Purpose

This guidance ensures that every student at Frederick Community College (FCC) receives an equitable standard of care and consideration when requesting accommodations through Disability Access Services (DAS).  This protects the integrity of the accommodation process. 

Any student who wishes to request accommodations based on their disability should contact Disability Access Services through the website, via phone, or by email.  All requests will be thoroughly considered through a comprehensive, interactive process.

Procedure

Every request for accommodations will be managed consistently via the process outlined herein.  Every effort is made to ensure that this occurs in a timely manner. 

Step 1: Request for Accommodations

Any student who contacts DAS to request accommodations, regardless of the method of communication, will be directed to use the online Request for Accommodations form. 

The student will complete the form and provide all documentation necessary to verify their disability status. Students should have all documentation necessary gathered prior to engaging in the interactive process.

Step 2: Review the Documentation

The DAS staff will review the request for accommodations form and the documentation that is provided.

If the request is incomplete or the documentation does not meet the DAS Documentation Guidelines, the DAS staff will reach out to the student to request more information.

If the request is complete and the documentation is sufficient, the DAS staff will reach out to the student with instructions on how to schedule an intake appointment.

Step 3: Schedule the Intake Appointment

DAS will contact the student via email and phone to provide support and instructions for how to schedule an intake appointment.  Appointments will be provided in the order that the student responds to the communications from the DAS office.  The first available appointment that matches the student’s availability will be scheduled.

Step 4: Determine Eligibility

The Disability Specialist will make determinations regarding eligibility when all appropriate documentation and information has been provided to support the request and the student has explained how their disability affects their ability to fully access educational services and activities at FCC.  All documentation will be reviewed and a thorough discussion with the student will take place during the interactive process.

The Disability Specialist will make one or more of the following decisions regarding eligibility for accommodations:

• They may determine that a student is not eligible for accommodations because they do not have a qualifying disability that results in a barrier to access.
• They may delay the determination of an accommodation request, and the student will be asked to provide additional documentation.
• They may determine that the student is eligible for accommodations.

Step 5: Determine Specific Accommodations

The Disability Specialist will engage students who have been determined eligible for accommodations in a conversation about barriers to access they face at FCC as part of the interactive process. 

As barriers to access are identified accommodations are discussed.  Each specific request that the student has made will be evaluated. The Disability Specialist may suggest other accommodations.

The Disability Specialist will then make decisions regarding specific accommodations.

• They may approve the accommodation request based on the conversation, the information provided, and the identification of a barrier to access.
• They may deny a specific request on the basis that not enough information has been provided to support the existence of a barrier to access.
• They may deny the specific request on the basis that it would result in a fundamental alteration of the technical or academic standards of the course.

Step 6: Notification of Decisions

Within two (2) business days of the completed intake process, DAS will send the student a written record of all decisions made during their intake appointment. 

Immediately following the letter to the student, an accommodation plan will be sent to each of the student’s current professors.  If the student is not currently enrolled in classes, the accommodation plan will be distributed to the student’s professors in the upcoming term.

Appeal of a Decision

If a student does not agree with any decision made by the Disability Specialist regarding eligibility or specific accommodations, they may initiate the appeal process.  
DAS Appeals Guidance 

Confidentiality and Storage

All documentation regarding a student’s request for accommodations is kept confidential in accordance with State and federal law, and will be securely stored electronically within the DAS office databases.

Purpose
This guidance ensures that every student at Frederick Community College receives an equitable standard of care and consideration when requesting accommodations through Disability Access Services (DAS) and protects the integrity of the accommodation process. All requests will be
thoroughly considered.

Procedure
The interactive process including a review of documentation and is designed to identify barriers to equal access and appropriate accommodations.

Step 1: Provision of Documentation
Students are responsible for providing all appropriate documentation to support their eligibility for services and specific accommodation requests. The documentation should establish that the student has a disability, and identify the disability specifically, and it must describe the current
functional limitations caused by the disability.

Appropriate documentation
Disability Access Services at FCC follows the 2025 documentation guidance provided by the Association on Higher Education and Disability. All appropriate documentation must:

• Be signed by an appropriate licensed or credentialed and qualified professional. There must be a match between the person making the diagnosis and their scope of practice.
• Include a clear statement of the diagnosis and date that it was determined.
• Explain the basis for the diagnosis, including evaluation methods, procedures, and clinical narrative. When addressing a learning or cognitive disorder, test scores and summary data should be included.
• Describe progression or stability of the disability. Are there any expected changes, is the disability cyclical or episodic in nature?
• Describe current and past accommodations, services, and/or treatments.
• Describe the current functional limitations that affect a student’s ability to access education. This includes an explanation of how the disability affects the student in daily life.
• Provide recommendations for accommodation.

