For Immediate Release
October 31, 2007
Contact:
Tracy Kruse, Director of Marketing, News and Publications
563.562.3263 x.251; kruset@NICC.edu
Note: Abbreviation for Northeast Iowa Community College is NICC.
NICC: ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students.
Janet Leifield, coordinator of developmental education at the Calmar campus and Connie Swift,
coordinator at the Peosta campus, play very important roles in this commitment. The Disabilities
Services Program strives to provide needed accommodations for students who have academic,
socioeconomic or other disabilities which prevent succeeding in regular vocational education programs.
In a typical year, each campus has between 200-300 students who apply for accommodations. After
meeting with one of the program coordinators or a campus counselor, the student must complete the
application and documentation process. If accepted into the Disabilities Services Program, the student
then works with the coordinator in acquiring all reasonable accommodations necessary to succeed in
college. Currently, Calmar has 60 students in the program and Peosta is serving 233 students.
Some students in the program are assisted with test taking accommodations, such as: a reader,
extended time, a quiet space or adaptive equipment. Other students may require learning environment
accommodations. These might include technical services such as: textbooks on audiotape, sign
language interpreters, closed caption, computer aided programs and assistance with note taking. A
major component of the program is to aid the student in how to self-monitor their own progress. This
includes helping the student learn organizational and time management skills and how to keep track of
assignment due dates.
Leifield and Swift work closely with instructors and other NICC staff members to assure the students in
the program are identified and given the needed support to help them succeed in their college career. It
is a collaborative effort that extends into the community. Leifield and Swift work with the high schools
and community organizations to make the transition from high school to college and then into the
workforce as easily as possible. Additional support comes from the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
and the district-wide Transition Advisory Board which includes many different agencies and local
businesses.
The students receive the services offered through the Disabilities Services Program directly on the NICC
campuses. A major concern on both campuses is the lack of handicap accessibility into the buildings
that provide the needed services. Leifield notes that at it is often difficult for a person with a physical
handicap to enter the buildings without having to navigate through multiple steps, ramps or other
buildings.
This concern is being addressed in the upcoming NICC bond levy on December 11. In addition to many
other campus expansions and updates, if approved the levy will allow Calmar and Peosta to build
additional space and acquire the technology needed to meet the needs of the students in the Disabilities
Services Program.
One priority of this levy is to update buildings on both campuses to meet with more stringent ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) compliances. Desired improvements include: making the restrooms and
water fountains handicap accessible; more study space for students who need quiet testing areas; and
adding more handicap accessible door handles and door openers. Later this fall, private consultants will
visit both campuses to evaluate the assets and barriers NICC has regarding the physical accessibilities
into the buildings as well as inside of them.
Working successfully through academic and physical barriers will continue to be a priority for NICC and
dedicated staff like Leifield and Swift. Supporting NICC’s vision, the staff and supportive community
organizations strive to live (and teach) the values of service, respect, innovation, stewardship, and
integrity within the culture of continuous improvement. That vision is strongly supported in a comment by
Swift. When asked what a favorite part of her role at NICC was, she enthusiastically answered, “Giving
support to all students for success.”
NICC is asking voters to support a bond levy on December 11 that would allow the college to expand
facilities, programs and equipment to train tomorrow's workers with the most up-to-date technology and
skills. It would also allow them to repair and update 40 year old roofs, windows, heating and cooling
units, wiring and safety and security systems.
The cost to a taxpayer of a $100,000 home would be about $1.75 per month or about $21 annually.
For more information on NICC's bond levy, visit the colleges web site at www.nicc.edu.