Accessibility, Accommodations, and Disability Services
For a course accommodation letter, please start communication with melissaciocco@kings.edu.
Our Disability Services Program is coordinated by the Academic Skills Center and provides services that maximize a person’s educational potential while supporting independence and advocacy skills.
Accommodations may include extended testing time, course registration assistance, orientation to campus, on-campus housing or dining arrangements, note taking support, and faculty coordination, regarding academic support. Disability Services also serves as a liaison with disability related state and federal resources.
The Academic Skills Center will not release any information at any point in the disability accommodation process regarding an individual's diagnosis or medical information without his or her informed written consent. These services recognize the rights of all qualified individuals with disabilities to equal access to an education as guaranteed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
All eligible students are encouraged to contact the Disability Services any time through the admission process and in the early stages of their college studies to discuss their concerns and develop appropriate plans to meet their educational needs.
First and second year students with a disability interested in comprehensive transition services beyond accommodations should refer to the First-year Academic Studies Program, a component of the Academic Skills Center.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to any members of the King's College community—students, faculty, or staff—who has a disability. Individuals eligible for service include, but are not limited to, those with learning disabilities, autism spectrum or attention disorders, and mobility, orthopedic, chronic medical diagnosis, hearing, vision, or speech impairments. Students with food allergies, Celiac Disease, Gluten-related disorders, or other dietary restrictions may discuss these matters with the Disability Services Coordinator and Dining Services staff.
Additionally, individuals with temporary disabilities, such as those resulting from concussion, injury, or surgery, may also be eligible for services. Scroll down for listing of services available for varying needs. We encourage military members or veterans to reach out and inquire about support and services due to being wounded or disabled or current mental or physical health concerns impacting academic work.
Required Documentation
A request for services or accommodations is initiated by registering with the Academic Skills Center and providing appropriate documentation that includes:
- Clearly stated diagnosed disability or disabilities that is printed on official letterhead and signed by an evaluator qualified to make the diagnosis (include information about license or certification and area of specialization).
- Description of the functional limitations resulting from the disability or disabilities
- Current and/or demonstrated history of services. Please note documentation is reviewed and interpreted on an individual basis (e.g., completed within last five years for LD or autism spectrum disorder; last 12 months for food-related issues or psychiatric disabilities; or last three years for ADHD. This requirement does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature.
- Complete educational, developmental, and/or medical history relevant to the disability for which testing accommodations are being requested
- A list of all test instruments used in the evaluation report and relevant subtest scores used to document the stated disability (this requirement does not apply to physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature)
- Description of the specific accommodations requested
- Adequate support for each of the requested testing accommodation(s)
Requesting Services
Current or deposited/incoming students can apply for accommodation by completing the New Accommodation and Documentation Form. Documents can be emailed or faxed to Dr. Melissa Ciocco using the addresses or numbers below.
Faculty will provide accommodations for those who followed the process to disclose and requested them. Anyone can refer students to the Disability Services Coordinator for additional or new accommodation requests.
Melissa Ciocco, Disability Services Coordinator
King's College
133 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 825-9049 (fax)
melissaciocco@kings.edu
Services and Support
Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
For gluten-free, Celiac Disease, or other dietary restrictions, we provide online resources for King’s College Dining Services, meetings with Dining Services staff to learn about campus options and discuss individual needs, coordinate meal plan or residence life accommodations as appropriate, and/or meet with others who have food restrictions, if requested.Mobility Impaired
For those with mobility impairments, we assist with learning the physical orientation of the campus, obtaining disability parking permits and spaces, host regularly scheduled sessions with staff to coordinate individual support services, make referrals to accessible housing on or off campus and for personal care attendant needs, and liaise with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Blind or Visually Impaired
For those with visual impairments, we assist with learning the physical orientation of the campus, host regularly scheduled sessions with staff to coordinate individual support services, coordinate alternative media texts, and liaise with the Pennsylvania Blindness and Visual Services (BVS).
Hearing Impaired
For those with hearing impairments, we host regularly scheduled sessions with staff to coordinate individual support services, coordinate the use of assistive devices (smartpen, spellcheckers, talking calculators, readers), coordinate note takers, and liaise with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Learning Differences/ADHD
For those with learning differences, we host regularly scheduled sessions with academic support staff to monitor academic progress and coordinate individual support services; coordinate alternative media texts, the use of assistive devices (smartpen, spellcheckers, talking calculators, readers), and note takers; coordinate extended time for testing and note-taking, as appropriate; and coordinate the use of the Testing Center.
Policies and Procedures
- Disability Grievance Procedure
- Emotional Support (Assistance) Animal Policy
- Personal Care Attendant Guidelines
- Service Animal Policy
Disability Services Resources
- Association of Higher Education and Disability
- Heath Resource Center: Online Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities
- Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Education
- Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- Student Resources
- Faculty Resources
Residence Hall Assignments
Students with disabilities who require specialized housing are accommodated in King's College residence halls. In most cases, students with disabilities that limit their physical mobility may be assigned to either Esseff Hall (second floor) or Holy Cross Hall (first floor). If a student requires additional space due to the use of a wheelchair or other equipment, they can apply for a single room at the double-occupancy rate. Each on-campus apartment building features a handicapped-accessible room, and students with a physical disability will be given priority in apartment selection. Read more about the Process for Living in On-Campus Handicapped Accessible Apartment Rooms. Any student who requires a single room due to a disability should contact the Disability Services Coordinator in the Academic Skills Center to learn more.
| Residence Hall | Rooms Offered |
|---|---|
| Esseff Hall (Women) | Double Room |
| Holy Cross Hall (Men) | Double Room |
| Luksik Hall | Single and Double Rooms |
| Alumni Hall | Three- and Four-Bedroom Apartments |
| Handicapped-Accessible Apartment | Flood Hall* |
| Three- and Four-Bedroom Apartments | Handicapped-Accessible Apartment |
| O’Hara Hall | Four Bedroom Apartments |
| Handicapped-Accessible Apartment | Alley Center |
| Three- and Four-Bedroom Apartments | Handicapped-Accessible Apartment |
If a student requires an attendant, a non-student attendant will be permitted to live in the room at no extra cost but is subject to the same residential restrictions and policies of the College. An individual providing attendant care must be bonded through an appropriate agency, and a copy of the necessary credentials must be provided to the Academic Skills Center and the Office of Residence Life.
King's College does not provide, assume coordination of, or financial responsibilities for personal attendant services. It is the responsibility of the student to secure these services.
*While Flood Hall is handicapped accessible, the building is located at the top of a hill above the main part of campus. Students must consider accessibility considering the building’s location, particularly during inclement weather.