Center for Accessibility Resources & Services

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services facilitates accommodations to provide equal access and support services to all Northern Essex programs and activities.

Connect With the Resources & Services You Need to Succeed at NECC

If you are a student with documented disabilities or are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services can connect you to the services you need to succeed at NECC.

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services, located on both the Haverhill and Lawrence Campuses, determines the types of resources that will provide equal access to students with a documented disability who are enrolled in credit or noncredit courses.

NOTE: Students who have a disability but do not anticipate a need for accommodations or services while at NECC are also encouraged to register with the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services.

Disability related documentation is kept strictly confidential, and students can present documentation without requesting services or accommodations. Should an unanticipated need for services or accommodations arise, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services can begin to assist the student without delay if their disability related documentation is already on file.

Potential Accommodations and Support Services Include but are not Limited to:

Accommodations

• Accessible furniture
• Alternative format textbooks/materials
• Assistive Technology
• Audio record lectures
• Classroom and environmental modifications, such as preferential seating and testing accommodations
• Enlarged materials
• Extended time for testing
• Note taking support
• Paraprofessional accommodations assistant  (such as scribes, visual aide)
• Special computer software and other devices

Resources and Support Services Include

• Accessible media
• Accessibility planning
• Consultation and training to staff, faculty, administrators, students and the community about the College’s legal obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• Deaf Cultural Awareness
• Disability related educational support and advising
• Faculty mediation
• Student access services
• Universal Design
• Workshops

Services We Do Not Provide

• Escorts to and from class
• Equipment and software for off-campus use
• Financial assistance
• Learning disability testing
• Modified coursework
• Personal-care attendants
• Transportation

Accessibility Committee at NECC

Accessibility and inclusivity for the Northern Essex Community (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) is a campus-wide commitment. In many cases, a person with a disability or who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing may have contact with multiple campus entities in an attempt to resolve a variety of issues.

Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA Committee at NECC

Know Your Rights

• The Current ADA Regulations
• What are public or private college-university’s responsibilities to students with disabilities?
• Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators

Local High School Transitional Programs

• Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI)
• Transition Opportunity Program (TOP)

Community Resources

For help with;

• Getting a job, paying for school, assistive technology, personal management, home maintenance and more.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

New Hampshire Services for the Blind & Vision Impaired

• Peer support, executive functioning, family support, medication management and more.

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

• Applying for housing and other benefits. Also access to workshops and social groups. 

Massachusetts Independent Living Centers

• Getting a job, paying for school, home health aid, assistive technology, car modifications, home modifications, etc.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

• Service coordination, day and vocational services, personal care services, community support services and more.

New Hampshire Developmental Services

Questions? Please contact us at 978-556-3654

Go to Our Getting Started page to get the process started.