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Accessibility Resources Center

Welcome!

The Accessibility Resources Center works closely with the administration, faculty, and students to identify and remove any physical, programmatic, or attitudinal barriers that might discourage frustrate or deny the full participation and integration of students with disabilities in the College’s complete range of programs, activities, and courses of study.

MassBay provides equal access for each student who self-discloses a disability and requests accommodations through the Accessibility Resources Center for learning, testing, and other areas of need. Accommodations are provided in accordance with the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Students can:

  • Make an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist
  • Provide appropriate documentation of the disability
  • Request accommodations that will facilitate academic success

Accessibility Specialists provide guidance to students in the areas of:

  • Self-advocacy
  • Advising during course enrollment
  • Finding mentoring and support opportunities
  • Applying learning strategies for academic success
  • Universally Accessible Classrooms

 Please use your MassBay email. It is the college’s primary mode of communication.

Hours  

Wellesley Campus | Room 216
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm  

Services are available remotely or in person.
Email: arc@massbay.edu
Phone: 781-239-2234

Framingham Campus | Suite 320 (as of 1/17/24)
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Services are available remotely or in person.
Email: arc@massbay.edu
Phone: 508-270-4267

Contact Us/Staff (click to read more)

Our Staff / Contact Us

 

Phoebe Bustamante, Director of Accessibility Resources
pbustamante@massbay.edu
781-239-2626

Ellen DiMarzo, Assistive Technology Accessibility Specialist

edimarzo@massbay.edu

508-270-4268

Lisa Armstrong Smith, Accessibility Specialist
larmstrongsmith@massbay.edu
781-239-2622

Whitney Bowler, Accessibility Specialist
wbowler@massbay.edu
781-239-2234

Mindy Elias, Accessibility Specialist
melias@massbay.edu
508-270-4267

Thomas Sheehan, Accessibility Specialist
tsheehan@massbay.edu
781-239-2234

Kelly Corrigan, Executive Function Coach
kcorrigan@massbay.edu

Coaching Services (click to read more)

We offer coaching services to students who are registered with our office. We offer executive function coaching through our office as well as through a partnership with the Easterseals College Navigator program. If you’re interested in coaching services, please contact Phoebe Bustamante: pbustamante@massabay.edu

If you don’t see a new window open when you click one of the links below, then it has downloaded a Word document to the Downloads folder on your computer.

Requesting Accommodations

 

Requesting Accommodations

MassBay Community College is committed to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to programs and services offered by the college. If you are a student with a documented disability seeking accommodations, please follow the guidelines below after applying to the college. MassBay now uses the Accommodate platform for all accommodation requests. You can find Accommodate through your OneLogin.

1. Complete the Accommodation Request Form & Schedule an Initial Meeting

Note: This step is for first time requests only. If you've already completed this form and the initial meeting, proceed to step two.

A. Once you are an admitted student with a MassBay email and ID number, complete the Accommodation Request Form. You can upload documentation directly to this form or email to arc@massbay.edu

B. Schedule an initial meeting with our office to complete the registration process. You can schedule meetings through the Accommodate (Students) tile on OneLogin. 

2. Complete a Semester Request through Accommodate

Attend each of your classes at least once and consider the accommodations you might need in each course. Then, choose which of your approved accommodations you want to use for each of your courses by completing a Semester Request in Accommodate. Accommodations may differ from class to class (and semester to semester) because your needs may differ based on the academic topic and nature of instruction in a particular class. You complete this step every semester!

  1. Communicate with Instructors
    Instructors are notified of a student’s accommodations at the start of the semester through Accommodate. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with instructors regarding the use of accommodations throughout the semester. Connecting with available resources and self-advocacy skills are key to college success. Stay in touch with your instructors and the Accessibility Resources Center and reach out to us if you have questions or need support.

Download a Word document with this information:

Using Academic Accommodations →

Documentation Guidelines

The dimensions of good documentation discussed below are suggested as a best practices approach for defining reasonable accommodations. By identifying the essential dimensions of documentation, the office of Disability Resources at MassBay Community College allows for flexibility in accepting documentation from the full range of theoretical and clinical perspectives. This approach enhances consistency and provides stakeholders (students, prospective students, parents and professionals) with the information they need to assist students in establishing eligibility for services and receiving appropriate accommodations.

