13 Aug Farmingdale State College 504 Accessibility Services
UTILIZING FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE 504 ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES FOR ADHD

Ensuring academic success for all students, including those with ADHD and other learning differences, requires access to tailored support and accommodations. Accessibility services are crucial in leveling the playing field, allowing students to engage with their education fully. Farmingdale State College’s Disability Services Center (DSC) offers comprehensive support to help students overcome barriers and achieve their academic goals.
Understanding 504 Accessibility Services at Farmingdale State College
The Disability Services Center at Farmingdale State College provides a wide array of services designed to assist students with various disabilities, including ADHD and other learning differences. These services include:
- Academic accommodations include extended test time, note-taking assistance, and alternative formats for course materials.
- Access to assistive technology and software to support learning.
- Personalized support and counseling to help students manage their academic workload and navigate college life.
These services are designed to benefit all students by promoting an inclusive learning environment where everyone can succeed.
Steps to Get Accommodations for Students Without an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Recognize Your Needs
Understanding and acknowledging your academic challenges is the first step toward seeking accommodations. Common difficulties might include trouble focusing, difficulty organizing tasks, or needing more time to complete exams. Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas where you might benefit from additional support.
Step 2: Research and Gather Information
Gather as much information as possible about the accommodations available at Farmingdale State College. The Disability Services Center page is a great starting point. Examples of accommodations include:
- Extended time on tests
- Note-taking assistance
- Use of assistive technology
Step 3: Meet with an Advisor
Scheduling a meeting with an advisor from the Disability Services Center is crucial. To schedule an appointment, you can contact the DSC by phone, email, or visit their office in person. During this meeting, you will discuss your academic challenges and potential accommodations. The advisor will guide you through the process and help determine the best support for your needs.
Before meeting in person or virtually, please take the following steps:
- Complete our “Getting to Know You” form.
- Submit documentation about your disability.
- Scan and email your documentation to our office at [email protected].
- Work with a counselor to schedule a meeting to discuss access and reasonable accommodations.
What to Expect in the Meeting:
- Initial Discussion: Explain your academic difficulties and how they impact your studies.
- Review of Potential Accommodations: The advisor will discuss various accommodation options and how they can address your needs.
- Plan Development: You will create an accommodation plan tailored to your requirements.
- Next Steps: The advisor will explain the documentation you must provide and the process for implementing your accommodations.

Step 4: Provide Documentation
To receive accommodations, you must provide documentation of your learning differences. This might include medical records, psychological evaluations, or other relevant assessments. If you need an evaluation, consider resources like Themba Tutors for low-cost neuropsychological assessments in the NYC area.
Types of Documentation That Might Be Needed:
- Medical Records: A report from your doctor outlining your diagnosis and its impact on your learning.
- Psychological Evaluations: An assessment from a licensed psychologist detailing your cognitive and learning profiles.
- Educational Records: Previous IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) or 504 Plans from high school can be useful.
Step 5: Follow Up and Advocate
Regular follow-up meetings with your advisor ensure that your accommodations effectively support your needs. Learning to advocate for yourself and clearly communicate your needs to professors is also essential. Self-advocacy and effective communication can greatly enhance your academic experience and ensure you utilize all available resources.
Tips for Self-Advocacy and Effective Communication with Professors:
- Be Prepared: Before meeting with professors, clearly understand your accommodations and how they assist you.
- Be Honest: Explain your needs and how the accommodations help you succeed academically.
- Be Proactive: Approach professors early in the semester to discuss your accommodations and any specific requirements for their course.
- Follow-up: Maintain open communication with your professors and update them on any changes to your accommodation plan.
Maximizing 504 Accessibility Services for Students with an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Available Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are pivotal in ensuring that students with ADHD and other learning differences receive appropriate accommodations and services. Under these laws, schools must provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. This includes modifications in administering tests, classroom adjustments, and access to additional resources that facilitate learning.
List of Specific Services and Accommodations for ADHD
Students diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from a variety of services and accommodations, including but not limited to:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Preferential seating to minimize distractions
- Breaks during classes and tests to manage attention spans
- Note-taking assistance or permission to record lectures
- Access to counseling and psychological services
- Use of technology aids like speech-to-text software

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Accessibility Services
Preparation is key to ensuring a productive meeting with the accessibility services office. Begin by understanding your specific challenges and how they impact your learning. Based on your past experiences, make a list of accommodations you believe would be beneficial.
What Documentation to Bring
Bring comprehensive documentation to your appointment, including:
- A formal diagnosis from a licensed professional
- A detailed report describing your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your academic performance
- Previous accommodations, if any, that have been helpful in the past
- Recommendations from your diagnosing professional on necessary accommodations
Step 3: Create a Personalized Accommodation Plan
Developing an accommodation plan involves collaboration between the student, accessibility services, and sometimes instructors. Focus on:
- Clearly identifying specific academic challenges caused by ADHD
- Discussing potential accommodations and how they can be implemented
- Ensuring that the accommodations are realistic and feasible within the school’s resources
- Setting measurable goals to monitor the effectiveness of the accommodations
Examples of Accommodations that Can Be Included
- Allowing additional time for tests and assignments
- Providing copies of lecture notes or allowing the use of a note-taking app
- Adjusting deadlines to accommodate fluctuations in concentration and focus
- Using organizational tools and apps to help manage assignments and deadlines
- Offering flexible attendance policies if symptoms occasionally hinder class attendance
Students seeking reasonable accommodations must self-disclose their disability and provide current, comprehensive documentation detailing the diagnosis, functional limitations, and academic impact. This documentation should be submitted via email to [email protected] and will be kept confidential. Students are encouraged to complete the “Getting to Know You” form and submit their documentation soon after admission, well before orientation and classes begin. Accommodations are not retroactive.
Step 4: Utilize Support Resources
Beyond formal accommodations, many campuses offer additional support resources that can greatly benefit students with ADHD:
- Tutoring centers for personalized academic assistance
- Counseling services to help manage stress and develop coping strategies
- Workshops on time management and study skills
- Peer support groups for sharing experiences and strategies
How to Integrate These Resources with Your Accommodation Plan
Integrating these resources involves:
- Regularly attending tutoring sessions to reinforce classroom learning
- Scheduling consistent counseling sessions to address ongoing challenges
- Participating in workshops and applying learned skills to daily academic tasks
- Joining peer groups to build a supportive community and gain new perspectives
The Disability Services Center (DSC) supports students enrolled in face-to-face, remote, hybrid, live-stream, online courses, and distance education programs. To discuss reasonable accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Note that accommodations are not applied retroactively.

