07 Aug SUNY Westchester Community College 504 Accessibility Services
UTILIZING SUNY WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 504 ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES FOR ADHD

Accessibility services play a crucial role in supporting students with ADHD and other learning differences, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive academically. SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) offers various accessibility services to foster student success, confidence, and independence.
Understanding 504 Accessibility Services at SUNY Westchester Community College
SUNY WCC provides comprehensive accessibility services to create an inclusive learning environment. These services include academic accommodations, assistive technology, and support resources tailored to individual needs.
Benefits of these services include:
- Equitable educational experience
- Enhanced academic performance
- Improved overall college life
All students can benefit from an equitable educational experience by utilizing these services, enhancing their academic performance and overall college life. For detailed information, visit the Accessibility Services page.
Steps to Get Accommodations for Students Without an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Recognize Your Needs
Understanding your academic challenges is the first step toward seeking accommodations. Common issues may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Time management problems
- Challenges with note-taking
Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas where you might need support.
Step 2: Research and Gather Information
Explore the resources available at SUNY WCC by visiting their Accessibility Services page. Familiarize yourself with the types of accommodations offered, such as:
- Extended test time
- Note-taking assistance
- Specialized software
The Accessibility Services at SUNY Westchester Community College provides information and support for students with documented disabilities, including those attending classes on the main campus, extension sites, and remotely. Students must submit disability documentation, complete the Student Intake Form, and request Directed Self-Placement Questionnaires after acceptance. The student must disclose their need for accommodations each semester, as accommodations do not automatically carry over.
- Extended time for exams and assignments.
- Quiet rooms for testing.
- Access to assistive technology like speech-to-text software.
The Office of Accessibility Services offers support and services that promote independence and student development for our diverse student body. Students must register with the office to be eligible for accommodations, where accommodations are determined individually.

Step 3: Meet with an Advisor
To initiate the accommodation process, schedule a meeting with an advisor from the Accessibility Services office. You can contact the office using the information provided on their website. During the meeting, you will discuss your needs and learn about available services.
Step 4: Provide Documentation
You will need to provide documentation to support your request for accommodations. This might include:
- Medical records
- Psychological evaluations
- Educational assessments
Documentation may encompass, but is not restricted to, the following items:
- Individual Educational Plans (IEPs)
- 504 Plans
- Triennial Evaluations
- Correspondence from healthcare providers. These documents should be on official letterhead, include a handwritten signature from the treating physician (no electronic signatures), state the current diagnosis and treatment dates, and outline recommended accommodations.
Please submit all documentation to Accessibility Services via the accommodate platform, which can be accessed through the SUNY Westchester Community College website.
If you haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD but suspect you might have it, consider getting an evaluation. Here is a list of low-cost neuropsychology evaluations in the NYC area.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Advocate
Regular follow-up meetings with your advisor are crucial to ensure effective accommodations. Additionally, self-advocacy is key. Communicate your needs clearly to your professors and utilize campus resources to maintain an open line of communication.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilize SUNY WCC’s Accessibility Services to enhance your academic journey.

Maximizing 504 Accessibility Services for Students with an ADHD Diagnosis
Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Available Services
Understanding your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is crucial for accessing the necessary accommodations. These laws ensure that students with disabilities, including those with ADHD, have equal access to educational opportunities and are protected from discrimination based on disability.
Specific services and accommodations for ADHD may include:
- Extended time on tests and assignments.
- Reduced-distraction environments for testing.
- Note-taking assistance or provision of lecture notes.
- Use of technology, such as laptops or recording devices, for taking notes or completing assignments.
- Flexible deadlines and modified workloads.
- Preferential seating in the classroom.
- Regular check-ins with a designated support person.
Specific Services and Accommodations for ADHD:
- Extended time on tests and assignments.
- Note-taking assistance.
- Preferential seating.
- Use of technology aids (e.g., laptops, audio recorders).
- Breaks during class or exams.
- Modified deadlines.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Accessibility Services
Preparing for your appointment with accessibility services involves researching the specific services and accommodations your school offers. Make a list of the challenges you face due to ADHD and how they impact your academic performance. Prepare questions about the accommodations process and what to expect.
When attending the appointment, bring:
- A recent evaluation or diagnosis from a licensed professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist).
- Any relevant educational or medical records.
- A list of helpful accommodations, if applicable.
Step 3: Create a Personalized Accommodation Plan
Developing a personalized accommodation plan requires collaboration with the accessibility services office to identify the most beneficial accommodations for your needs. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and how ADHD affects your learning and daily activities. Set specific, realistic goals for your goals with the accommodations.
Examples of accommodations that can be included:
- Extended time on exams.
- Permission to record lectures.
- Breaks during exams to manage focus and attention.
- Use of organizational tools and apps.
- Access to quiet study spaces.
Step 4: Utilize Support Resources
In addition to accommodations, other support resources are available on campus to help you succeed. These include tutoring centers for help with specific subjects, counseling services for managing stress and developing coping strategies, academic advising for course selection and planning, and student organizations and support groups for peer support.
Integrate these resources with your accommodation plan by:
- Coordinating with tutors and counselors to ensure they know your accommodations and can provide appropriate support.
- Using counseling services to develop strategies for managing ADHD symptoms alongside your academic responsibilities.
- Participating in support groups to share experiences and tips with other students facing similar challenges.

