19 Aug Naugatuck Valley Community College 504 Accessibility Services
UTILIZING NAUGATUCK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 504 ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES FOR ADHD

Navigating college life can be challenging, especially for students with ADHD and other learning differences. Accessibility services are crucial in ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed academically. Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) offers various accessibility services to help students overcome these challenges and thrive in their educational journey.
Understanding 504 Accessibility Services at Naugatuck Valley Community College
NVCC is committed to providing equal access to education for all students. The college offers various services to support students with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed. These services include:
- Extended time on tests, note-taking assistance, and alternative formats for textbooks.
- Tutoring, counseling, and academic advising tailored to individual needs.
- Tools such as speech-to-text software, screen readers, and other adaptive technologies.
These services benefit students with documented disabilities and those who may struggle with undiagnosed learning differences. Students can enhance their academic performance and overall college experience by utilizing these resources.
Steps to Get Accommodations for Students Without an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Recognize Your Needs
Recognizing the need for accommodations is the first step toward academic success. Common academic challenges for students with learning differences include:
- Difficulty focusing during lectures or while studying
- Trouble with time management and meeting deadlines
- Struggles with reading comprehension and retaining information
- Feeling overwhelmed with large assignments or exams
Conducting a self-assessment can help identify specific areas for support. Reflect on your academic experiences and pinpoint moments where additional help could have made a difference.
Step 2: Research and Gather Information
Understanding the available accommodations at NVCC is crucial. Start by visiting the NVCC Disability Services Guide to learn about the support range. Examples of accommodations include:
- Extra Time on Exams: Allows students to complete tests without the pressure of time constraints.
- Note-Taking Services: Assists with capturing important information during lectures.
- Access to Assistive Technology: Includes tools such as speech-to-text software and screen readers to aid learning.
- Modified Course Materials: Adjustments to reading assignments or lecture notes to better suit individual learning styles.

Step 3: Meet with an Advisor
Scheduling a meeting with an advisor from NVCC’s accessibility services is a key step in the process. Contact the Center for Academic Planning and Student Success (CAPSS) to schedule a meeting.
During the meeting, expect to discuss:
- Your academic challenges and specific areas where you need support
- Potential accommodations that could help address these challenges
- The necessary steps and documentation required to receive support
Bring all your documentation to your appointment. As the semester approaches, appointment demand increases significantly. New students should contact the Disability Office at least six weeks before the semester starts, or as early as possible. Continuing students who have already provided documentation and met with the Disability Office should call at least two weeks before the semester begins. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 4: Provide Documentation
The student should collect the necessary documentation, which should include:
- A letter from the diagnosing professional, complete with their letterhead, signature, and license details.
- A clear statement of the diagnosed disability.
- Information on the diagnostic tests, procedures, and results.
- For recent high school graduates, relevant educational documents typically encompass the Psychological Report, Educational Evaluation, tests like the Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WAIS/WISC), and the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement, along with the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- A narrative that connects the test results to the impact of the disability on the student’s learning and functioning within an educational setting.
If you still need to be formally diagnosed, here is a list of low-cost neuropsychological evaluation sites in NYC.
Step 5: Follow Up and Advocate
Following up with your advisor and maintaining open communication with your professors is essential. Schedule regular check-ins to ensure your accommodations are effective and address any issues that arise. Self-advocacy is critical; practice clear and respectful communication to express your needs and concerns. Here are some tips:
- Regular Check-Ins: Meet with your advisor periodically to review the effectiveness of your accommodations.
- Clear Communication: When speaking with professors, clearly explain your accommodations and how they support your learning.
- Documentation: Keep records of your accommodations and any correspondence related to them.
- Feedback: Provide feedback to your advisor and professors about what works well and could be improved.
Students can build a supportive network around them by taking these steps, ensuring their academic success and a positive college experience.

