Step 1: Self-Identify and Submit the New Student Intake Form
Students enrolled in any class at Hawai‘i Community College who have a documented disability or face academic challenges are encouraged to self-identify with the Disability Services Program.
The first step is to complete our:
New Student Intake Form
This form allows you to:
- Share the challenges or barriers you experience in an academic setting
- Communicate how your disability currently impacts your learning
- Identify your goals and the types of support you may need
If you need help accessing or completing the form, or require it in an alternate format,
please contact our office:
Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825
Step 2: Submit Documentation of Disability
To receive academic accommodations, students must provide documentation of a disability from a licensed healthcare or mental health provider. Hawai‘i Community College does not offer diagnostic services.
You may either submit existing documentation, or have your provider complete our form:
Documentation of Disability Form (PDF)
Required Information for Documentation:
- A clear diagnosis identifying the disability or condition
- Date of original or most recent diagnosis
- Description of current symptoms and how they impact education
- Expected duration or course of the condition
- Functional limitations in academic or daily life
- Recommended accommodations related to the condition
- Provider’s name, credentials, and signature
If you do not have current documentation, please download the above PDF and ask your licensed provider to complete it.
Please submit documentation to the Disability Services Program:
Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825
fax: (808) 934-2791 (Manono) or (808) 322-4839 (Pālamanui)
Step 3: Meet with a Counselor
Once your intake form and documentation have been submitted, the Disability Services Office will contact you to schedule a collaborative meeting with the counselor. Together, you will discuss appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations tailored to your individual needs and program requirements.
To schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
(808) 934-2825
Email: hawccds@hawaii.edu
Distance Education (DE) Students within the University of Hawai‘i (UH) System
Students with disabilities have the right to equal access and appropriate accommodations for all distance education (DE) courses offered within the UH system — regardless of which campus delivers the course.
If you are taking a DE course offered by another UH campus (not Hawai‘i Community College):
- Contact the Disability Services Office at the campus offering the DE course to complete their intake process and request accommodations.
- The host campus may consult with your home campus representative for support or coordination, but is legally responsible for providing accommodations under federal law.
- You must receive your official accommodation letter directly from the campus offering the course.
Each campus is responsible for engaging in an interactive process with the student and ensuring timely access to reasonable accommodations.
Reminder: Students are encouraged to self-identify early to ensure accommodations are in place before the course begins.
Need Help or Have Questions?
We are here to support your success. Contact us if you need help with forms,
documentation, or understanding your rights and responsibilities.
Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825
- Compliance Statement
Hawaiʻi Community College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are committed to ensuring that no qualified individual is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity due to disability.
Grievance Procedure for Disability-Related Concerns
Hawai‘i Community College is committed to upholding the rights of students with disabilities as outlined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student believes they have been denied equal access to educational programs, services, or accommodations due to a disability, they are encouraged to file a grievance.
Students may file a grievance for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Denial of requested academic accommodations
- Discrimination or harassment based on disability
- Failure to provide equal access to a campus program, activity, or service
Step 1: Informal Resolution (Optional but Encouraged)
Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve concerns informally by speaking directly with the Disability Services counselor or the faculty/staff involved. Most concerns can be resolved through open communication and clarification of policy.
Step 2: Formal Grievance
If informal resolution is not successful or not desired, a formal grievance may be submitted in writing to the college’s ADA/504 Coordinator.
Include in the formal grievance:
- Your name and contact information
- A description of the issue, including dates, individuals involved, and the impact
- Any supporting documentation
- A statement of the resolution you are seeking
Submit your grievance to:
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
Mari Giel
marigiel@hawaii.edu
808-934-2725
Building 379A, Room 1B
Timeline:
Grievances should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident. A response will typically be issued within 30 days of receipt.
Right to Appeal:
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may appeal the decision to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or their designee within 10 business days of receiving the outcome. Instructions for appeal will be included in your decision letter.
Christine Quintana
cdamate@hawaii.edu
808-934-2510
Building 379A, Room 5
External Complaint Options:
Students also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time. https://www.ed.gov/ocr