Office of Accessibility Services
Our Mission
Guided by Newberry College’s commitment to academic excellence and respect for individual dignity, the Office of Accessibility Services ensures that all students, regardless of disability or medical need, have equitable access to learning and campus life. Through individualized support, advocacy, and education, we empower students to engage fully and thrive as members of our community.
Advocacy
In college, accessibility and accommodation are guided by different laws and processes than those in high school. Students play an active role in requesting accommodations and sharing documentation that supports their needs.
The Office of Accessibility Services partners with students in this process. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities, explore available resources, and build the confidence to advocate for your learning and access needs.
Our goal is to ensure that you have the tools and knowledge to navigate your education successfully, both in the classroom and beyond. We encourage you to share information about previous supports with us so we can collaborate on strategies that promote your success in college.
Family
Parents and guardians play an important role in every stage of a student’s education. However, that involvement changes once a student turns 18 and enrolls in college. At that point, parents and guardians are not automatically permitted access to a student’s educational information.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs how and when private student information may be shared. Families can access information only if the student has signed a release of information form. If you need this form, please visit the Registrar’s Office.
Common Accommodations
Newberry College is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that ensures equitable access and full participation in all academic programs and College-sponsored activities, in accordance with federal law.
The Director of Accessibility Services manages the process for determining and implementing accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities. Faculty should implement only those accommodations that have been approved through this office. The Director provides eligible students and their professors with an official accommodation letter that outlines approved academic accommodations.
To apply for accommodations, students should schedule a meeting with the Director of Accessibility Services and provide relevant documentation as outlined by the Director.
Once accommodations are approved, students are responsible for informing their professors of their intention to use approved accommodations in each course. Open communication between students, faculty, and the Office of Accessibility Services helps ensure that accommodations are implemented effectively and in a timely manner.
All disability-related information and documentation are kept confidential.
Examples of accommodations include (but are not limited to):
- Extended time for tests, quizzes, or assignments
- Reduced distraction or alternative testing environments
- Permission to audio-record lectures
- Use of assistive technology or personal devices for notetaking
- Access to lecture materials, slides, or faculty notes
- Priority or accessible classroom seating
- Alternative formats for course materials (e.g., Braille, audio, digital text)
- Course substitutions, when appropriate and approved
The Office of Accessibility Services partners with students, faculty, and staff to promote equitable access and a campus culture that values inclusion, understanding, and respect for all learners.
Contact Information
Peggy Dominguez | 803.321.5277
Director of Accessibility Services
