New England College has a history of success in challenging and supporting students of diverse academic backgrounds who wish to achieve their full intellectual and personal potential.

Unlike some schools designed exclusively for students with learning differences, New England College does not have a special program. We have found, however, that our support services can meet the needs of students who are good self-advocates and who do not require formal, structured services, but who can find success when offered academic support in conjunction with small classes and personal attention by faculty. Typically these students have done well in “mainstream” college preparatory programs at the post secondary level.

New England College is committed to assuring equal access to all of its programs, services, and activities. Students needing accommodations (such as extended time on tests, permission to tape lectures, wheelchair accessibility, etc.) should set up an appointment with the Learning Services Office. To be eligible for accommodations the student will need to have current, appropriate test results (within the last three years) that are submitted to the Learning Services Office. The testing must be administered by a licensed, qualified professional and must include a diagnosis and specific recommendations. IEPs, minutes from 504 planning meetings, or letters from school officials are not acceptable as legal documentation, however; they should be provided along with the required testing so that the Learning Services Coordinator can more fully understand the needs of the student. Other types of disabilities must be documented by a certified medical and/or mental health professional, and must include a current detailed diagnosis (within the last three years), recommendations, and reasons for specific suggested recommendations. Regardless of the learning need or disability, the Learning Services Office needs to be contacted as it handles all requests for accommodations.

It is important to remember that all requests for accommodations must come through the Learning Services Office at which time the student will participate in the Needs Assessment process.  Once the student has completed the Needs Assessment Form it must be given to the appropriate faculty and staff.  Forms must be received a minimum of a week before an accommodation can be provided.  When working with outside agencies the process may take longer than one week.

Under ADA and 504 requirements the student is responsible for disclosing his/her disability to each person the student contacts for an accommodation. The College reserves the right to review documentation and determine individual accommodations and services. The College maintains the right to determine the appropriate accommodation based on the student’s documentation.  Accommodations are based on a review of the test results and may be different than services provided in high school.

Relevant information from disability documentation may be shared with College personnel at the discretion of the Learning Services Office.  All questions about the College’s compliance with ADA/504 should be directed to the College’s Campus Compliance Officer in the Learning Services Office.