Student Information - Disability Services for Students

All students attending Montana State University – Great Falls College of Technology are entitled to equal access to academic programs, services, student activities, and campus events. Students with disabilities have a right to reasonable accommodations in order to fully participate in the student experience. Students with disabilities are encouraged to advocate for themselves to the extent possible. Disability Services provides support and assistance in determining what accommodations are best suited to each individual.

MSU – Great Falls College of Technology uses the definition of disability set forth by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which states that a disabled person is anyone who:

• Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities;
  
• Has a record of such an impairment;
  
• Is regarded as having such an impairment.
  

Students needing accommodations must apply for services through Disability Services, located near the Learning Center, and be determined eligible by meeting all of the following criteria:

• Have a permanent or long-term (≥ 6 mos.) medical or psychological condition which significantly impairs the student’s ability to function in an academic setting;
  
  
• Provide Disability Services with current documentation of disability from a qualified professional; this documentation will be kept confidential in accordance with the Disability Services Confidentiality Policy;
  
  
• Be “otherwise qualified” for the chosen course of study and able to meet the behavioral standards set forth in the College’s Student Conduct Code.
  

Unlike high school, educational accommodations at the postsecondary level are student initiated. Each student who chooses to seek accommodations must meet with the Disability Services Director to determine what accommodations to request based on the needs of the student and the demands of the course. The medical, psychiatric and/or psychological documentation provided by students is kept in separate and confidential files in Disability Services. A complete copy of the Eligibility Criteria and the Confidentiality Policy can be obtained from the Director or found online. Depending on the student, available accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

• Extended test time
  
• Distraction-reduced testing environment
  
• Various other test accommodations
  
• Adaptive computer equipment and software
  
• Notetakers
  
• Tutors
  
• Interpreter services
  
• Extended deadlines
  
• Ergonomic equipment
  
• Preferential classroom seating
  
• Tape recording lectures
  
• Materials in alternate format
  

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Services upon enrollment and should visit with the Director each semester to determine accommodation needs for each class.

Building accessibility includes designated parking, curb cuts, automatic doors at the north, south and east entrances, ramp and elevator access to the second floor, accessible restrooms, Braille signage, and ramp access to theatre-style classrooms.

For more information, please contact Disability Services at (406) 771-4311 (voice) or (406) 771-4424 (TTY).