Disability Law

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define a person with a disability as anyone having a physical or mental disability which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Under Section 504 and the ADA, qualified individuals with disabilities cannot be discriminated against in regard to educational opportunities and employment.  These acts require that all academic programs at North Shore Community College be made accessible to persons with disabilities.  NSCC’s Disability Services Department determines appropriate academic accommodations based on a student’s disability and individual needs.   Examples of possible accommodations include but are not limited to:  extended time for testing, reduced distraction environments, reduced course load, note takers, academic learning aids, sign language interpreters, and voice recognition or other assistive technologies.

When implementing academic accommodations, North Shore Community College will not lower or substantially modify essential requirements of its curriculum. For example, Disability Services is NOT required to grant accommodations that change the content of an exam and/or alter the fundamental requirements of a class or program of study. 

Following the requirements of Section 504 and the ADA, North Shore Community College will provide appropriate academic adjustments to ensure that qualified students have access to educational opportunities regardless of their disabilities. 

To find out more information about Section 504 and the ADA visit:

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities by the Office of Civil Rights

ADA Home Page: Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act