Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Resolving accommodation concerns

PCC is committed to ensuring equal access to students who experience disabilities. The college complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended.

Areas of responsibility

  • Accessible Ed & Disability Resources (AEDR) is responsible for working with students through an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodation and coordinate the provision of appropriate auxiliary aids, services, and adjustments. AEDR is also responsible for generating notification letters when reasonable requests are made by qualified students, serving in a liaison capacity to address disability related barriers, and providing awareness building opportunities and technical assistance for members of the PCC community.
  • Faculty in teaching roles are responsible for responding to requests for accommodation and working with AEDR when technical assistance is needed. Faculty who have concerns about specific adjustments need to implement adjustments as outlined in the official notification while working through the resolution process, unless AEDR approves otherwise.
  • All PCC departments, organizations, and affiliated entities will provide contact information for individuals who wish to make an accommodation request. Note that technical assistance is usually available from either AEDR or the Senior ADA & Accessibility Partner with People Strategy, Equity, and Culture (PSEC), or the ADA/504 Compliance Manager, depending on the type and nature of the offering.
  • The Senior ADA & Accessibility Partner is responsible for working with employees and their supervisors to determine reasonable accommodation and and to address community member requests.
  • The ADA/504 Compliance Manager is responsible for maintaining the College’s Comprehensive Transition Plan, which is used to identify barriers and track progress on accessibility of PCC programs as a whole.
  • The Senior ADA & Accessibility Partner, the ADA/504 Compliance Manager, and the Leadership of AEDR, co-chair the Accessibility Council’s working committees, which allows for coordination between Accessible Ed & Disability Resources, Facilities, Parking, IT, Academic Programs, Student Affairs, and other departments.
  • PSEC and/or Student Conduct and Community Support are responsible for enforcing the College’s Nondiscrimination and Non-harassment policy to ensure that all campuses are free from harassment and discrimination including investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment under the college’s grievance procedures.
  • Students who need accommodation should reference the supporting pages detailed within this site for full process descriptions. Students are responsible for making reasonable requests in a timely manner and also for communicating with AEDR if there are questions or concerns related to the implementation of specific adjustments.
  • Employees and community members who experience disability related barriers and need accommodation should contact the PCC ADA Coordinator

Resolving concerns

PCC supports the swift resolution of concerns related to academic accommodation for students who experience disability. If there are problems getting appropriate auxiliary aids and services put into place students should notify AEDR so we can work together to ensure resolution. If the concern is related to discrimination or harassment. PCC provides a website for Reporting an Incident.

Resolving accommodation-related concerns

  • If the concern is related to accommodation, AEDR can assist by facilitating communication with the staff person, program, department, or organization. AEDR team members should elevate concerns to the Student Accommodation Manager, who may contact the appropriate department chair, program or pathway dean, or other necessary staff in an effort to clarify and resolve the situation.
  • Any concerns that can not be resolved swiftly through this approach will be brought to the attention of the Director of Accessible Ed & Disability Resources who may consult with others as needed.
  • If the concern can not be resolved by the Director of Accessible Ed & Disability Resources, AEDR will provide information about the college’s grievance procedures.

Resolving concerns regarding Accessible Ed & Disability Resources staff

  1. If you have a concern about an AEDR counselor, office assistant, aide, coordinator, specialist, or other employee, and do not feel comfortable discussing this directly with the staff member, you may contact the Director of Accessible Ed & Disability Resources at 971-722-4868.  The Director will attempt to resolve your concerns regarding the staff member.
  2. If you have concerns regarding the Director of Accessible Ed & Disability Resources, please contact the Executive Dean of Teaching and Learning Support at 971-722-6268.

Resolving other concerns

Nondiscrimination statement

PCC does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, or sexual orientation in any area, activity or operation of the College.  In addition, the college complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and all county, state and federal civil rights laws. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the college’s benefit and services shall be extended to all persons, and the college shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative action plan.

External discrimination complaint

Students are encouraged to work through the internal process, but do have the right to file an external complaint of disability discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.