What does the ACCESS Program do?

The ACCESS Program provides support services for students with disabilities.   These support services might be appropriate and reasonable accommodations, such as sign language interpreters, readers, scribes, etc., or the support services may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, and/or career counseling.   The ACCESS Program also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.   The ACCESS Program does not offer disability evaluation and/or testing services, scholarships, or payment of personal expenses.  

What constitutes a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 define disability as "a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities."   Learning is considered a major life activity.  

What should I know when applying to NCTC?   Are there any special procedures?

When applying to NCTC, you may go through the regular application procedure and register during early or regular registration.   If you need assistance, the ACCESS Department can assist with admission and registration; however, there are no special admission procedures.   When taking the THEA or other standardized test, you can contact the Educational Testing Services to receive accommodations on the test.   The ACCESS Counselor can assist you in applying for accommodations.

Do I have to take the THEA test if I was exempt from TAAS/TAKS in high school?   

If you have not taken the TAAS, the SAT, or the ACT and scored in the range of NCTC's admission requirement (see catalog), you must take the THEA test or the COMPASS test for admission to NCTC.  You don't have to pass the test, but you do have to take it.  However, if you do not pass the test, you will be required to enroll in developmental education courses. 

If you are planning to enroll in one of NCTC's certificate programs, you will not be required to take the THEA or COMPASS test.

Both the THEA and the COMPASS tests are administered on the Corinth and Gainesville Campuses through the Counseling Department; however, NCTC is not an accommodation site for the THEA.  This means that you will need to apply for accommodations through the National Evaluation Systems or call (512) 927-5397.   The ACCESS Counselor can assist in the application process.  

NCTC does provide accommodations for the COMPASS Test.  You must make requests for accommodations at least one week in advance.   You will also need to submit documentation of your disability to the ACCESS Counselor, so she can determine the appropriate accommodations for the test.  Please contact the ACCESS Counselor for more information at (940) 498-6207 on the Corinth Campus or (940) 668-4216. 

What should I do if I suspect I have a disability and want to receive accommodations?  

To receive accommodations, you will need to meet with an ACCESS Program Counselor either before the semester begins or some time during the semester.   The ACCESS Counselor will conduct an intake session and request documentation of your disability to determine what accommodations will be most appropriate for you.   To contact the ACCESS Counselor on the Corinth Campus call 940-498-6207.   To contact the ACCESS Counselor on the Gainesville Campus call 940-668-4216.

What is acceptable documentation?

The ACCESS Program Counselors will assess your documentation and let you know if it is acceptable or unacceptable.   For the most part, documentation should be current (within the past three to five years); it should be from a certified professional in the medical field, psychological field, or educational field; it should include a diagnosis; show a medical history of the disability; and it should list the functional limitations resulting from the disability.  

What kinds of accommodations are available?

After assessing your documentation, the ACCESS Program Counselors will determine the most appropriate accommodations for you.   We can provide sign language interpreters, readers and/or scribes for tests, extra time on tests, an alternate testing environment, electronic texts and/or books on tape/CD, notetaker services, registration assistance, adaptive technology services, etc. 

The ACCESS Program is a resource for tutoring services, disability information, learning styles evaluations, community resources, study skills and time management resources, and various college services.  

I received accommodations in high school and had an IEP.   Can I use the IEP as documentation?

The IEP, albeit a valuable resource, cannot be used as documentation.   NCTC will accept the Comprehensive Evaluation from the high school, provided it is complete, contains testing information, and is current.  

What role do my parents play in the process?

If you are over the age of 18, you are legally recognized as an adult.   The ACCESS Program Counselors meet with the student for an intake session to discuss accommodation requests and/or disability-related services.   Counselors are happy to answer parents' questions after the intake session is complete.  However, we encourage students to have an open dialog with their parents.   Parents may be an excellent source of support.  

I have a physical disability and have trouble getting around.   What types of accommodations are geared just for me?

Students with physical disabilities are encouraged to register with the ACCESS Program Counselors every semester, so they can evaluate your class schedule and make sure all classes are scheduled in accessible buildings.  

What is the Networks program?  

This program facilitates access to technical education and training and provides support services for the students pursuing a technical area of study.   Services include career assessment, referrals, counseling, and childcare assistance.

How do I qualify and how can I apply for the Networks Program/Childcare Assistance?

Please refer to the Networks Program site to determine if you qualify for the Networks Program. Applications for the program are located online or in Room 120 on the Corinth Campus or Room ASC 111 on the Gainesville Campus.