Disability Resource Center

Mission Statement

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides reasonable curricular/co-curricular accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the College and its programs through intentional interventions, programs, and services to meet federal guidelines, encourage personal growth, and increase effective communication.

Vision Statement

The vision of this unit is to aid in the development of self-advocating and competent students and to help students with disabilities through the provision of academic accommodations, personalized learning strategies, and the prudent management of support services and assistive technology.

Flagler College Mission Statement

Flagler College's Mission and Core Values

Location

The DRC is located on the second floor of the Proctor Library in rooms L211 and L202.

Google Map Location

Staff

Phillip Pownall

 

Phillip A. Pownall

Director, Disability Resource Center 
PPownall@flagler.edu | (904) 819-6460

 

 

 

Anita Clare Volk

 

Anita Volk

Assistant to the Director 
AVolk@flagler.edu | (904) 826-8588

 

 

 

Heather Corry

 

Heather Corry

Interpreter Coordinator
HCorry@flagler.edu | (904) 392-4088

 

 

Student Handbook

The student handbook contains the policies and procedures for accessing curricular/co-curricular accommodations at Flagler College.

Apply for Accommodations

There are two steps in applying for disability accommodations at Flagler College:

  • Complete the Disability Resource Intake Form
  • Provide supporting documentation regarding your disability. See the documentation guidelines below.

Intake Form

Document Guidelines

Document Download

 

Document Contents

Documentation Guidelines for Accommodations

Medical, Psychological, and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Your patient has self-identified to the Disability Resource Center as having a Medical, Psychological, or Autism Spectrum Disorder by the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAA).

Please respond to each section of this document.

Diagnostic Statement

1. Provide a specific diagnosis (or diagnoses) of the student’s condition. Note that a diagnosis in and of itself does not automatically warrant approval of requested accommodations.

2. Include any relevant information about steps taken to determine this diagnosis (i.e. medical examinations, tests administered, etc.)

3. When was the student diagnosed with this condition?

4. How long have you been treating this student?

Functional Limitations

1. Based upon this student’s condition, please describe any functional limitations and serenity, he/she has in performing life activities. A current functional limitation is a substantial impairment in an individual’s ability to function with respect to the condition, manner, or duration of a required life activity. Examples of a life activity are as follows: walking, sitting, standing, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.

2. If the student is taking medication for this condition, how might this medication impact the student? Please include information about what medications are being taken by the student.

Recommendations and Rationale

1. We would like to have rationale for each recommended accommodation to be provided based upon a medical or psychological rational.

2. If there is any other information that you believe would be helpful in assisting this student, please do provide this information.

Confidentiality

The DRC at Flagler College will not release any information regarding an individual’s diagnosis or medical information without the student’s informed written consent or under compulsion of the legal process. Information will be released only on a “need to know” basis, except where otherwise required by law. Your time and professional expertise greatly assist in fulfilling our responsibilities as an accommodation provider. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Disability Resource Center.

Please send this information to the DRC using the contact information below:

Disability Resource Center (DRC)
Email: disabilityservices@flagler.edu
Physical Address: 74 King Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084; Attn.: DRC

Staff Contact Information:

Phillip A. Pownall
Director of the Disability Resource Center
Proctor Library, Room 211

Email: ppownall@flagler.edu
Phone: 904.819.6460

Document Download

Document Contents

Documentation Guidelines for Accommodations

Learning, Attention, and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Your student has self-identified to the Disability Resource Center as having a Learning Attention or Autism Spectrum Disorder covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAA).

Please respond to each section of this document.

Credentials

  1. This letter must be typed on letterhead, which includes your credentials as a service professional.
    NOTE: Documentation written by a student’s family member will not be accepted because of professional and ethical considerations.
  2. Identify your area of specialty.

Diagnostic Statement

  1. Provide a specific diagnosis (or diagnoses) of the student’s learning Autism or Attention Disorder. Note that a diagnosis in and of itself does not automatically warrant approval of requested accommodations.
  2. Include any relevant I.Q. and Achievement testing used to determine this diagnosis (i.e. WAIS, TOVA, SLOSSEN etc.)
  3. What date was the test administered.

