Section 504/508, Americans with Disabilities Act

Under Section 504/508/ADA of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Cerritos College will take all necessary steps to ensure that no student with a verified disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination because of the absence of auxiliary aids or academic accommodations. The decision to authorize such aids or accommodations is the responsibility of the Dean, Student Accessibility and Wellness Services (SAWS), Disability Specialist, or counselor after a review of documentation verifying the disability and any resulting educational limitations.

It is the responsibility of the student with a verified disability and resulting educational limitations to apply for SAS assistance in the Liberal Arts/SAS building or online at www.cerritos.edu/sas/. The request should be completed with adequate notice provided for an effective response, especially during busy times such as the start of the semester. All authorized accommodations are determined via an interactive process which includes the SAS specialist, the student, and review of disability documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to request in advance to receive the authorized accommodations each semester. If the instructor denies the classroom-related request(s) the SAWS Dean or designee will intervene with the appropriate academic staff and attempt to resolve the matter. In the event of continued denial of an accommodation request or request for course substitution or waiver, SAS will provide the student with the Academic Accommodations Policy and related procedures/forms. The SAWS Dean or designee will concurrently inform the student of their right to file a complaint under the College’s discrimination complaint procedure and/or the Office for Civil Rights, and will provide the student with the information necessary to do so. Inquiries regarding SAS or the District’s non-discrimination policy relative to students, employees, or applicants with disabilities should contact Kelly Rios, Director of Diversity, Compliance, and Title IX Coordinator at extension 2280 in the Office of Human Resources.

Section 504/508 Complaint Procedure

The student should first discuss the complaint regarding discrimination due to a disability with the individual(s) involved or with Kelly Rios, Director of Diversity, Compliance, and Title IX Coordinator at extension 2280. Alternatively, the student may submit a complaint electronically at www.cerritos.edu/sas/.