Disability Support Services
FIT will provide all students of varying abilities the opportunity to learn in a non-discriminatory environment commensurate to their chosen educational goals. Appropriate academic adjustments and accommodations are determined, once requested by the students, on an individual, case-by-case basis and in a collaborative manner, when possible. Barrier identification and removal shall be made in accordance with Titles II and III, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Procedures and Services
The FIT-ABLE coordinator serves as the advocate for all students with disabilities and is located in Room A570. The learning disabilities coordinator, located in Room A570, meets with, and develops programming to assist, students with documented learning disabilities. Diverse learners may receive additional hours for tutoring, a service for all FIT students, after initially meeting with the learning disabilities coordinator.
Following acceptance to the college, for degree students, and preferably during the first semester for non-degree students, an appointment should be made with the coordinator of FIT-ABLE, FIT’s Disability Support Services. Students are encouraged to make themselves known to FIT-ABLE by registering with the office. FIT respects each student’s right not to self-disclose. Once the initial intake interview and assessment of needs has been conducted, students are invited back to review academic adjustments and requested accommodations at the beginning of each semester, because changes can occur related to each student’s schedule and ability.
Federal ADA Compliance
FIT seeks the full cooperation of faculty, staff, and administration in the provision of accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services that it has determined to be reasonable and necessary. This cooperation is not considered to be optional. If a faculty or staff member, or administrator cannot fulfill the obligation to meet the educational and academic needs of a student, the affected course or program will be reassigned. Any student who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination based upon a disability should report the incident, in writing, to the FIT-ABLE Coordinator within 48 hours (exclusive of weekends). The coordinator of FIT-ABLE provides students with complaint resolution, training, and orientation on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Appeals regarding complaints filed are received, in writing, by the dean for Student Development.
A written report may also be submitted to the Affirmative Action Officer in the President’s Office in Room C908. The college will promptly investigate all complaints of alleged discrimination and pursue appropriate remedies where necessary. FIT prohibits acts of reprisal against anyone involved in lodging a complaint of discrimination. Conversely, the college considers filing intentionally false reports of discrimination to be a violation of this policy.