Accommodations & Alternative Testing

The American with Disabilities Act requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship.

An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, expensive, substantially disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program.

Reasonable accommodation is provision of an auxiliary aid, or modification to the course or program that will allow access to the educational program, material, activity, or degree. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include:

• Making existing facilities readily accessible to, and usable by, persons with disabilities
• Flexible time lines for program completion
• Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices
• Appropriate adjustments or modification of examinations or policies
• Provision of qualified readers, note takers, and/or sign language interpreters
• Provision of alternate print formats

NOTE: Personal care attendants are not considered a reasonable accommodation.

The Center for Access and Assistive Technology works on a case-by-case basis in the funding and provisions for reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

How to Request Accommodations

New Students

To best facilitate services, students should register with the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at least three weeks before the start of the semester of his/her need for accommodations. Students requiring special adaptive computer software or equipment are encouraged to contact the center at least six weeks before the semester begins.

Register for Services

Current/Returning Students

Students should renew their accommodations and schedule appointments on the CAAT portal.
NOTE: Appointment requests are reviewed, or approved, during regular business hours.

CAAT Portal

Employees

Employees with disabilities who need to request reasonable accommodations, should contact DeAnne Martocci at d.martocci@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-8104.

Visitors

Visitors to campus with a disability requiring reasonable accommodations, should contact the Center for Access and Assistive Technology at caat@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7154.

Requesting Alternative Testing Services

Students registered with the CAAT and approved for test accommodations may take their class quizzes, tests and exams in the Center for Access and Assistive Technology. Testing hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appropriate testing accommodations will be available to evening and weekend students by appointment.

Current students who are already registered for testing services with the CAAT office and need accommodations for taking a test or exam, should complete this request.

NOTE: The testing reservation request form closed for the Fall 2024 term at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13.

Resolving Conflicts

Individuals looking to resolve any conflicts related to reasonable accommodations, should review the Resolving Conflicts section of the college's ADA/Section 504 Compliance Statement.