Office Spotlight: ECC’s Student Access and Disability Services

Each year on December 3, the world recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a national observance dedicated to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. The day serves as a global reminder of the collective responsibility to create more inclusive and accessible communities. 

At Elgin Community College (ECC), that commitment comes to life every day through the Student Access and Disability Services Office. The office promotes student success and retention by providing individualized accommodations, coaching, and support that ensure every student has access to a quality learning experience. 

Supporting Students Through Accommodations

ECC offers a wide range of accommodations based on student needs, including, but  not limited to:

• Accessible versions of textbooks and course materials*
• Accessible classroom furniture
• Adaptive computer hardware or software
• Assistive technology devices*
• Captioning services*
• Extended time for tests and/or a quiet testing location
• Extensions on assignments
• Flexibility with attendance
• Note-taking assistance or permission to record lectures
• Preferential seating
• Sign language interpreters*
• Test readers or scribes

*Some accommodations may require advanced coordination or specialized services.

These supports help foster the kind of learning environment where students can thrive – students like Shubh Vaghani.

Finding Support and Confidence

One ECC student who uses the office’s services is Shubh Vaghani. The Bartlett resident is currently taking childhood education classes and plans to obtain his certificate next year. Vaghani connected with the office because he needs extended time for tests and a quiet testing location. 

“I take time to function and do things, and focus my attention,” he said. 

Beyond accommodations, Vaghani has also connected with Katie Simpson, the office’s accessibility specialist and student success coach, specializing in student coaching. He meets with Simpson every week to discuss learning goals and other matters.  

Looking Ahead: A New Space in 2026

The Student Access and Disability Services Office will transition to a new space on campus in spring 2026. This will bring staff together in one unit and include a dedicated lobby and front desk area designed to better serve students. 

“We’re still going to provide the same great services,” said Pietrina Probst, Director of ADA, Student Access & Disability Services. “We’re still going to be providing students with their accommodations that are individualized to meet their needs. It might be a sign language interpreter, might be captions, it might be large print materials, or braille materials. Might be extra time on taking tests or taking software and apps.”

Learn More

Students seeking accommodations can start by completing an Accommodation Request Form. For more on the Student Access and Disability Services office, head here.