Examples of appropriate documentation
The following documents typically meet the criteria necessary to be considered appropriate for use in determining eligibility and accommodations:

• Medical records from medical or psychological healthcare providers
• Letters from medical or psychological healthcare providers
• Medical assessments, such as cardiac, vision or audiological reports
• Vocational assessments
• Neuropsychological assessments
• Educational Assessments

Other supporting documentation
These following documents will typically be considered but may not be sufficient to meet the necessary criteria, depending on the credentials of the evaluator, the level of detail provided, and the comprehensiveness of the information provided:

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Section 504 Plans
• Accommodation plans from other institutions of higher education
• Treatment plans from institutions or service providers
• Documents prepared for specific non-educational purposes (Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or workplace accommodation plans).

Step 2: Determining Eligibility
The disability specialist will make determinations regarding eligibility and specific
accommodations when all appropriate documentation and information has been provided to support the request. All documentation will be reviewed during the interactive process.

When a review of the documentation and a thorough discussion with the student regarding their needs has taken place, barriers to the student’s access has been identified, and possible accommodations have been contemplated, the disability specialist will make one or more
decisions regarding the student’s request:

• They may determine that a student is not eligible for accommodations because they do not have a qualifying disability.
• They may approve the accommodation request based on the documentation that has been provided.
• They may deny a specific request on the basis that not enough information has been provided to support the existence of a barrier to access.
• The disability specialist may delay the determination of an accommodation request, and the student will be asked to provide additional documentation.

If a student does not agree with the decision of the disability specialist regarding accommodations, they may initiate the appeal process.
DAS Appeals Guidance

Confidentiality and Storage
All documentation regarding a student’s request for accommodations is kept confidential in accordance with all State and federal law and is securely stored electronically within the DAS
office databases.

Purpose
The Disability Access Services (DAS) office at Frederick Community College (FCC) is committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to fully engage in all FCC programs, courses, activities, and services. The DAS office determines reasonable accommodations for students on a case-by-case basis to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Every effort is made to review requests for accommodations in a timely manner.

This guidance ensures that every student at FCC receives an equitable standard of care and consideration when requesting accommodations and protects the integrity of the accommodation process. All requests will be thoroughly considered, and every effort is made to ensure decisions will be made in a timely manner.

Students have the right to request an appeal of any decision regarding a request for accommodations. Reasons for appealing a decision include:

• A procedural error or oversight occurred that affected the decision
• There is new information not known or provided to DAS at the time of the initial decision
• The decision was not consistent with the documentation provided and information shared

Students may utilize the support of another individual to participate in or assist with the disability services process, and may request support when making an appeal by emailing [email protected].

All information related to the appeal process, including the appeal submission and supporting documentation, will be treated confidentially. This information will be limited to individuals directly involved in the appeal process and will be stored as part of the student’s DAS documentation.

Non-retaliation Statement
The College prohibits any person from engaging in retaliation against any student who exercises in good faith their own rights under College policy or State or federal law. This expectation extends to those who participate in or assist others in any process related to the appeal of a decision made by DAS.

Procedure
Step 1: Reconsideration
Students may request a reconsideration of the decisions made during the intake appointment.

This request should be made within 10 business days of receiving written notification of the initial request for accommodation(s) decision.

The request for reconsideration should be sent to [email protected].

The request for reconsideration should include:

• New or updated documentation not presented during the initial request
• The procedural error, if any occurred
• Information regarding the impact of the disability and barriers to access

The request for reconsideration will be conducted by the DAS professional who made the initial decision or another DAS professional who has reviewed the initial request.

DAS will contact the student within 3 business days of receiving the request for a reconsideration to schedule an appointment. The appointment will be scheduled for within 10 business days of the receipt of the request.

At that appointment, the DAS professional will review all documentation, reconsider the decision, uphold or change the initial decision, and provide the student with an explanation of the next steps in the appeal process.

A written decision regarding the reconsideration will be sent to the student within 5 business days following the reconsideration appointment.

Step 2: Review
Students who have met to have their accommodation decision reconsidered and believe that the issue was not resolved may request a review by the Director of Disability Access Services.

Request for Review
The request for a review should be submitted within 10 business days after receiving written notification of the decision resulting from the reconsideration meeting.

The request for review should be sent to DAS via email at [email protected]

The request must include:

• A brief statement explaining the reason that the decision should be reviewed, which should include one or more of the following:
  • A procedural error that is believed to have occurred that affected the decision
  • New information not known or provided to DAS at the time of the reconsideration of the decision
• Information outlining why the decision was not consistent with the documentation provided and information previously shared
• Additional supporting documentation per the documentation policy
• Evidence of a barrier to access that was not previously identified

Process for the Review
DAS will contact the student within 3 business days of receiving the request for a reconsideration to schedule an appointment. The appointment will be scheduled for within 10 business days of the receipt of the request.