Step 5: Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan
Regular check-ins with accessibility services are essential to discuss the effectiveness of your accommodations. Schedule periodic meetings to keep track of any new challenges that arise and communicate them to the office. If an accommodation is not working, discuss alternatives with your accessibility services advisor.
Stay proactive in seeking help and making necessary adjustments to ensure your academic success:
- Don’t wait for problems to become overwhelming before seeking assistance.
- Regularly review your academic performance and note any areas where you struggle.
- Use feedback from professors and advisors to make informed adjustments to your accommodation plan.
- Be open to experimenting with different strategies and tools until you find the best.
By understanding your rights, preparing for your appointment with accessibility services, creating a personalized accommodation plan, utilizing support resources, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan, you can maximize your academic success as a student with ADHD.
Taking these steps will help ensure you have the necessary support to thrive in your educational environment. Remember, seeking help and advocating for your needs is a sign of strength and a crucial component of your academic journey.
Tips for Academic Success
Achieving academic success can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD and other learning differences. However, by leveraging the right strategies and resources, these students can overcome obstacles and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Time Management Strategies
Effective time management is crucial for students with ADHD. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, using timers and alarms, and prioritizing tasks based on deadlines can reduce stress and improve productivity. These time management strategies help students stay focused and complete work efficiently.
Study Skills and Note-Taking Techniques
Strong study skills and effective note-taking significantly enhance learning. Active note-taking, organized notes with headings and color coding, and regular review sessions can improve retention and understanding.
Stress Management and Mental Health Resources
Managing stress and maintaining mental health is vital for academic success. Students should practice mindfulness techniques, take regular breaks, and seek support from counselors when needed. Accessing mental health resources and learning stress management techniques can greatly aid their academic journey.
Utilizing Technology and Tools for Learning
Technology offers valuable tools for students with ADHD. Planning apps like Fantastical, note-taking apps like Evernote, and focus tools like Forest help students stay organized and minimize distractions.
By incorporating these strategies and utilizing available resources, students with ADHD and other learning differences can enhance their academic performance and achieve their educational goals. With the right support and tools, academic success is within reach.
External Supports and Services
Executive Function Coaching
Executive function coaching can be a game-changer for students with ADHD and other learning differences. These specialized coaches help students develop essential skills like time management, organization, and effective study habits. By working one-on-one with a coach, students can learn how to break down tasks into manageable steps, set realistic goals, and create structured plans to achieve them.
For students in need of executive function coaching, local resources are available. For instance, Themba Tutors offers comprehensive executive function coaching services tailored to individual needs. Their experienced coaches provide support in various areas, including planning, prioritization, and self-monitoring, helping students build the skills necessary for academic and personal success.
Psychiatric Services:
About Dr. Michael Roman

Dr. Michael Roman is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD and other mental health challenges, particularly in students. With extensive experience in adolescent and adult psychiatry, he is dedicated to helping young individuals navigate their academic and personal lives more successfully.
He provides a comprehensive array of psychiatric services tailored to each student’s needs. His services include thorough assessments, precise diagnoses, and customized treatment plans designed to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Roman offers same-day treatment options for managing ADHD, including both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. He collaborates closely with students to identify the most effective medication regimen, with continuous monitoring and adjustments to achieve optimal results.
Dr. Michael Roman is dedicated to delivering compassionate and expert care to help students thrive academically and personally. Contact him today to begin your journey toward improved mental health.
Maintaining good mental health is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Students should seek psychiatric support when symptoms disrupt daily functioning and academic performance.
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)
Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) is valuable in understanding and managing ADHD and other learning differences. QEEG, also known as brain mapping, measures electrical activity in the brain to identify patterns associated with specific cognitive or behavioral issues. This data can then be used to develop targeted interventions and treatment plans.
QEEG can provide insights into how a student’s brain functions, helping pinpoint areas needing support. This information is beneficial for creating personalized strategies that address unique challenges, leading to more effective management of symptoms and improved academic performance.
Conclusion
SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC) offers academic accommodations, assistive technology, and personalized support. To get accommodations, recognize your needs and research resources, meet with an advisor, provide documentation, and follow up regularly. Maximize services by understanding your rights, creating a personalized plan, utilizing support resources, and reviewing and adjusting your strategy.
For academic success, use effective time management, study skills, note-taking techniques, stress management, and technology tools. External support, such as executive function coaching and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), should also be considered.
Take advantage of SUNY WCC’s resources and explore external supports to enhance your academic performance. Accessibility services provide the tools and accommodations necessary for success. Being proactive in utilizing these resources is key to achieving your educational goals.
For more information and to start the process of obtaining accommodations, contact the Accessibility Services office at SUNY WCC. Additionally, explore other support options like executive function coaching and QEEG to further support your academic journey.
Embrace the support available and take the necessary steps to ensure you thrive in your educational environment.
Craig Selinger
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