Functional Limitations

  1. Based upon this student’s condition, please describe any functional limitations and the severity he/she has in performing a learning activity. A current functional limitation is a substantial impairment in an individual’s ability to function with respect to the condition, manner, or duration of a learning activity. Examples of a learning activity are as follows: Ex. reading comprehension, tracking, written expression, level of distraction, and multi-focus.
  2. If the student is taking medication for this condition, how might this medication impact the student? Please include information about what medications are being taken by the student.

Recommendations and Rationale

  1. We would like to have a rationale for each recommended accommodation to be provided based on learning evaluation, attention measures, or Autism Spectrum Outcomes.
  2. If there is any other information that you believe would help assist this student, please provide this information.

Confidentiality Statement

The DRC at Flagler will not release any information regarding an individual’s diagnosis or learning information without the student’s informed written consent or under compulsion of legal process. Information will be released only on a “need to know” basis, except where otherwise required by law. Your time and professional expertise greatly assist in fulfilling our responsibilities as an accommodation provider. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the DRC.

Please send this information to the DRC using the contact information below:

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

Email: disabilityservices@flagler.edu
Physical Address: 74 King Street, Saint Augustine, FL 32084; Attn.: DRC

Staff Contact Information
Phillip A. Pownall
Director of the Disability Resource Center
Proctor Library, Room 211

Email: ppownall@flagler.edu
Phone: 904.819.6460

Scholarships

Thanks to private donors and organizations, Flagler is able to offer the following scholarships to eligible students with disabilities.

The Toni Jo Mason Annual Academic Scholarship

The Toni Jo Mason Annual Academic Scholarship is funded by the Toni Jo Mason Private Foundation competitively awarded to eligible freshmen, current Flagler undergraduate students or transfer students. It awards an academic scholarship of $1,500 in fall and spring semesters for two consecutive academic years (total of $6,000 per student), contingent on the student maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA before the start of each semester.

Established in 2020, the Toni Jo Mason Annual Academic Scholarship is designed to serve as a lasting tribute to the vision, mission, life work, and example of Dr. Toni Jo Mason to overcome obstacles and the struggles experienced by people with disabilities. Dr. Mason was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth. Her parents, both educators, created an encouraging environment that enabled and supported her belief that she could and would accomplish anything other children could do with time and determination. Dr. Mason’s life and career was a commitment to ensure that all people with disabilities were recognized by their abilities. Provided encouragement, equal opportunities, and support to dream, learn, and achieve their fullest potential.

As an educator and humanitarian, Dr. Mason helped pave the way for all children with disabilities nationally. She contributed to the development of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and served as a federal child compliance officer for the United States Department of Education. She also developed and implemented the self-study and transition plans for Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As a federal child compliance officer, Dr. Mason traveled nationally and to ensure the intent and spirit of the law was implemented and upheld.

The “spirit” of the scholarship program is to support the recipient as well as raise awareness of the importance of building support networks and success opportunities for all students to dream, reach for success with “stick-to-it-ness” and never ever give up hope to reach their full potential.

In order to demonstrate financial need, all applicants must have completed a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA form, and have it mailed to the appropriate address as indicated on the FAFSA form.

  • Provide a current transcript that documents a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) on all credits. High school students who are applying for the first year of college should submit a current high school transcript.
  • Students must have a physical disability registered with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Flagler College. The disability must be in one or more of the following classifications: hearing impairment, physical impairment; or visual impairment. Students may contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office for clarification as to what is required.
  • Gain admission as a first–time–degree-seeking undergraduate student into Flagler College.
  • Have a demonstrated financial need (determined from FAFSA information).
  • The scholarship is open to eligible freshmen, current Flagler College undergraduate students, or transfer students.
  • The recipient student is required to submit a written scholarship acceptance letter to the Scholarship administrator (Vice President of Academic Affairs) with a copy to the Donor that will include but not be limited to the intended use of the scholarship funds.
  • The student recipient is required to submit a short written essay annually to the Scholarship administrator (Vice President of Academic Affairs) with a copy to the Donor identifying the use of all awarded funds and how the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship has influenced their personal and academic success.

  1. A completed Toni Jo Mason Scholarship Fund Application Form;
  2. Documentation of an eligible physical disability;
  3. A 2-5 page essay on a topic related to overcoming the obstacles and struggles of living and learning with disabilities and why you are applying for a Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarship;
  4. A narrative about your disability, its impact on your personal success and pre-collegiate and/or collegiate academic progress; and
  5. Two letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s character, commitment to academic success, and service.

