OUR PURPOSE

In Disability Support Services (DSS), we work together with students to identify what limitations or barriers they may encounter in an academic setting. A disability is defined by the ADA as “a condition that limits one or more essential life functions.”

Our guidance comes from Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2009 when finding reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students. An accommodation is a tool or adjustment that would allow the student, who otherwise qualified, to fully participate in educational opportunities, services and programs, within both the physical and virtual environments. This is an individualized process because disabilities can affect people differently—even those with the same diagnosis. We look for what works with each student and in each class to create an equitable experience.

OUR CORE VALUES

  • Inclusion
  • Respect
  • Empowerment
  • Equity
  • Quality Service
  • Accessibility
  • Integrity
  • Confidentiality

OTC MISSION

The college mission is to provide accessible, high quality and affordable learning opportunities that transform lives and strengthen the communities we serve.

OUR MISSION (What we do)

In support of the college’s mission, Disability Support Services commits to collaborating with students, faculty & staff, and the community to promote a more accessible learning environment and equitable collegiate experience for students with disabilities.

OUR GOAL (How we do it)

Not only do we provide accommodative support for the duration of each student’s OTC experience, we also strive to foster the development of skills that lead to confidence, leadership, academic and social maturity that prepare for jobs or additional education. We listen, validate, understand, encourage, and dream. We continue to educate about disability-related topics in order to reduce stigma and discrimination. We aid students in the use of utilizing adaptive technology, identifying barriers, seeking out resources, setting goals, and discovering creative solutions.

OUR VISION (Why we do it)

The vision of Disability Support Services is that all OTC’s educational opportunities, services, programs, technology, and web presence can be accessed seamlessly by everyone, without DSS intervention.