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What is Special Populations?
The Special Populations Program is a comprehensive program all students with any form of disability which hinders their academic success. The goal of the program is to assist students in becoming self-sufficient, independent, and successful members of the college community.
What is a "Disability"?
Federal law defines a disability as "any mental or physical condition that substantially limits an individual's ability to perform one or more major life activities". The following disabilities are recognized under the ADA:
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Visual or Hearing Impairments
- Chronic or Temporary Health Problems
- Neurological Impairments
- Communication Disorders
- Psychological Disabilities
What Services are available?
The program is designed to meet each student's individual needs by providing services such as:
- Individualized Screening
- Reasonable Accommodations
- Freshman Orientation
- Learning Strategies/Test Taking Skills
- Ongoing Workshops
- Academic Advisement and Technical Support
What are Reasonable Accommodations?
Accommodations are those modifications that will minimize or eliminate the impact of a disability. A reasonable accommodation is one that does not require a substantial change in curriculum or alteration of a substantial element of the program. Examples of reasonable accommodations are:
- Extended time for testing/alternate testing sites
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., tape recorders, and use of the adaptive computer lab)
- Auxiliary aids and services (e.g. sign language interpreters, note takers, and readers)
How do I apply for the Special Populations Program?
Documentation of all disabilities is required by law before any accommodations can be given. If you are in high school and have had support services you are probably eligible for services through the Special Populations Department. Before you take the placement test, you must:
- Submit an application to Burlington County College along with the $20 processing fee.
- Bring your IEP or 504 Plan along with your most recent Learning and Psychological Evaluations or pertinent medical records to the office of the Special Populations Department at BCC.
- Make an appointment to take the College Assessment Test.
- Once you have taken the test you will need to make an appointment with the coordinator to go over your assessment scores and register you for your classes.
- You will be given an appointment with the LD to review your documentation and to review the appropriate accommodations you will receive at BCC.
What does Special Populations do?
Special Populations does:
- Encourage self advocacy
- Provide pre-admission counseling
- Provide assistance with scheduling/registration
- Determine services/accommodations we feel meet your specific needs
- Act as liaison with faculty
- Work closely with the tutoring coordinator
- Provide note taking services when needed
- Offer testing modifications such as readers, extended time, alternative testing locations, etc.
- Act as a liaison with community agencies
What does Special Populations not do?
Special Populations does not:
- Resemble a high school resource room
- Offer self-contained classes
- "Water Down" classes
How can I get more information about the Special Populations Program?
For more information regarding services for students with special needs, contact the Special Populations Program Office.
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See also:
About BCC
Programs Of Study
New Students
Student Resources
Career Adaptive Learning Literacy (CALL Lab)
Contacts:
Contact: Barbara Ericson,
Coordinator Special Populations Office
Ext. 1208 at (609) 894-9311
bericson@bcc.edu
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