The review will be conducted by the Director of DAS or a designee who was not part of the original decisions.

DAS will contact the student within 3 business days of receiving the request for a review to schedule an appointment with the Director of DAS. The appointment will be scheduled for within 10 business days of the receipt of the request.

The Director of DAS will meet with the student, review all documentation, reconsider the decision, uphold or change the initial decision, and review the right to file a complaint.

The decision will be emailed to the student within 5 business days of the review appointment.

The decisions of the Director of DAS are considered final within Frederick Community College internal processes.

Right to File Complaint
Students retain the right to pursue complaints under the college’s nondiscrimination policy or through state and federal agencies. Frederick Community College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and strictly prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions) or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment.

Non-Discrimination Policy at FCC

External Government Agencies That Address Discrimination Complaints:
Students who believe that they have been discriminated against because of their race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or religion, may file a complaint with the State of Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and/or the Office for Civil Rights.

State of Maryland Commission on Civil Rights 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 900
Baltimore, MD 21202-1631
800-637-6247 | 410-767-8600
Maryland Relay: 711 Initiate an Inquiry Form

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 801 Market Street, Suite 9300
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3134
Customer Response Center: (800) 368-1019
Fax: (202) 619-3818
TDD: (800) 537-7697
Email: [email protected]
OCR Complaint Portal

This is list of resources not recommendations.  For specific recommendations, please contact your primary care provider.  You are welcome to use other qualified medical professionals not on this list.
Make sure to provide them with the Disability Access Services Documentation Guidelines to ensure that what they provide will meet the guidelines and that they are licensed in the area needed.
 
Dr. Jennifer Carter, Licensed Clinical Psychologist 
97B McCain Drive, Frederick, MD 21703.
Phone 240-535-5360   
 
Dr. Allan L. Levy, Comprehensive Counseling
172 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
Phone 301-663-8343
 
Dr. Jeff Lensbower, Psychologist
1970 Scotland Avenue, Suite A, Chambersburg,   PA 17201. 
Phone 717-263-6370 
 
Julie A. Morrison, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, Psychological Evaluations and Therapy. 
10440 Shaker Drive, Suite 209, Columbia, MD  21046. 
Phone 410-952-9574
 
Rick Parente, Psychologist, Evaluation, Diagnostic and Treatment Services
204 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286
Phone 410-337-9666
 
Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland
For assessment contact: Kathleen Nadeau.  www.chesapeakeadd.com  
8607 Cedar Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910. 
Phone 301-562-8448
 
Frederick Psychology Center – Clinicians providing evaluation and testing
220 North Market Street, 3^rd floor, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone 301-695-6455
 
Thrive Center for ADHD and Comprehensive Mental Health
Psychology professionals providing evaluation and treatment
6310 Stevens Forest Rd., Ste. 100, Columbia, MD 21046
Phone 410-740-3240  [email protected]
 
 
Students may also contact the Division of Rehabilitative Services to determine eligibility for services which may include an assessment: 
Frederick Office:
1890 North Market St., Suite 300
Frederick, MD   21701
Phone:  240-629-7581 

The first step is to make an appointment to attend an orientation by calling the number listed.(revised 6/22)

University of Maryland Psychology Clinic
 
The Psychology Clinic offers year-round, sliding-fee scale services for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include individual therapy and psychoeducational assessment, such as LD/IQ/ADHD. The Psychology Clinic is staffed by Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Program Faculty Members, and graduate students from the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.

Located in the Biology/Psychology Building on the University of Maryland College Park campus.
4094 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20742 
 [email protected] or 301-405-4808
 
Loyola Clinical Center -currently closed for psychoeducational assessments through 12/22
 
As a graduate training facility, Loyola University graduate students are trained to conduct comprehensive evaluations.  They provide sliding-fee scale psychoeducational testing (learning and attentional differences, deficits and strengths) and neuropsychological testing (strokes, TBIs).
 
Located at the Columbia Graduate Center,
8890 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
and Belvedere Square,
5911 York Road, Ste.
100, Baltimore, MD 21212 
[email protected] or 410-617-1200

Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services

240-629-7581
1890 N. Market Street, Suite 300, Frederick, MD 21701
http://dors.maryland.gov/

Eligibility Criteria: Serves individuals with significant physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities.

Eligibility Process: For information or an appointment, call the nearest DORS office or 1-888-554-0334, visit the local DORS office, or submit the online referral form.

Types of Services: Career assessment and counseling, assistive technology, job training, higher education, job placement.  Also specialized services for students age 14-21.
 

The Arc of Frederick County

301-663-0909
620 A Research Court, Frederick, MD 21703
http://arcfc.org/

Eligibility Criteria: Serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Process: Call to speak with a representative directly.

