Frequently Asked Questions for Students

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The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations is committed to providing equal access to programs, services, and activities at Navarro College. The following frequently asked questions address eligibility, documentation, accommodations, and student responsibilities.

Prefer a printable version? Download and print the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

How do I receive services at Navarro College?

Newly admitted or returning students requesting accommodations should contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (903) 875-7377.

Students may also access the application for services, documentation guidelines, and additional information on the Accessibility page.

What is considered a disability?

A disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Learning is considered a major life activity. Individuals with a current disability, a history of a disability, or a condition regarded as substantially limiting may qualify for services under these laws.

I received services in high school. Will they continue in college?

Not necessarily. Disability laws and eligibility requirements change after high school. Each college determines eligibility for accommodation in accordance with the ADA and Section 504. Accommodation(s) provided in high school do not automatically transfer to college.

I have dyslexia and received support in high school. Will I automatically qualify?

Not automatically. While a diagnosis of dyslexia may support eligibility, accommodation(s) are determined based on current documentation and the impact the condition has on learning. High school accommodation(s) from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 do not automatically continue in college. Please refer to the Documentation Guidelines for additional information.

How does disability law differ between high school and college?

In public K–12 schools, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs special education services and may include testing, diagnosis, educational planning, remediation, and specialized programs.

At the college level, IDEA no longer applies. Instead, the ADA and Section 504 provide protection against discrimination and ensure equal access to educational programs and services through reasonable accommodation(s) for qualified students with disabilities.

Is my 504 Plan sufficient documentation?

Not always. Students who received accommodation(s) through a 504 Plan often qualified based on a documented history of disability. Additional documentation signed by a licensed professional may be required to determine eligibility for accommodation(s) in college.

If accommodation(s) were provided due to an Other Health Impairment (OHI), current documentation from a qualified health professional may be sufficient.

Can my parents handle the process for me?

Students are responsible for managing matters related to their college education, including requesting accommodation(s) and communicating with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

Parents may assist students during the transition to college; however, their involvement is limited unless the student provides written consent.

How is college different from high school disability services?

In college:

• Students must request accommodations and renew services as needed

• Accommodations provide equal access, not course modifications

• Services are voluntary, not mandatory.

• Documentation is required for eligibility

• Parent involvement is limited without student consent

What if my documentation is outdated or does not meet requirements?

Students are responsible for obtaining any additional documentation or testing necessary to determine eligibility for accommodation(s). Any costs associated with obtaining documentation are the responsibility of the student.

Navarro College does not provide disability evaluations or testing but may be able to provide referral resources. Documentation should be updated and in compliance with the current Documentation Guidelines.

What documentation is required?

Documentation must verify the disability and describe the functional limitations that affect academic performance and accessibility. Documentation requirements vary by disability type.

Please refer to the Documentation Guidelines for detailed information.

Will I need new testing when entering college?

Students transitioning directly from high school may be able to submit a:

• Full Individual Evaluation (FIE)

• Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED)

• Comprehensive Individual Assessment (CIA)

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) paperwork are not accepted as disability documentation.

For other disabilities, documentation may include a current evaluation, report, or letter from a qualified health care provider or specialist. Students are encouraged to share the Documentation Guidelines with their provider to ensure appropriate information is submitted.

A Disability Verification Form is available upon request for completion by a licensed professional.

How do I receive services as a dual credit student, and who provides the accommodation?

Dual credit students must follow the same accommodation process as other Navarro College students.

When a dual credit course is taught at a high school campus, the high school typically implements accommodation approved by the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation(s). When the course is taught on a Navarro College campus, the college provides approved accommodation.

Students are encouraged to apply for services as soon as they know they will be enrolling in dual credit courses, preferably at least one month before the semester begins.

I am concerned that my transcript or college records will disclose my disability or accommodation. Is this true?

No. In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability-related information is maintained confidentially.

Faculty members receive information only about approved accommodation(s) and do not receive information about the nature of a student's disability unless authorized by the student. No reference to a disability or accommodation(s) appears on transcripts or academic records.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to educational institutions that receive funding from programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA grants parents certain rights regarding their child's education records. These rights transfer to the student when the student reaches 18 years of age or enrolls in a postsecondary institution. Once these rights transfer, the student is considered an eligible student.

In most cases, schools must obtain written consent from the parent or eligible student before disclosing information from a student's education records.

Additional information is available from the U.S. Department of Education page or call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327).

Can I receive accommodations without disclosing my disability?

No. Students must disclose their disability to the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations and provide appropriate documentation to be considered for accommodation(s).

Faculty members are not required to provide accommodation(s) that have not been approved through the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.

Do I have to use the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations to attend Navarro College?

No. Participation is voluntary. However, students with documented disabilities are encouraged to register with the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations if they may benefit from accommodation(s) or support services.

Do you provide services at all campuses?

Yes. The Office of Accessibility and Accommodations provides services to students at all Navarro College locations and online.

Can I apply for services at any time during the year?

Yes. Students may apply for services at any time. However, accommodation(s) are not retroactive and cannot be applied to coursework completed before accommodation(s) are approved and the accommodation letter is provided to instructors.

When is the best time to contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations?

After being admitted to Navarro College and receiving a student identification number, students should contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations to begin the process.

Students are encouraged to request accommodation(s) up to one month before classes begin to allow sufficient time for review and implementation.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

Contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (903) 875-7377 for questions or assistance.

Contact Information

Office of Accessibility and Accommodations
3200 W. 7th Avenue
Corsicana, TX 75110

Phone: (903) 875-7377