Accommodation Appeal Process and Procedures

ADA / Section 504 Compliance

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), as an equal opportunity institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws related to nondiscrimination and equal access. This includes, but is not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. GPTC is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, no qualified individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any GPTC program or activity on the basis of disability. GPTC also prohibits discrimination against an individual because of the known disability of another person with whom the individual has a relationship or association.

To ensure compliance with applicable disability laws, GPTC engages in an interactive process to evaluate requests for reasonable accommodations. This process includes consideration of the unique requirements and essential elements of the course, program, or activity. A reasonable accommodation may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, or services that remove disability-related barriers without fundamentally altering essential course requirements, program objectives, or institutional standards.

Disability Services is responsible for reviewing and coordinating disability-related academic accommodations for eligible students. Questions or concerns related to accommodations should be directed to Disability Services. Disability Services serves as the College’s primary point of contact for evaluating accommodation requests and works collaboratively with faculty and other campus offices as needed during the accommodation review process and when addressing concerns related to accommodation determinations.

Disputing a Denial of an Accommodation

Step 1: Reconsidration

If your accommodation request is denied, you may request reconsideration by contacting the Accessibility Coordinator within fourteen (14) calendar days of the original decision.

To support your request for reconsideration, please submit additional written information and/or documentation to your Accessibility Coordinator that further explains the need for the requested accommodation(s) to ensure equal access at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Supporting information may include, but is not limited to:

• Additional details explaining how the accommodation supports your access needs
• Updated or supplemental documentation from a qualified provider
• Descriptions or examples of barriers you experienced without the accommodation

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) will review the additional information and may schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss any new materials submitted. A written decision will be provided within seven (7) business days of receipt of the reconsideration request, taking into account college closures, recesses, or recognized holidays.

Step 2: Appeal

If you do not have, or are unable to obtain, additional information to support reconsideration, or if the reconsideration process does not resolve your concern, you may submit a written appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days of the reconsideration decision. If no reconsideration was requested, the appeal must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days of the original accommodation decision.

Appeals should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Dean, will review all submitted documentation and relevant information. At your request, a meeting may be scheduled to discuss your concerns, and the Dean, may consult with appropriate GPTC personnel as needed.

A written decision will be issued within seven (7) business days of receipt of the appeal request. If you continue to have concerns following this decision, you may contact the Vice President of Student Affairs for further review. The decision issued at this level represents the final step in GPTC’s internal accommodation review process.

Disputing the Implementation of Approvded Accommodation(s)

If an approved accommodation is not being implemented as intended, students and employees are encouraged to take the following steps:

• First, attempt to address the concern directly with the relevant faculty member, staff member, or supervisor, when appropriate.
• If the issue is not resolved, contact the Accessibility Coordinator for assistance in facilitating a resolution.
• If concerns continue, the Accessibility Coordinator will consult with the Dean of Student Affairs and other appropriate GPTC personnel as needed to ensure access is addressed.

False Allegations

Intentionally making false accusations can have a negative impact on the individuals involved and the community. An individual who knowingly and intentionally files a false complaint under this policy is subject to discipline.

Campus Resources