Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

The Accommodated Testing Center helps eligible students utilize their accommodations during testing. The Adaptive Computer Lab provides students with a wide range of technology, such as computer workstations, copiers, scanners, CCTVs, JAWS, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and Kurzweil.

Location: FPAC Room 219
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8271
E-mail: ACCTesting@tcc.fl.edu

Faculty and Staff Resources

Accommodations/ Instructor Letters

When a student requests classroom accommodations, they must provide Student Accessibility Services with appropriate documentation of disability. Our office staff will interpret the documentation to determine that the requested accommodations are reasonable. An Accommodations Letter will be produced for each student and emailed to the student’s TCC email account. Accommodations are determined based on documentation of disability. Students are expected to share their Accommodations Letter with each instructor, EVERY term.

EXAM PROCTORING

Students are required to submit the Exam Accommodations Request form at least 48 hours (2 school days) in advance of each exam. Once students schedule an exam with Accommodated Testing Services, you will receive an email notifying you of the exam request. Instructors are required to send exams via email or intercampus mail to the Accommodated Testing Center prior to the exam. Instructors should also include any relevant information pertaining to the exam administration (eg. notes, formula or reference sheets, use of calculators, etc.).

CAPTIONING/TRANSCRIBING OF VIDEOS

Student Accessibility Services will assist faculty members in obtaining captioned copies of videos in order to ensure the accessibility of any audiovisual materials they may use for instruction.  If this material is not available in a captioned/accessible format, Student Accessibility Services will assist the faculty member in providing resources to get the material in an accessible format. 

SAMPLE SYLLABUS STATEMENT

Tallahassee Community College is committed to providing accessible programs, services, facilities, and positive learning environments that foster growth and development for students of all abilities. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students, faculty, and staff to provide a variety of reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access, promote advocacy and empower students to achieve educational and career goals while maintaining the community and academic standards of Tallahassee Community College. Students seeking accommodations should:

1. Schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services and provide appropriate supporting documentation.
   • Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8430
   • E-mail: SAS@tcc.fl.edu
   • Fax: (850) 201-8433
2. Discuss needs, special arrangements, and eligible accommodations with the instructor(s).

TRAINING

Student Accessibility Services staff members are available to conduct training for your classes or faculty/departmental meetings on a variety of disability-related issues. Topics include sensitivity training, legal responsibilities, and policies and procedures.  In addition, we are willing to help develop training materials to meet the individual needs of your department and staff.  Please contact our office for more information or to schedule a presentation.

• Phone (Voice): (850) 201-8430
• E-mail: SAS@tcc.fl.edu

Students can schedule accommodations for tests administered by Certiport by setting up a Certiport ID account and making sure to provide both the Certiport Exam Accommodations Request Form and Release Form to the Student Accessibility Services Office. Please fax the Accommodations Request Form and Release Form, as well as a copy of your documentation to (850) 492-4160. Or, you may bring the application materials to our office, where someone can fax the information to you.

The application will take up to 10 days to process, so we encourage you to complete the application as early as possible.

Complete the Certiport application process.

Certiport has specific guidelines for required documentation. Student Accessibility Services does not determine approval of accommodations for Certiport exams.

Dr. Sonja Wright-Smith – Assistant Director of Student Services

sonja.smith@tcc.fl.edu

Dr. Sonja joined Tallahassee Community College in 2020. She previously worked as Director of the Access Office at Valdosta State University She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Information Processing and a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Services from Valdosta State and a Master of Science in Human Services from Capella University before earning a Doctorate in Ministry in Biblical Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Dr. Sonja is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She is passionate about enhancing educational advancement for at-risk students. Her favorite saying is “Don’t ask God to order your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.”

Natasha R. Mitchell, MSHRM - Student Accessibility Advisor

natasha.mitchell@tcc.fl.edu

Natasha joined the TCC SAS family in 2021 as one of two Student Accessibility Advisors.  Natasha received her master's degree in Human Resources Management from Troy University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Georgia Southwestern State University. 

Prior to working at TCC, she worked as an academic advisor for the Langdale College of Business (LCOBA) at Valdosta State University.  Prior to that, she worked five years as an academic advisor at the University of Central Florida. 

Natasha’s held various positions in post-secondary education for 30 years.  Positions such as Registrar, Associate Registrar, Ombudsman, and Academic Advisor.  She truly has a deep passion for education and enjoys working with students.   

“I see myself as that bridge that fills in the gap when students are transitioning from high school to college.”  “As a first-generation college student, I now the importance of having someone to help maneuver on this new journey called college.”   

Kayla Dover, MSW – Student Services Case Manager

kayla.dover@tcc.fl.edu 

Kayla joined the TCC community in September of 2022. Kayla is a recent two-time graduate of Florida State University, receiving her Bachelor of Social Work in 2021 and her Master of Social Work in 2022 with a concentration in Social Leadership. Prior to working at TCC, she worked at HOPE Community as a Case Management intern and at Florida State University in their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office.

She loves playing guitar, going on hikes with her partner and friends, and traveling. Her passion for equity and social justice sparks her inspiration to build programs that help people proactively rather than reactively. One of her favorite quotes is "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept" - Angela Davis.

Margaret Stevens – Office Assistant

My name is Margaret Stevens. I work at the front desk for the accommodation department at Tallahassee Community College. I get the opportunity every day to work with staff who provide accessibly services to students to fit their education needs. This office also provides academic advising and support services to students. The front desk is the middle of interaction between students and staff. The experience I have gained is immeasurable and has help me in my career choice. Working for the college inspired me to finish working on my AA degree. I also earned an Office Management Certificate.  Currently I’m working towards a BSW in Social Work from Thomas University. I enjoy reading, cooking, shopping, old movies and most of all being a grandmother. I’m the care giver of a beautiful autistic young adult niece.