  1. The Credentials of the Evaluator(s)
    The best quality documentation is provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated.  A good match between the credentials of the individual making the diagnosis and the condition being reported is expected (e.g., an orthopedic limitation might be documented by a physician, but not a licensed psychologist).
  2. A Diagnostic Statement Identifying the Disability
    Quality documentation includes a clear diagnostic statement that describes how the condition was diagnosed, provides information on the functional impact, and details the typical progression or prognosis of the condition.  While diagnostic codes from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-V) or the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organization are helpful in providing this information, a full clinical description will also convey the necessary information.
  3. A Description of the Diagnostic Methodology Used
    Quality documentation includes a description of the diagnostic criteria, evaluation methods, procedures, tests and dates of administration, as well as a clinical narrative, observation, and specific results.  Where appropriate to the nature of the disability, having both summary data and specific test scores (with the norming population identified) within the report is recommended.  Diagnostic methods that are congruent with the particular disability and current professional practices in the field are recommended.  Methods may include formal instruments, medical examinations, structured interview protocols, performance observations and unstructured interviews.  If results from informal, non-standardized or less common methods of evaluation are reported, an explanation of their role and significance in the diagnostic process will strengthen their value in providing useful information.
  4. A Description of the Current Functional Limitations
    Information on how the disabling condition(s) currently impacts the individual provides useful information for both establishing a disability and identifying possible accommodations.  A combination of the results of formal evaluation procedures, clinical narrative, and the individual’s self-report is the most comprehensive approach to fully documenting impact.  The best quality documentation is thorough enough to demonstrate whether and how a major life activity is substantially limited by providing a clear sense of the severity, frequency and pervasiveness of the condition(s). While relatively recent documentation is recommended in most circumstances, common sense and discretion in accepting older documentation of conditions that are permanent or non-varying is recommended. Likewise, changing conditions and/or changes in how the condition impacts the individual brought on by growth and development may warrant frequent updates in order to provide an accurate picture. It is important to remember that documentation is not time-bound; the need for recent documentation depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual’s condition(s).
  5. A Description of the Expected Progression or Stability of the Disability
    It is helpful when documentation provides information on expected changes in the functional impact of the disability over time and context.  Information on the cyclical or episodic nature of the disability and known or suspected environmental triggers to episodes provides opportunities to anticipate and plan for varying functional impacts.  If the condition is not stable, information on interventions (including the individual’s own strategies) for exacerbations and recommended timelines for re-evaluation are most helpful.
  6. A Description of Current and Past Accommodations, Services and/or Medications
    The most comprehensive documentation will include a description of both current and past medications, auxiliary aids, assistive devices, support services, and accommodations, including their effectiveness in ameliorating functional impacts of the disability.  A discussion of any significant side effects from current medications or services that may impact physical, perceptual, behavioral or cognitive performance is helpful when included in the report.  While accommodations provided in another setting are not binding at MassBay, they may provide insight in the decision-making process.
  7. Recommendations for Accommodations, Adaptive Devices, Assistive Services, Compensatory Strategies, and/or Collateral Support Services
    Recommendations from professionals with a history of working with the individual provide valuable information for review and the planning process.  It is most helpful when recommended accommodations and strategies are logically related to functional limitations; if connections are not obvious, a clear explanation of their relationship can be useful in decision-making.  While MassBay has no obligation to provide or adopt recommendations made by outside entities, those that are congruent with the programs, services, and benefits offered by the college or program may be appropriate.  When recommendations go beyond equitable and inclusive services and benefits, they may still be useful in suggesting alternative accommodations and/or services.

    Adapted from AHEAD: Seven Elements of Quality Disability Documentation

Download a Word document with this information:

Documentation Guidelines →

Placement Testing Accommodations

  1. Schedule an Intake Meeting with Accessibility Resources
    Schedule an intake meeting with an Accessibility Specialist to disclose and document your disability and to register with the Accessibility Resources Center. Appropriate documentation should be submitted prior to your intake meeting. Submit your documentation via email to arc@massbay.edu or directly to the Specialist with whom you are meeting.
  2. Schedule an Individual Date for Placement Testing
    Contact Accessibility Resources to schedule an individual placement test date to be proctored by an Accessibility Specialist. Do not schedule on a group testing date. When you schedule the appointment, the Specialist will discuss any accommodations you may need for the test. The test consists of three parts — Reading, Writing and Math — you may schedule the parts of the test on different dates if necessary.
  3. Preparing for the Placement Test
    For more information on the placement test or to schedule a workshop to prepare for the test, go to https://www.massbay.edu/placementworkshops.