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Regular check-ins ensure that accommodations are effective and adjusted as needed. Schedule periodic meetings with your accessibility advisor to discuss your progress and any new challenges that may arise.
How to Make Adjustments as Needed to Your Accommodation Plan
Adjustments might include:
- Modifying existing accommodations to fit your needs better
- Adding new accommodations as new challenges are identified
- Collaborating with instructors to implement changes in the classroom
- Seeking feedback from tutors, counselors, and peers to identify areas for improvement
By following these steps, students with ADHD can effectively utilize accessibility services to enhance their academic success and overall educational experience.
Tips for Academic Success
Effective strategies and tools can significantly enhance academic success for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
- Effective time management is essential for students with ADHD and other learning differences. Prioritize tasks, break them into smaller steps, and use planners to track assignments. Setting specific goals and limiting distractions are also crucial.
- Improving study skills and note-taking can significantly enhance academic performance. Mind hacks to improve focus and concentration include active note-taking methods, mind mapping, and practice retrieval techniques. Mnemonics and studying in intervals also help.
- Managing stress and maintaining mental health is crucial for academic success. Mindfulness, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are key strategies. Seeking support from counselors and scheduling time for relaxation are also important.
- Technology offers powerful tools for students with learning differences. Digital note-taking apps, task management tools, and assistive technology can enhance learning. Study aids and time management apps also help maintain focus and organization.
By embracing these tips and resources, students can overcome challenges and achieve greater academic success.
External Supports and Services
To maximize academic success, students with ADHD and other learning differences can benefit from various external supports and services.
Executive Function Coaching
Executive function coaching greatly benefits students struggling with time management, organization, and study habits. Coaches work with students to develop personalized strategies that enhance executive functioning skills, which are crucial for academic success. By addressing specific challenges, coaches help students build routines, set goals, and implement effective study techniques.
Themba Tutors offers specialized executive function coaching services tailored to the unique needs of students with ADHD and other learning differences. Their expert coaches provide one-on-one support to improve organizational skills, time management, and study habits.
Psychiatric Services:
About Dr. Michael Roman

Dr. Michael Roman is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD and other mental health issues, with a focus on students. With extensive experience in adolescent and adult psychiatry, he is committed to helping young people more effectively navigate their academic and personal challenges.
Dr. Roman’s services are comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of psychiatric needs tailored to each student. His approach includes thorough assessments, precise diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans, all aimed at achieving the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Roman offers immediate treatment options, including both stimulant and non-stimulant medications, to manage ADHD symptoms effectively. He collaborates closely with students to identify the most suitable medication plan and adjusts as needed to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Understanding that medication alone does not encompass complete care, Dr. Roman also addresses additional issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. He either provides or refers patients to complementary therapeutic services, ensuring a well-rounded approach to mental health.
Dedicated to delivering empathetic and expert care, Dr. Michael Roman strives to help students excel both academically and personally. Contact him today to begin your path to improved mental health.
Addressing mental health is vital for academic success and overall well-being. It’s important for students to seek psychiatric support when symptoms disrupt daily activities and academic performance. Taking this step can lead to significant improvements in their mental health and academic performance.
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the brain. It is often used to create brain maps identifying patterns associated with ADHD and other learning differences. QEEG provides valuable insights into brain function, informing personalized interventions and treatment plans.
By leveraging these external supports and services, students with ADHD and other learning differences can gain the tools and insights needed to enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.
Forms and Policies
- Getting to Know You
- Guidelines for Documentation
- Guidelines for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder – ADHD
- Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder – ASD
- Guidelines for Communication and Speech
- Guidelines for Learning Disabilities
- Guidelines for Motor Disability
- Grievance Policy for Students Requesting Accommodations
Conclusion
The Disability Services Center (DSC) supports students enrolled in face-to-face, remote, hybrid, live-stream, online courses, and distance education programs. To discuss reasonable accommodations, please email us at [email protected]. Note that accommodations are not applied retroactively.
Taking advantage of both the school’s resources and external support is vital for academic success. The Disability Services Center at Farmingdale State College is dedicated to helping students overcome challenges and thrive academically.
We encourage you to contact the school’s accessibility services to discuss your needs and explore the available support options. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Disability Services Center at [email protected]. Many external supports are also available to help you achieve your full academic potential. Embrace these resources and take proactive steps towards your educational success.
Craig Selinger
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