Harper College

Services

Are you wondering what makes Access and Disability Services at Harper College unique? The easy answer is the wonderful programs and services we offer our students on top of the attention and care our staff provides. Our programs and services include one-on-one disability advising and support, student clubs, and social activities. We are committed to helping students have a successful college experience. To learn more about our programs, please explore them below.

The Assistive Technology Lab is located in the Access and Disabilities Services (ADS) office in Room I-103. At the AT Lab, textbooks can be converted to digital files; students can borrow portable equipment, such as assistive listening devices, digital recorders, etc.  Appointments are recommended.  For questions about our assistive technology, please email us at:  adsatlab@harpercollege.edu.

Approximately 60 percent of the students served in Access and Disability Services are diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD.  ADS approves legally mandated accommodations for all students with documented LD and/or ADHD. Documentation should be provided prior to or during the intake interview. If documentation is not available, we will discuss other available options for obtaining documentation. After the intake interview and a thorough review of all documentation, an ADS Access Advocate may recommend/approve one or more of the following accommodations:

  • Priority registration
  • Legally mandated accommodations
  • Advocacy strategies - requesting and using services
  • Supportive Coaching
  • Participation in targeted ADS courses — such as ACES
Instructional Support

Access Advocates provide free instructional support/learning strategies for students with LD/ADHD and refer students to other campus resources as needed.

Harper College has been providing a program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students since 1973, serving between 45 to 55 students each year. The program has served local deaf and hard of hearing students, in addition to drawing enrollment from other parts of Illinois, neighboring states, and international students. Services and instructional support beyond those which are legally mandated are a hallmark of the program. The program serves students who prefer to communicate through American Sign Language and students who prefer to communicate through speaking and listening.  Harper hosts DeaFest, an annual celebration of Deaf Culture each Fall. Harper also offers a club for Deaf students and an annual Volleyball Tournament which draws college and high school teams from Illinois and surrounding states. Contact us at 224.836.5048 VP or email ads@harpercollege.edu for more information. 

Harper College is committed to helping those students that are returning from service interested in seeking an education. In ADS we work with students of all backgrounds to ensure they receive the support that they need to access their courses and feel confident in their approach to schooling. ADS services are entirely confidential and in no way impact VA benefits or a VA Disability Rating. Students registration status with ADS is only shared with faculty/staff on a need-to-know basis. If you are a Veteran student, you can learn more about Harper College Veterans Services here.

 

Last Updated: 12/14/23