Welcome to Disability Support Services
Our Mission: The mission of the Disability Support Services is to enhance the college experience by creating a campus environment that promotes the full participation of students with disabilities so they have the same access to programs and activities as other students. The DSS philosophy aligns with the overall mission of Bunker Hill Community College and strives to effectively collaborate with campus partners to provide insight, guidance and facilitation of equal access across the BHCC community.
With this inclusive spirit in mind, Bunker Hill Community College has developed a program of support services specifically for students who have learning disabilities, sensory impairments, psychological disabilities or physical conditions.
Services, which are coordinated through the Office for Students with Disabilities, may include, but are not limited to, academic and testing accommodations, faculty notification, assistance with adaptive computer technology and accessibility issues, academic advising, and personalized educational coaching. The program is designed to promote interaction among several existing campus resources and personnel. Students are actively involved in decision making regarding their specific needs and are encouraged to work toward increased independence and self-sufficiency.
To Request Academic Accommodations at Bunker Hill Community College
First-Time / New Request
DSS provides reasonable academic accommodations to enrolled BHCC students via an interactive process. Eligibility is based on the student’s disability, access needs, and submission of required documentation. Please note that it can take up to 2 to 10 business days to process accommodation requests, and accommodations are not retroactive.
Steps to Take
- Go to the DSS website: BHCC Disability Support Services (DSS)
Read Disability Documentation Guidelines and gather documentation. - Complete the online request form and upload documentation
Click on the secure link here: First-time Student Request for Academic Accommodations or scan QR Code at the top left and upload documentation. - Once documentation is reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule an Initial Access Interview
You can also call 617-228-2327 or email disabilitysupport@bhcc.edu to schedule this meeting. You may meet online or in person.
Our office is on the Charlestown campus, room E-222. - Meet with your professors to review accommodation letters
Request Renewal
Continuing or returning enrolled students approved for BHCC academic accommodations from previous semesters must renew academic accommodations each semester, but do not need to submit documentation unless there are changes or updates to your documentation.
Steps to Renewing Previous Accommodations:
- Click on the link to complete the Continuing or Returning Student Request form for Academic Accommodations or scan the QR code
- Schedule a DSS Meeting to Review Accommodations
Schedule a meeting with a Disabilities Counselor at 617-228-2327 or email disabilitysupport@bhcc.edu. - Meet with your Professors to Review Accommodations
Schedule a meeting with professors to discuss the Accommodation Letter.
Schedule an Appointment or come in for a drop-in
Students who have questions about how to request accommodations with the Disability Support Services Office can visit E222 to meet with a DSS staff member or can call or email to schedule an appointment at disabilitysupport@bhcc.edu or call 617-228-2327.
Eligibility
Students with documented disabilities are eligible for services through Bunker Hill Community College’s Disability Support Services Office (DSS). In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), students seeking reasonable accommodations for a disability are responsible for self-identifying and self-advocating.
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services at 617-228-2327 or visit by the office located at the Charlestown Campus, Room E 222. Note: Requests for accommodations require dialogue with DSS, medical documentation review and registration with DSS prior to receipt of an accommodation. Accommodations are not retroactive. Students are required to meet each semester with the Office of Disability Services staff to discuss and determine reasonable and effective accommodations and are strongly encouraged to do so prior to the start of each semester.
Available Support Services
Depending upon the student's disability and documentation, the following accommodations may be approved:
- Classroom Accommodations are available based on your documentation; examples of such accommodations are notetakers and scribes.
- Testing Accommodations are available depending on your documented needs: examples of such accommodations include, but are not limited to, extended time (time and a half), alternative testing formats and/or environments.
- Assistive Technology: Software programs and hardware/devices are available to assist your needs. For more information please see our Assistive Technology Educator in Room E222, or call 617-228-2327.
- Accessible Textbooks: To request textbooks in accessible format, please fill out and submit a request form.
For questions or assistance, please call 617-228-2234
Depending upon the student's disability and documentation, the following services may be provided:
- Educational Coaching: A big part of being successful in college is managing your time well and using effective academic strategies. Our Educational Coach is available to help you with time management and study skills, helping you to be more accountable with assignments and projects.
- Referral for Academic Support Services: BHCC has many excellent support services and we can point you to those that are appropriate for your needs.
- Consultation with Professors: BHCC strives to help students develop independence and self-advocacy. Effective communication with faculty is a part of this self-determination process and we’ll help you in your personal journey toward this goal.
- Disability Assessment and Referrals for Diagnostic Testing: Students who suspect the possibility of a learning disability may request referral for screening and assessment through DSS Office. Referrals are made to area agencies and specialist depending upon student needs, but are not related to BHCC or the DSS Office.
Services We Do NOT Provide
- Tutors
- Personal-care attendants
- Equipment and software for off-campus use
- Learning Disability Testing
- Transportation
- Financial assistance
- Escorts to and from class
- Modified Coursework
Who Can Benefit?
Students with:
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Visual Impairments
- Hearing Impairments
- Medical Conditions
- Limited Mobility
- Dyslexia
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Speech Impairments
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Psychological Disabilities
Policy for Individuals with a Disability
Bunker Hill Community College is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience of all students in compliance with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. A student with a documented disability, who has not already done so, should schedule an appointment at the Disability Support Services Office in room E-222 by emailing disabilitysupport@bhcc.edu or by calling 617-228-2327 in order to request and obtain appropriate accommodations and services.
Alternative Format Textbook Request
If you are a student who has been approved for alternative format text accommodation, you can request alternative format textbooks using the link below. Disability Support Services staff will order or obtain the textbook in the format you require based on your documented disability. Please be informed that the textbooks requested are submitted to the publishers in the order received. It may take one to three weeks for the publishers to fulfill these requests. We encourage you to purchase your textbook(s) in advance of the start of the semester so that DSS can fulfill these requests for you.
Exam/Quiz Requests
If you are a student with exam/quiz accommodations, you must schedule your exams with us 3 business days (72 hours) prior to your exam day. Please visit the Exam/Quiz Accommodation Guidelines for more information.