Accommodation Appeal Process and Procedures

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is committed to ensuring that students and employees with disabilities have equal access to its programs, services, and activities. If you believe that a requested accommodation was denied or not appropriately implemented, GPTC has established procedures to provide a clear and equitable path for review and resolution.

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.

Discrimination, Harassment, or Bias Related to Disability

Filing a Grievance

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) provides both informal and formal processes for addressing concerns related to academic accommodations.

Students and employees are encouraged to first attempt to resolve concerns informally through Student Accessibility Services (SAS), such as working with the Accessibility Coordinator or engaging in facilitated discussion. Participation in the informal process is voluntary and is not required prior to filing a formal grievance.

If a concern is not resolved informally, or if an individual chooses not to pursue the informal process, a formal grievance may be filed in accordance with GPTC’s established grievance procedures. Information regarding the formal grievance process is available through the ADA/ Section 504 Grievance Form.

Pursuing an informal resolution will not delay or extend the timeframe for filing a formal grievance. Formal grievances must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of the date the individual becomes aware of the decision or action being challenged.