Accessibility Services
Welcome to Middle Georgia State University Accessibility Services (formerly known as Disability Services) where we serve students with documented disabilities. Our office serves students who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate level credit courses.
Accessibility Services at MGA is committed to the lifelong development of individuals with disabilities. We envision a learning community that is welcoming of all individuals – one that embraces and celebrates the diversity of the campus while being sensitive to and supportive of the individual needs of each person. We strive to create an inclusive, informed, and accessible campus, community, and culture. We aim to educate and collaborate with students, faculty, staff and administrators, to accomplish our vision.
Admissions decisions are based on a combination of factors. Students with disabilities are considered for admission according to the same criteria as any other student. Once admitted to MGA, students with disabilities seeking accommodations should consult the ASO website as early as possible and follow the posted instructions on the process for registering with the office.
Accessibility accommodations include classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, and assisted technology. We offer a variety of software and technology available for use on campus that enables students with disabilities to access information.
Mission
The Office of Counseling and Accessibility Services has a dual mission:
- To provide professional and confidential support to students by addressing personal crises and offering remedies and referrals.
- To provide academic and non-academic support to students by addressing documented needs related to learning, physical, chronic health, and psychological issues.
Confidentiality
Information shared with Accessibility Service Providers will be kept confidential. Information and records will not be shared with anyone without permission from the student.
Notification
Each semester the student must contact their Accessibility Service Provider and present their schedule to have their academic accommodations sent to their instructors. It is strongly advised that students make these requests during the first week of the new semester.
It is also during this time that students should make an appointment to review and update their documentation for disability assistance.
Documentation
Paperwork such as IEP's, 504 plans, and psychological evaluations over three years old are used as guides and may not be accepted as valid forms of disability documentation at the university level. Please consult with the Accessibility Services and our Documentation Guidelines to establish adequate documentation.
Disability and The Law
Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 covers institutions receiving federal funds. It prohibits institutions from discrimination against "otherwise qualified" individual with disabilities. A qualified individual with a disability is a person who, with reasonable accommodations, can perform the essential functions of a job or school curriculum. An individual with a disability is defined as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or regarded as having such impairment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) supports the same standards as Section 504, but extends to both public and private facilities, services, programs, activities, telecommunications, transportation, and other miscellaneous provisions. The ADA defines a qualified individual with a disability as an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies or practices, the removal of architectural communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.
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Macon Campus
Student Life Center, Room 266
Phone: 478.471.2985
Fax: 478.471.5730
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Cochran Campus
Georgia Hall, Lower Level
Phone: 478.934.3023
Fax: 478.934.3090
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| Staff: |
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Allen Chastain
Director of Accessiblity Services
Cochran, Eastman, Dublin
478.934.3023
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Shunterria Howard
Accessibility Specialist
Macon, Warner Robins
478.471.2985
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Office Hours for Warner Robins, Dublin, and Eastman are by appointment only.
