Getting Started

To receive services from the DRS, a student must be admitted and enrolled as an MCCCD student.

STEP 1: Submit an Application & Upload Documentation

To apply for disability services, start by completing the online New Student application on the DRS Connect website. Be sure to provide your MCC student email and make sure you check it on a regular basis when completing this application. After you complete your application in DRS Connect and provide the necessary documentation, we will evaluate your request for accommodation and service requests on an individual, case-by-case basis.

Documentation

To qualify for accommodations you must meet MCCCD eligibility requirements and provide disability documentation. See MCCCD Administrative Regulations 2.8.1 and this FAQ from the U.S. Department of Education regarding your rights and responsibilities. If additional documentation is needed, it's the student's responsibility to seek out the relevant professionals and incur any fees related to evaluations.

Documentation can be submitted in the following ways:

  • Upload through the DRS Connect application.
  • Fax to (480) 461-7907.
  • Bring in person for scanning.
  • Email to DRSFrontDesk@mesacc.edu (note that email may not be the most secure method for confidential information).

Learn more about MCCCD policy regarding disability documentation.

This documentation is confidential and used to determine reasonable accommodations. The student reserves the right to self-disclose their disability to peers, professors, and campus staff. DRS encourages self-advocacy and are available to discuss any questions or concerns.


What do I do if I do not have documentation?

If you don't have documentation, MCCCD policy allows for provisional accommodations while you gather the necessary paperwork. These temporary accommodations are typically for up to 30 days but can be extended by another 30 days due to extenuating circumstances.

STEP2: Intake Meeting

Once DRS has reviewed your documentation, you'll be asked to schedule an intake meeting.

Intakes can be scheduled by calling the DRS Office at 480-461-7447.

These meetings can take anywhere from 45 mins - 1 hour and will include a documentation review and general discussion regarding the students diagnosis, accommodation history, and the functional limitations that substantially impact the students access in a post-secondary learning environment. Students should come prepared to describe their disability, what specific barriers are created in a learning environment, and identify any accommodations needed.

The DRS Access Specialist will work with each student to determine appropriate accommodations on an individual, case-by-case basis based on a combination of the following:

  • the documentation provided by the student;
  • the intake interview with the student;
  • academic policies of the students college;
  • the policies and practices set forth in the program of study handbook;
  • consultation with course faculty regarding the essential course elements and the manner in which student mastery of course material is to be evaluated.

STEP 3: Requesting Accommodations Each Semester

Students are required to request accommodations from DRS each semester using DRS Connect.

DRS prioritizes accommodation requests according to class length, start date, and the order in which they are received. It may take up to 10 business days for DRS to process your request. Some accommodations might need approval from your teachers or the department before they can be put into place. Your Access Specialist will help coordinate these with your instructor. Faculty notification letters are released typically the week before classes start. If you have any issues with requesting or receiving your accommodations, reach out to your Access Specialist right away for Assistance.

Requesting Accomodations in DRS Connect

Updating Accommodations

If you encounter any issues, notice that a service is not being provided, add a class, or your needs change, please speak with your Access Specialist. Instructors should contact DRS if they have questions or concerns about accommodations in their class. Instructors may not deny accommodations without discussing their concerns with DRS directly, not with the student.