Continue to have financial need and adhere to minimum enrollment, progress, and grade point average (2.5) requirements of the program, plus:

  1. Submit a completed Toni Jo Mason Scholarship Fund Application Form to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) office;
  2. Mail or complete online FAFSA form as indicated above.
  3. Submit a 2-5 page narrative addressing your academic and personal success during the past year, your insights on issues related to supporting the success of students with disabilities, and how the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarship funding was used to support your success.

The application should be sent to the contact person listed at the end of the form. Applications, disability documentation, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and a transcript must be received by the Director of Financial Aid no later than July 1, 2022.

If you have any questions, please contact Sheia I. Pleasant-Doine, Director of Financial Aid, at (904) 819-6225, SPleasant@flagler.edu.

Requesting ASL Interpreters for Meetings and Events

Learning Community

The Disability Resource Center has created a Learning Community in Canvas. All students with disabilities will see the DRC Learning Community course on their Canvas page when they log into Canvas. This Learning Community is designed to provide you with learning strategies, time management skills, and other resources to maximize your learning potential at Flagler College.

Campus Resources

Flagler College Grievance

  • Clear and effective communication with your instructors will be helpful in working through minor differences. In addition, the Director of Disability Resource Center (DRC) is available to talk through a problem that you may be experiencing. However, the following procedure is intended to help settle disputes that may arise, using mediation and reasoned discussion.

Note: More formal alternative procedures exist for situations in which a student is erroneously denied registration; erroneously required to pay fine or penalty; erroneously has money withheld by the College; has been denied the right to amend his/her education records, is charged with an offense under the Student Conduct Code, is alleging discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age, disabling condition or marital status, is alleging sexual harassment or who wishes a contested hearing. Assistance in these situations may be obtained through the Coordinator of Title IV.

  1. General Instructions:
  2. Be dated;
  3. state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the date of the alleged action;
  4. state how the action is discriminatory (or how the decision is unreasonable if it is a denial of a requested accommodation);
  5. name the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed;
  6. state the requested remedy;
  7. be signed by the Grievant.

Step 1: Discuss with the Director of the DRC your complaint. The Director will assist you in how to move forward with your complaint or may advocate on your behalf, if necessary.

Step 2: Using the Flagler College GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE, write out your complaint and remember to include as much detail as necessary to help readers, outside your presence, understand the circumstances.

Step 3: Make an appointment with the Title VI coordinator to present your complaint. You may be asked to complete forms and follow guidelines in this process. If you need assistance, the DRC will be able to assist you, but it is your responsibility to present your complaint in the manner directed to you. Most complaints that cannot be resolved by the DRC will go to the Title IX Coordinator.

Flagler College Grievance Procedure

Flagler College (“Flagler” or the “College”) is committed to ensuring that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability is excluded from participation in, subjected to discrimination in connection with, or denied the benefits of any College programs or activities due to his or her disability.

The College has adopted this internal Grievance Procedure to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) or Tile III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“Title III”) or otherwise alleging disability-related discrimination or harassment. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, and Title III prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by private entities (including Colleges) that provide places of public accommodation. These laws and accompanying regulations may be examined in the office of the Director of the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 211 of the Proctor Library, who the College has designated to coordinate its efforts to comply with Section 504 and the Title III (“the Director”).

Who May Grieve?

Any student currently enrolled at the College who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of disability by a college employee (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, adjunct faculty, or other agent of the College); College student; or, in certain circumstances, by a visitor to the College, may use this process to file a grievance (the “Grievant”).

What May Be Grieved?

An action or decision may be grieved if it involves alleged discrimination or harassment by a college employee, College student; or, in certain circumstances by a visitor to the College against a student on the basis of that student’s disability. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, denial of accommodations or lack of physical access to college facilities or programs.

Confidentiality and Prohibition Against Retaliation

The College will treat all information submitted in connection with a grievance as confidential. Subject to FERPA and other applicable privacy laws, however, the College official investigating the grievance will inform individuals with a legitimate need to know of the grievance and may provide them with related information as necessary to allow the College official to conduct a meaningful and thorough investigation. The College official investigating the grievance will inform all involved parties of the need to maintain the confidentiality of such information. Flagler prohibits retaliation for submitting a grievance or participating in a grievance investigation. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals, and adverse actions. The College official investigating the grievance will advise all involved parties of the strict prohibition against retaliation.