    You can find practice questions on the Accuplacer website as well. https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer/practice →
  4. After Testing
    After you complete the placement test, your proctor can review your score with you. The next step is to register for Orientation (SOAR) and there you will be connected to an Advisor who can help you choose the right classes.

Download a Word document with this information:

Placement Testing Accommodations →

High School vs. College for Students with Disabilities

Understanding the differences between high school and college

THE LAW
 

HIGH SCHOOL

IDEA/504: students are entitled to appropriate public education.

The focus is on SUCCESS.

COLLEGE

ADA/504: Guarantees equal rights to students with disabilities in higher education.

The focus is on EQUAL ACCESS.

 
DOCUMENTATION
 

HIGH SCHOOL

The school district evaluates the students and develops an individualized education program (IEP).

COLLEGE

Students provide documentation of a disability to receive accommodations. Evaluations are not provided

 
ADVOCACY
 

HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers and parents advocate for services.

COLLEGE

Students must reach out to request accommodations and services.

 
ACCOMMODATIONS
 

HIGH SCHOOL

Determined as part of the IEP process.

COLLEGE

Determined as part of an interactive process. Some accommodations provided in high school may not be considered reasonable in college.

 
PARENT’S ROLE
 

HIGH SCHOOL

Parent has access to student records and can advocate for student.

COLLEGE

Parents do not communicate with professors or have access to grades and student information (without written student permission).

 
INSTRUCTION
 

HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers may modify curriculum and the pace of assignments.

COLLEGE

Professors are not required to modify curriculum.

 
STUDY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

HIGH SCHOOL

May be able to get studying done within the structured school day.

COLLEGE

Substantial reading and writing done outside of class.

Expect 2-3 hours of work outside of class for each hour of class time.

 
TEACHER ROLE
 

HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers see students frequently and may remind students of upcoming deadlines.

COLLEGE

Professors expect that students read and follow the course syllabus, understand the expectations of the course, and seek help when needed.

 
TESTS
 

HIGH SCHOOL

More frequent tests on less information. May have modified tests.

COLLEGE

Fewer tests covering more material. Academic adjustments (e.g. extended time) are given when supported with disability documentation.

 
 

Adapted from AHEAD guidelines, 2010 and Think College Transition Project, 2018

Download a Word document with this information:

High School vs. College Students Disabilities →

Common Accommodations

Determinations of reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis using the interactive process.

  • Extended time on exams and quizzes
  • Exams Administered in a reduced-distraction environment
  • Use of Classroom Note-taker
  • Use of alternative format text
  • Use of a recording device for lectures
  • Assistive Technology

For students requesting ASL Interpreters, CART resources or other assistive technologies, please contact our Assistive Technology Accessibility Specialist, Ellen DiMarzo at edimarzo@massbay.edu or 508-270-4286.

Services that we do not provide:

  • Personal Care Attendants
  • Transportation
  • Diagnostic Evaluations
  • Modified Coursework

Download a Word document with this information:

Common Accommodations →

 

 

 

 
 
 

Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society

DAP logoPurpose:

Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly. Delta Alpha Pi presents an opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments. By their open acknowledgement of their disability, they serve as role models for other students with disabilities and advance the goals of Delta Alpha Pi on their campuses and in the community. In addition, this honor society facilitates development of leadership, advocacy, and education for participating students. Students are also eligible for scholarships through Delta Alpha Pi.

To learn more about Delta Alpha Pi visit the international webpage: https://deltaalphapihonorsociety.org/

Delta Alpha Pi is an academic honor society founded to recognize high-achieving students with disabilities who are attending colleges (including community colleges) and universities as undergraduate or graduate students. Over 170 institutions have established a chapter to recognize students’ academic achievement.

Questions?

Please reach out to the Advisor, Lisa Armstrong Smith: larmstrongsmith@massbay.edu or call 781-239-2234.

 

Transitional Scholars Program

Transitional Scholars Program Information Page