Supporting Students with Disabilities
At Hawai‘i Community College, faculty play a vital role in ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—have equal access to academic programs and services. The Disability Services Program partners with faculty to implement reasonable accommodations and promote inclusive learning environments in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Disability Services: Faculty Responsibilities & Legal Compliance
As an instructor at Hawai‘i Community College, you play a critical role in ensuring that students with disabilities have full access to your course content, materials, and classroom environment. Under federal law—specifically, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—faculty are required to:
- Ensure course materials and digital content are accessible (e.g., captioned videos, tagged PDFs, readable text)
- Provide accommodations listed in a student's official Accommodation Letter
- Maintain confidentiality regarding students’ disability status and accommodations
- Consult with the Disability Services Office if an accommodation may affect essential course requirements
- Create an accessible learning environment, including materials, assessments, and course delivery
- Refer students to the Disability Services Office if they disclose a disability or request support
- Engage in the interactive process with Disability Services and students when questions arise about accommodation implementation
If You Receive an Accommodation Letter:
- Review the letter carefully and promptly after receiving it
- Follow up with the student privately to confirm implementation
- Contact Disability Services if you have questions or need support
- Do not request medical documentation from the student
- Keep all conversations and records confidential
If a Student Discloses a Disability Without an Accommodation Letter or Appears to be Struggling with Potential Disability-Related Barriers:
- Refer them to the Disability Services Office
- Avoid offering unapproved or informal accommodations
- Maintain privacy and use supportive, inclusive language such as:
“I appreciate you sharing that. We have a Disability Services Office that can help you request accommodations. I encourage you to contact them so they can support you.”
“You may benefit from connecting with Disability Services—they can help with academic support and accommodations.”
Key Contacts:
Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825
Quick Links
Confidential Disability-Related Inquiry
If there are disability related questions or concerns, faculty and staff are highly encouraged to request a consultation with the Disability Services Office regarding, but not limited to:
- Clarification or implementation of student accommodations
- Accessibility concerns in the classroom or digital course materials
- Guidance on how to support students with disabilities
- Questions about compliance with ADA/Section 504
For assistance please email us at hawccds@hawaii.edu or call (808) 934-2825
Confidentiality Notice: All information shared will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and ADA/504 regulations.
Common Academic Accommodations
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include, but not limited to:
- Extended time for exams and quizzes
- Distraction-reduced testing environments
- Notetaking assistance or access to lecture materials
- Alternate format course materials (e.g., large print, audio, accessible PDFs)
- Use of assistive technology
- Flexibility with attendance or deadlines (when appropriate)
Reminder: Accommodations are not retroactive and begin only after the Accommodation Letter has been received by the instructor, unless otherwise specified.
Testing Accommodations
If a student is approved for testing accommodations:
- Requests for testing accommodations are initiated by the student, the Disability Services Office will contact you for coordination, if needed
- If requests are received, please work with the Disability Services Office in a timely manner to submit exams and proctoring instructions
- Ensure accommodations do not conflict with course policies or assessment goals
Digital Accessibility and Course Design
Faculty are encouraged to design courses with accessibility in mind.
Tips include:
- Use clear headings and alt text in slides and handouts
- Ensure all video content includes accurate captions
- Choose accessible file formats (e.g., tagged PDFs, readable Word docs)
- Use color contrast and readable fonts
- Offer materials in multiple formats when possible
Need help? Contact Disability Services for assistance with making materials accessible.
Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825
Online Resources for Faculty
Below are recommended tools and websites that offer training, guidance, and materials on accessible instruction and disability inclusion in higher education:
Teaching and Accessibility
- University of Washington DO-IT Center – Resources on Universal Design, accessible teaching, and working with students with disabilities
https://doit.uw.edu/briefs/?limit=20">https://doit.uw.edu/briefs/?limit=20 - CAST: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
https://udlguidelines.cast.org/ - Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) – National organization supporting inclusive education practices
https://www.ahead.org
Digital Accessibility & Course Design
- WebAIM – Tutorials on creating accessible web and document content
https://webaim.org/articles/ - National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center) – Guidance on accessible instructional materials and technology
https://aem.cast.org
Legal and Compliance Resources
- ADA.gov – Americans with Disabilities Act
Learn about your rights under the ADA, including access to education, employment, and public accommodations. - U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
Information on disability-related education rights and how to file a complaint. - Wrightslaw
Detailed resources on disability law, advocacy, and transition from high school to college.
Need Help or Have Questions?
We are here to support you. Please reach out to us if you should have any questions or concerns
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