did an excellent job of highlighting some of the challenges students with disabilities are facing as they try to adapt to this new way of learning.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which “…prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life–to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services and to participate in State and local government programs and services.” (ADA.gov)

In accordance with the ADA, NOVA has committed to ensuring that all students have an opportunity to pursue a college education, regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. No academically-qualified student with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in the services, programs and activities of the college.

The Disability Support Services office is here to help. Please avail yourself of the many Faculty/Staff Resources on our website. There, you will find information pertaining to captioning, accessible documents and many other accommodations. Please contact Disability Support Services and let us know how we can help.

Faculty and staff who wish to request accommodations should contact NOVA’s ADA Office at ada@nvcc.edu.