Parents and Guardians FAQ

Introduction

The Office of AccessABILITY at Hunter College is pleased to have the privilege of working with your son or daughter for the coming academic year. We understand how the transition from high school or a community college to a four year campus may be a complicated process for both students and parents alike. Below, please find answers to parents’ and guardians’ frequently asked questions.We hope these answers will help you during this transition.

In addition to our FAQ, you should review our Transitional Services information on making the transition from high school to college. This will help you get further familiar with the rules and regulations that governs both entities.

 

Review Transitional Info

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does CUNY accept an IEP diploma?
    No, CUNY only accepts a GED & or a High School Diploma for admission purposes.
  2. Are students eligible for special admission to Hunter College because of their documented disability?
    No. The application for admission does not include any information regarding a student’s disability or medical condition. Therefore, admission to Hunter College (or any other CUNY campus) is based upon a student’s high school average, courses taken, SAT/ACT scores, college application, essay writing, and admission tests. For more information you may visit the Office of Admissions website.
  3. Is there special Financial Aid available to students with disabilities through the Office of AccessABILITY (OA)?
    The OA does not offer financial assistance to its registered students. The Financial Aid Office, however, offers assistance with TAP, PELL, Loans, etc, and is available to all students that may qualify for financial assistance.Students with a documented disability who are registered with OA may also qualify for Tuition Assistant Award for Part Time students (TAP). National organizations also offer scholarships due to students’ adequate academic standings and the OA among other related offices in the college notifies students of these opportunities.
  4. Do you have a tutoring program for students with disabilities?
    The OA refers students in need of tutoring to the Reading and Writing Center, Chanin Language Center, Math Dolcini Center, or SEEK office.
  5. Do you provide training in assistive technology?
    Yes. The specialist at our Access and Technology Center provides group and one-on-one training by appointment to OA registered students. The Access and Technology Center offers a wide array of specialized software for our students. Including, Jaws, Inspiration, Zoom-Text amongst others. For more information please see our link: Access & Technology Center
  6. Is public transportation part of the accommodations?
    No. The OA does not offer public transportation. However, at times funds may be available to assist students with cost of transportation based on disability. For additional information please see our website: Office of AccessABILITY
  7. Does Hunter College provide my son/daughter with Financial Assistance for purchasing software/hardware equipment that is needed for his/her study?
    No. However, students are strongly encouraged to register/meet with a VESID (Vocational Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities) and/or CBVH (Commissions for the Blind and Visually Handicapped) counselor to see if they may qualify for financial Assistance to purchase any necessary equipment.
  8. Can parents request accommodations on behalf of their child?
    No. All requests for accommodations must come directly from the student and be supported by medical documentation. Parents may be present upon student’s consent during the intake appointment.
  9. Is housing provided to students with disabilities at Hunter College?
    There are limited number of rooms that are accessible for students with documented disabilities. All student applicants must follow Residence Hall procedures to request housing. Based on the students’ documentation and approval of their application, OA may advocate on students’ behalf to secure a room. Hunter’s Residence Hall located on East 25th street and 1st Avenue. For more information regarding how to apply for a room, please visit the following link: Living@Hunter
  10. Does OA conduct psycho-educational assessment?
    No. Neither the Americans with Disabilities Act nor Section 504 make it incumbent upon institutions of higher learning to evaluate or assess students with disabilities for suspected disabilities. However, our office can direct the student to appropriate qualified professionals and agencies of choice within the five boroughs. You can find some of these agencies listed on our Evaluation and Counseling page
  11. In high school teachers kept me informed as to how my son or daughter was performing academically. Will I be able to communicate with the College professors or any other offices about my child’s academic performance?
    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1976 (FEPRA) outlines that once your son or daughter enrolls in a post secondary education institution, and is eighteen (18)years or older, they (the student) become the sole guardian of all records maintained by that institution. The student has the right to access their own records upon a written request. The parent or guardian does not share that right as this information as always is kept confidential. This right can be waived once the student authorizes a written release form allowing their parents access to requested records or information.
  12. Upon written consent, can I therefore visit OA on behalf of my child to discuss concerns or ask questions?
    Yes, but the student must always be present during the meetings.
  13. My son/daughter had some subjects waived in high school—are they automatically waived in college too?
    In higher education there are no “automatic” waivers. At Hunter College, under certain circumstances, and upon documented disability, students may be granted a language exemption/substitution through our office.
  14. Can I provide assistance for my son/daughter in classroom or during testing such as with reading or note-taking?
    No. Our office provides all classroom or testing accommodations through trained individuals. Parents are not allowed to attend classes with their children unless permitted by their instructor. Even then, their presence must be neutral and pose no distraction.
  15. Does my child’s disabling condition warrant any immunity against any disciplinary charges that may be posed against him/her as a result of a complaint?
    No. Students’ conduct will be reviewed by College officials if their behavior poses any danger or concern to themself or others.
  16. How does the college make sure that the classrooms are physically accessible?
    The Office of Accessibility always advocates on behalf of its registered students and collaborates with other entities on campus to ensure classroom accessibility upon request.
  17. Can my child register early for classes offered at Hunter College?
    Yes. Students registered with OA receive priority registration dates based on number of completed credits.

If you have questions