Informal Grievance Procedure

The Informal Grievance Procedure is designed to facilitate a satisfactory resolution of the grievance in an informal manner. The Grievant has the option to forego the Informal Grievance Procedure and move immediately to the Formal Grievance Procedure.

A Grievant can initiate the Informal Grievance Procedure by contacting the Director. If the Director is the subject of the grievance, the Grievant initiates the Informal Grievance Procedure by contacting the Dean of Academic Life, whose office is located on the first floor of Ponce Hall and who will assign an administrator in lieu of the Director. The Grievant may contact the appropriate official by e-mail, phone, or in person. To initiate the Informal Grievance Procedure, a Grievant is not required to submit the grievance in writing, but the Director may ask the Grievant to do so or to submit another evidence, if necessary to facilitate a satisfactory resolution.

The Director will attempt to expeditiously facilitate a satisfactory resolution. The Director may meet in person with the Grievant, confer with the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed, attempt to arrange a meeting between the Grievant and the individual(s), or take any other steps the Director believes will be useful in promoting resolution.

Within 21 calendar days after the Grievant initially contacts the Director regarding the grievance, the Director will inform the Grievant and, as appropriate, the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed in writing of the outcome of the Informal Grievance Procedure.

Formal Grievance Procedure

If the Grievant is not satisfied with the resolution reached during the Informal Grievance Procedure, or if the Grievant chooses not to sue the Informal Grievance Procedure, the Grievant may initiate the Formal Grievance Procedure by submitting a written complaint to the Director. If the Director is the subject of the grievance, the Grievant initiates the Formal Grievance Procedure by contacting the Dean of Academic Life, who office is located on the first floor of Ponce Hall and who will assign an administrator in lieu of the Director. A Grievant who chooses to initiate the Formal Grievance Procedure after participating in the Informal Grievance Procedure must do so within 14 calendar days of receipt of the Director’s written notification of the outcome of the Informal Grievance Procedure. The written complaint must:

Within seven calendar days of receiving the written complaint, the Director will provide written notification of receipt of the complaint to the Grievant and to the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed. The Director will also conduct a thorough and impartial investigation of the complaint, affording all relevant persons an opportunity to present witnesses and submit evidence regarding the allegations. Within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint, the Director will provide the Grievant the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed a written decision regarding the grievance. The decision will include findings of fact, a conclusion, and, if applicable, an explanation of remedies, which may include the imposition of disciplinary sanctions.

Appeal

The Grievant or the individual(s) against whom the grievance is filed may appeal within fourteen calendar days of receiving the Director’s written decision and/or any associated disciplinary sanctions by writing to the Dean of Academic Life. The written appeal must clearly set forth the grounds for the appeal and must include all supporting evidence. Generally, the Dean of Academic Life will limit his or her review of the Director’s decision to determining whether the Director considered the proper facts and whether there were any procedural irregularities. Within 21 days of receipt of the appeal, the Dean of Academic Life will provide the Grievant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed a written decision regarding the appeal. The decision of the Dean of Academic Life is final, and the College will disregard any subsequent appeals (in any form) to any College representative, including the College President.

Adjustment of Deadlines

The Director or the Dean of Academic Life may change the above deadlines for good cause, such as semester or summer breaks. Likewise, if the application of time deadlines creates a hardship due to the urgency of the matter or the proximity of an event, the Dean of Academic Life, at the request of the Grievant, will determine if an expedited procedure can be created.

Interim Measures

If necessary, while any grievance investigation is ongoing, the College may take interim measures to stop discrimination or prevent it recurrence. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, limiting interaction between the parties, arranging for the provision of temporary accommodations, or staying a course grade.

Confidentiality of Records

Once the Director or Dean of Academic Life has made the final decision regarding the grievance, the records related to the grievance will be confidentially maintain in the Office of the Disability Resource Center for three years.

Disability Accommodations

Flagler will make arrangements to ensure that students with disabilities are provided appropriate accommodations as needed to participate in this Grievance Procedure. Requests for accommodations must be made to the Director, whose office is located in Room 211 of the Proctor Library. The Director will review the supporting disability-related documentation, make a decision about the request, notify the student about approved accommodations, and make arrangements for the accommodations. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing recordings of materials for the blind, and assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings.

External Complaints

The availability and use of this Grievance Procedure does not prevent a student from filing a complaint of discrimination with external agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.