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Mission Statement

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) is committed to ensuring that special needs students have equal access to all of the programs and services that the college offers.

Policy

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) pursues the goal of equal access in education for special needs students through proactive institutional planning and barrier removal, as well as by the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations. The Community College of Qatar also complies with all Qatari laws regarding special needs students in a higher education setting.

Definition of Special Needs

Special Needs is a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more of major life activities.  Categories of Special Needs include the following;

• Visual Impairment
• Speech Impairment
• Learning Disabilities
• Hearing Difficulties
• Chronic Medical Conditions – Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Temporary – Illness (pneumonia, measles), Injuries (broken bones), Pregnancy
  
  Steps for Receiving a Special Needs Accommodation

1. Schedule an appointment with the Special Needs Counselor.

2. Obtain a copy of your Comprehensive Individual Evaluation from a medical professional or Secondary School – Information on medical report should include:

• Diagnosis
• History
• Symptoms
• Recommended accommodations/treatment or modifications to the learning environment
• Medication

**Note: This information is required before accommodations can be provided

3. Special Needs Counselor will review the documentation with the student and determine what types of accommodations are appropriate. The Special Needs Counselor will then issue an accommodation letter that the student must give each of their professors. If you do not have medical documentation, please use the form below to take with you to the doctor.

4. Students must request a new accommodation letter at least two (2) weeks in advance of the beginning of each semester. Failure to do so may result in delays of accommodations and poor academic performance.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis to minimize the impact of a special needs as much as possible without altering essential academic standards. Example of accommodations may include;

Extended time for test-taking

Distraction-reduced testing environment

Computer technology assistance for testing

Audio recording and note-taking for classroom lectures

Alternative format texts

Support Services

Time-Management, Learning Strategies, and Goal-Oriented Coaching

Students can meet with a Special Needs staff member for assistance in developing study skills, organizational skills, and time management. Students may make appointments on an as-needed basis or schedule brief, regular check-in meetings throughout the semester to help you stay on track.

Advocacy and Supportive Counseling

Our Special Needs staff members can help you develop self-advocacy skills — the ability to communicate your needs to others. Staff members can also assist in resolving school-related issues and to advocate on your behalf, if necessary.

Advising

All students that complete 15 credit hours are assigned to a faculty advisor.  Your advisor is your primary contact for determining your academic plan and course selection. After meeting with an advisor, students with special needs may also wish to meet with special needs staff members to discuss course schedules that take into account the impact of the individual's special needs on learning, study time, accommodations and mobility issues.

Campus Accessibility

CCQ endeavors to make its buildings and classrooms physically accessible. Students who require accessible furniture in classrooms or special needs parking passes should also contact special needs and support services.