Maximizing 504 Accessibility Services for Students with an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Available Services
Understanding your rights under the ADA and Section 504 is crucial for students with ADHD. These laws protect students by ensuring they have equal access to education. Schools are required to provide reasonable accommodations to help students succeed academically. Specific services for ADHD may include extended time on tests and assignments, preferential seating, breaks during exams and lectures, access to note-takers or lecture recordings, use of assistive technology, and organizational support.
Rights under ADA and Section 504:
- Protection ensuring equal access to education
- Requirement for schools to provide reasonable accommodations
Specific Services and Accommodations for ADHD:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Preferential seating in the classroom
- Breaks during exams and lectures
- Access to note-takers or lecture recordings
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., speech-to-text software)
- Organizational support and time management coaching
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Accessibility Services
To make the most of accessibility services, start by scheduling an appointment with the school’s office. Preparation is key—research the office’s process for requesting accommodations and list the academic challenges you face and potential solutions. Bring necessary documentation, such as a recent diagnosis, how ADHD affects your academic performance, and any previous records of accommodations.
How to Prepare for the Appointment:
- Research the school’s accessibility services office
- List academic challenges and potential accommodations
Documentation to Bring:
- Recent diagnosis from a healthcare professional
- Documentation of ADHD’s impact on academic performance
- Previous records of accommodations
Step 3: Create a Personalized Accommodation Plan
Developing a personalized accommodation plan involves working closely with accessibility services to tailor accommodations to your specific needs. Discuss effective past strategies and be open to new suggestions.
Examples of accommodations may include access to quiet study areas, modified course loads, flexible deadlines, and permission to use fidget tools or stress-relief aids.
Developing a Plan Tailored to Individual Needs:
- Collaborate with accessibility services
- Discuss past strategies and new suggestions
Examples of Accommodations:
- Access to quiet study areas
- Modified course loads
- Flexible deadlines
- Permission to use fidget tools or stress-relief aids
Step 4: Utilize Support Resources
Beyond accommodations, leverage other support resources available on campus, such as tutoring, counseling, and study skills workshops. These resources can be integrated with your accommodation plan by scheduling regular sessions, attending workshops, and utilizing academic coaching or mentoring programs.
Other Support Resources on Campus:
- Tutoring services: personalized or group sessions
- Counseling services: support for mental health and stress management
- Study skills workshops: time management, note-taking, and test preparation skills
Integrating Resources with Your Plan:
- Schedule regular sessions with tutors and counselors
- Attend complimentary workshops
- Utilize academic coaching or mentoring programs

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Regular check-ins with accessibility services are essential to ensure your accommodations are effective. Track which accommodations help and communicate any new challenges. Don’t hesitate to request changes or additional support if your needs evolve. Maintain an open dialogue with professors and accessibility staff for ongoing support.
Making Adjustments to Your Plan:
- Track the effectiveness of accommodations
- Request changes or additional support as needed
- Maintain open dialogue with professors and staff
Understanding your rights, preparing thoroughly, and utilizing available resources can create a supportive academic environment that accommodates your ADHD and enhances your educational experience.
Tips for Academic Success
Navigating academic life can be challenging for students with ADHD and other learning differences. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Effective time management is crucial. Break down large projects into smaller steps, prioritize tasks, and use organizational apps.
- Develop effective study habits and note-taking techniques, such as the Cornell Note-Taking Method. Use mind hacks to improve focus and retention.
- Manage stress and maintain mental health through regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness techniques. For personalized strategies, seek support from school counselors or therapists.
- Use executive functioning apps to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Assistive technology like speech-to-text tools and audiobooks can enhance learning.
Students with ADHD and other learning differences can enhance their academic success by implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources.
External Supports and Services
Executive Function Coaching
Executive function coaching is a crucial resource for students with ADHD and other learning differences. These coaches offer personalized strategies to help students improve time management, organization, and study habits. Executive function coaching enhances academic performance and reduces stress by breaking down tasks into manageable steps, setting priorities, and creating effective study schedules.
Themba Tutors is an excellent option for those seeking local executive function coaches. They offer specialized services tailored to individual needs, and their experienced coaches work closely with students to develop customized strategies for academic success.
Psychiatric Services:
About Dr. Michael Roman

Dr. Michael Roman is a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and other learning differences. Dr. Roman has a wealth of experience working with students, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and individualized treatment plans to help them succeed academically.
Dr. Roman’s holistic approach considers both the psychological and physiological aspects of ADHD and related conditions. He takes the time to understand each student’s unique challenges and strengths, allowing him to create tailored interventions that address their specific needs. His compassionate and supportive demeanor ensures students feel comfortable and understood throughout their treatment.
In addition to traditional psychiatric services, Dr. Roman offers innovative treatments such as neurofeedback and medication management. These treatments improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and enhance overall cognitive functioning. By incorporating these advanced techniques, Dr. Roman helps students develop better-coping strategies and achieve their academic goals.
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) is a state-of-the-art brain imaging technique used to assess and understand the neurological underpinnings of ADHD and other learning differences. This non-invasive method measures electrical activity in the brain, providing detailed insights into brain function and identifying areas contributing to cognitive and behavioral challenges.
QEEG is particularly useful for tailoring treatment plans to individual needs. Clinicians can develop targeted interventions such as neurofeedback, medication, or cognitive-behavioral therapy by pinpointing specific brain regions that are underactive or overactive. This personalized approach can lead to more effective treatment outcomes, helping students improve their focus, attention, and overall academic performance.
Conclusion
Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) offers extended test times, note-taking assistance, tutoring, counseling, and adaptive technologies to support students with ADHD and other learning differences. Students should identify their needs, gather documentation, and meet with advisors from the Center for Academic Planning and Student Success (CAPSS). Understanding rights under ADA and Section 504, creating personalized accommodation plans, and utilizing campus and external resources, such as executive function coaching, can enhance success.
Effective time management, study habits, and assistive technologies are crucial. NVCC encourages students to utilize available resources and contact accessibility services for full support.
We encourage all students to utilize the school’s resources and external support fully. Accessibility services are designed to provide the necessary tools and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed in your academic journey.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact NVCC’s accessibility services. We invite you to explore other support options, including external resources and services. Your success is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Craig Selinger
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