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Student Responsibilities:

Student Responsibilities:

Disability Services Program – Hawaiʻi Community College

Hawaiʻi Community College is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to all academic programs, services, and activities. Below are key resources and responsibilities to help you navigate the support available through the Disability Services Program.

Rights and Responsibilities of Students

All students who register with the Disability Services Program are required to review and sign a Rights & Responsibilities Form (full form available upon completion of intake form). This form outlines your obligations as a student with a disability, including:

  • Self-identifying and submitting appropriate documentation
  • Actively participating in the accommodation process
  • Using accommodations responsibly and in accordance with college policy
  • Maintaining communication with the Disability Services Office

Testing Accommodations

To request testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, reduced-distraction environment), students must:

  • Submit a completed Test Accommodation Request Form
  • Submit the request at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled exam
  • Await written confirmation from the Disability Services Office

Requests submitted fewer than 5 days in advance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Test Accommodation Request Form

Equipment Loans

Equipment (such as assistive listening devices, smartpens, or digital recorders) may be loaned to eligible students as part of their approved accommodations.

  • Students must complete the Equipment Loan Agreement Form
  • All borrowed equipment must be returned by the end of the semester, unless other arrangements are made
  • Students are responsible for maintaining the equipment in good condition
  • Lost or damaged items may result in financial liability

Equipment Loan Agreement Form

Alternative Text & Auxiliary Aids

Hawaiʻi Community College assists with attaining alternative formats for course materials and auxiliary aids to support equitable access, in accordance with ADA and Section 504.

If you require textbooks or materials in formats such as:

  • Audio (e.g., MP3, DAISY, RFB&D)
  • Large print or Braille
  • Accessible digital files

You must first complete a Copyright Agreement Form before the Disability Services Office will assist in requesting alternative formats from publishing companies.

Copyright Agreement Form

ASL Interpreter Services

Hawaiʻi Community College provides qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Requests must be made at least 14 days in advance of the event or class
  • Requests submitted after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Interpreter services are not guaranteed without confirmation
  • You must first complete a ASL Interpreter Request Form.

ASL Interpreter Request Form

Requests for Event or Workshop Accommodations

Students needing accommodations for non-classroom activities such as:

  • Campus workshops
  • Club events
  • College-sponsored events

Please contact the Disability Services Office for assistance. All requests must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. Late requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus –
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825

Important: You must receive confirmation from the Disability Services Program for any requested accommodations to be considered approved.

Additional Information About Accommodations

To remain in compliance with federal law, please be aware of the following:

  • Accommodations do not alter essential course requirements, such as curriculum, assignments, or grading standards
  • Post-secondary institutions are not required to follow IEPs or 504 plans from high school
  • 1:1 services (e.g., personal educational assistants) are not provided by the college
  • Students may bring personal support resources (e.g., assistive tech, aides) if approved by Disability Services and/or the course instructor

Helpful Online Resources for Students with Disabilities

Below are recommended websites and tools to support academic success, self-advocacy, and accessibility:

Disability Rights & Legal Information

Assistive Technology & Learning Tools

College Success & Study Skills

Mental Health & Wellness

  • Mental Wellness Services
    Provides students at Hawai‘i Community College with a confidential, safe space where they can seek out resources and engage in counseling. This service is free to students
  • ULifeline
    Mental health resource for college students, including self-assessments and crisis links.
  • Hawai‘i CARES Crisis Line
    24/7 support for mental health and substance use: Call 988 or 1-800-753-6879

Need Help or Have Questions?

We are here to support your success. Contact us if you need help with forms, documentation, resources, or understanding your rights and responsibilities.

Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Bldg. 379A, Room 2
Pālamanui Campus – 
Elama Building, Room 175
hawccds@hawaii.edu
(808) 934-2825

Compliance Statement

Hawaiʻi Community College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are committed to ensuring that no qualified individual is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity due to disability.

Grievance Procedure for Disability-Related Concerns

Hawai‘i Community College is committed to upholding the rights of students with disabilities as outlined under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student believes they have been denied equal access to educational programs, services, or accommodations due to a disability, they are encouraged to file a grievance.

Students may file a grievance for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • Denial of requested academic accommodations
  • Discrimination or harassment based on disability
  • Failure to provide equal access to a campus program, activity, or service

Step 1: Informal Resolution (Optional but Encouraged)

Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve concerns informally by speaking directly with the Disability Services counselor or the faculty/staff involved. Most concerns can be resolved through open communication and clarification of policy.

Step 2: Formal Grievance

If informal resolution is not successful or not desired, a formal grievance may be submitted in writing to the college’s ADA/504 Coordinator.

Include in the formal grievance:

  • Your name and contact information
  • A description of the issue, including dates, individuals involved, and the impact
  • Any supporting documentation
  • A statement of the resolution you are seeking

Submit your grievance to:
ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
Mari Giel
marigiel@hawaii.edu
808-934-2725
Building 379A, Room 1B

Timeline:
Grievances should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident. A response will typically be issued within 30 days of receipt.

Right to Appeal:
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may appeal the decision to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or their designee within 10 business days of receiving the outcome. Instructions for appeal will be included in your decision letter.

Christine Quintana
cdamate@hawaii.edu
808-934-2510
Building 379A, Room 5

External Complaint Options:
Students also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time. https://www.ed.gov/ocr

 

Contact Information

Manono Campus – Kānanaola
Building 379A, Room 2
Phone: (808) 934-2825
Fax: (808) 934-2791
E-mail: hawccds@hawaii.edu

Pālamanui Campus – Elama Building:
Office of Student Services
Phone: (808) 969-8823
Fax: (808) 322-4839
E-mail: hawccds@hawaii.edu

Disabilities Services Coordinator/Counselor
Mari Giel, M.A., MHRM
Bldg. 379A, Room 1B
Phone: (808) 934-2725
E-mail: marigiel@hawaii.edu