Accommodating Student Needs
Our Special Accommodation Policy ensures that students with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs have equal access to educational opportunities while maintaining academic integrity and excellence. Inclusive learning environments will be created to support the diverse needs of our students.
Asking for Assistance
This policy outlines the process for requesting, implementing, and managing accommodations for students who face barriers to learning due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions.
Qualifying for Special Accommodations
This policy applies to all enrolled students and prospective students who may require special accommodations, including but not limited to:
- Physical disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health challenges
- Chronic medical conditions
- Temporary conditions (e.g., recovery from surgery or injury)
Types of Accommodations
Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Extended time on assignments, quizzes, and exams
- Access to recorded lectures or transcripts of live sessions
- Use of assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text software)
- Modified course materials or formats (e.g., large print, audio versions)
- Flexible deadlines or attendance policies
- Individualized support from instructors or academic advisors
Requesting Accommodations
Eligibility
Students seeking accommodations must provide documentation of their condition or needs from a qualified professional, such as a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist.
How to Request
- Submit a completed Special Accommodation Request Form, available on the LightStars Academy website or by contacting the administration.
- Provide supporting documentation that includes:
- Diagnosis or condition
- Specific limitations affecting the student’s learning
- Recommended accommodations
Deadlines
Requests for accommodations should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the course start date whenever possible. Requests made after this period will still be considered but may delay implementation.
Review and Approval Process
- The Student Support Team will review the request and documentation within 5 business days of receipt.
- A decision will be communicated to the student and their parent/guardian (if applicable), outlining approved accommodations and their implementation.
- If additional information is required, the student will be contacted promptly to avoid delays.
Implementation
Once approved, accommodations will be:
- Communicated to the relevant instructors.
- Monitored by the Student Support Team to ensure they are effective.
- Adjusted as necessary to meet the student’s evolving needs.
Confidentiality
All documentation and information related to accommodation requests will be kept confidential and shared only with those directly involved in the implementation of accommodations.
Appeals Process
If a student or parent/guardian disagrees with the accommodation decision, they may submit an appeal in writing to the administration within 10 business days of receiving the decision. The appeal will be reviewed by the Director of Student Services, and a final decision will be issued within 5 business days of the appeal submission.
Temporary Accommodations
Students experiencing temporary conditions or emergencies (e.g., broken arm, illness) may also request accommodations. The same process outlined above applies, though documentation requirements may be adjusted to fit the temporary nature of the condition.
Ongoing Support
LightStars Academy encourages open communication between students, parents/guardians, and instructors to ensure accommodations are meeting the student’s needs. Regular check-ins may be scheduled to evaluate and adjust accommodations as necessary.
Contact Information
For questions or to request accommodations, please contact:
Student Support Team
Email: Support_LightStarsAcademy@aol.com
At LightStars Academy, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. This policy reflects our commitment to providing a supportive and equitable learning experience for all.