Types of Services: Support services to assist students with enrolling in courses at FCC. Information and referral, youth transitioning program (housing, benefits, employment), independent living skills and job assistance for adults.  Self-advocacy group for adults.  Volunteer opportunities for FCC students who are looking to gain experience serving children and adults with developmental disabilities.
 

Goodwill Industries

301-662-0622
5112 Pegasus Court, Suite M, Frederick, MD 21704
http://www.gimv.org/

Fee Structure: Most programs are free.  Some are supported through the Division of Rehabilitation Services for their clients.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals 16 years and older.

Eligibility Process: Intake appointment at the number above.
 

Frederick County Workforce Services

301-600-2255
200 Monroe Avenue, Suite One, Frederick, MD 21701
http://www.frederickworks.com/

Fee Structure: Free service to Frederick County residents.

Eligibility Criteria: Primarily adults though some programs may be for specific populations, e.g., Summer Jobs Program for youth ages 14-24, Teen Job Skills Boot Camp, Youth Pathways.

Eligibility Process: Call for an appointment or submit an online information request.

Types of Services: Basic computer classes, employment counselors, career exploration assessments, and job training may be provided.
 

Service Coordination, Inc.

301-663-8044
5283 Corporate Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD 21703
https://www.servicecoord.org/

Fee Structure: Free to eligible individuals.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Process: Complete the online application at dda.dhmh.maryland.gov and click Apply for Service or call 1-888-791-0193 for more information.

Types of Services: Residential placements, medical day programs, supportive employment, job coaches, and other support services.

 

Unified Community Connections Agency

301-663-8700
5736 Industry Lane, Frederick, MD 21704
www.unified.org

Fee Structure: Funded through Developmental Disabilities Assistance (DDA) in collaboration with DORS.

Eligibility Criteria:  Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (disability prior to age 21).

Eligibility Process: Must apply for and be determined eligible for services by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

Types of Services: Adult day habilitation for pre-vocational skills, assistive technology evaluations, medical adult day care, transportation to their site for services, residential services and supports, supported employment, respite care, and transitioning youth services.

The Scott Key Center

301-600-1600
1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick, MD 21702
http://www.scottkeycenter.org/

Fee Structure: Through government funding.

Eligibility Criteria: Must be a Frederick County resident with a disability age 21 and over.  Prospective participants would need to go through the Developmental Disabilities Administration for funding.

Eligibility Process: Start with a Developmental Disabilities Administration application found at dda.dhmh.maryland.gov

Types of Services: Day habilitation, supported employment, vocational services, individual support services, individual job placements, job development, and transportation.
 

Adult Basic Education, Frederick Community College

240-629-7962
7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702
https://www.frederick.edu/workforce-continuing-education/ce/adult-ed.aspx

Fee Structure: Varies depending on program, many are free.

Eligibility Criteria: Maryland resident who is age 16 and over and officially withdrawn from school and either does not have a high school diploma or GED, or whose native language is other than English for ESL.

Eligibility Process: Call to make a reservation to attend an orientation for testing and placement.

Types of Services: GED classes, English as a Second Language and Family Literacy classes, External Degree program to earn a high school diploma, and Adult Basic Education classes. Orientations are held during day and evening hours at various community locations including the FCC main campus, FCC Monroe Center, and Frederick County Workforce Services-Business and Employment Center at 5340-A Spectrum Drive.

The Freedom Center

301-846-7811
550 Highland Street, Suite 510, Frederick, MD 21701
https://thefreedomcenter-md.org

Fee Structure: Varies

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Process: For more information, call the office directly at 301846-7811, or submit the online contact form.

Types of Services: Individual and systems advocacy, information and referrals, peer counseling, individual living skills training, transition services, assistive technology lending library.
 

Optimal Health Care, Inc.

240-578-4704
174 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
http://ohc-inc.com

Fee Structure: Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families

Eligibility Process: Complete the DDA eligibility application and select Optimal as       your CCS provider.  https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Types of Services: Case management and youth transition services.
 

Sheppard Pratt

240-409-5994 
Multiple facilities and locations 
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-services/developmental-disability-services/

Fee Structure: Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  Various service programs including mental health services.

Eligibility Process: Call 240-409-5994 or submit the online contact form.

Types of Services: Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment, residential, community supports, mental health services, etc.

 

• Kennedy Krieger Institute - Patient Care, School Programs, Research and Professional Training
• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
• US Department of Justice -ADA-Service Animals
• Job Accommodation Network - ADA Library

• Maryland Technology Assistance Program
• National Center on Accessible Information Technology Education

• Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy
• Job Accommodation Network

• Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postssecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
• ADA Information Line
• National Council on Disabilities
• Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
• U.S. Department of Justice ADA Regulations

• Public Transit in Frederick County for Persons with Disabilities
• Transit Maryland