Service Animals

Policy
Consistent with the American with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), it is the policy of Northampton Community College that service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are generally permitted in campus facilities, except in situations where safety may be compromised or where the service animal may interfere with the fundamental nature of the activities being conducted.

Definitions
A service animal is "any dog that is individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability." Other species of animals whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals except that miniature horses, if individually trained and deemed reasonable, may be used for the benefit of individuals with disabilities.

NCC will assess the reasonableness of requests to use a miniature horse on campus in terms of the type, size, and weight of the animal in terms of our facility's ability to accommodate as well as the handler's control.

The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler's disability. Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hearing - impaired to the presence of people or sounds, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, retrieving items, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

The provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort or companionship does not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

If there are any questions as to whether an animal qualifies as a service animal, a determination will be made by the Office of Disability Services and/or the College's ADA coordinator.

NCC will make certain inquiries regarding service animal use, as permitted by law:

1. Is the service animal required because of a disability and what are the pertinent manifestations of the condition?
2. What work or tasks is the animal trained to perform in relation to the identified disability?

Requirements for Service Animals
Service animals must be licensed in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania dog laws and county regulations, following all requirements for tags and vaccinations.

• Animals must be in good health.
• Animals must be on a leash at all times.
• The owner must be in full control of the animal at all times.
• Cleanliness of the service animal is mandatory.

Reasonable behavior is expected from service animals while on campus. The owners of disruptive and/or aggressive service animals may be asked to remove them from college facilities. If the improper behavior happens repeatedly, the owner may be told not to bring the service animal into any facility until they take significant steps to mitigate the behavior.

A service animal may be suspended from campus for the following reasons:

• Disruptive behavior in a college facility or program including, but not limited to, barking, whining, growling, wandering, sniffing (people, tables in eating area, other's belongings) initiation of contact outside of working role
• Animal Illness
• Hygiene - dirty, strong odor, not groomed, evidence of having fleas, ticks, etc.
• Aggressive behavior

Consideration of others must be taken into account when providing maintenance and hygiene of service animals. The owner is expected to clean and dispose of all animal waste.

Service Animals in NCC
HousingService animals may reside in NCC Housing with written approval from the Residence Life and Disability Services office in consultation with appropriate NCC officials.

Procedures:

1. Incoming residents must submit requests to have service animals in NCC Housing with their initial housing application. Existing residents must submit requests at least four weeks prior to the date the animal is expected to be in residence.
2. Appropriate documentation of disability must be submitted to and accepted by Disability Services that includes the appropriate documentation of the individual's disability from a recognized specialist in that area.
3. A letter with the prospective resident's explanation of the tasks or function the animal has been trained to perform as a disability-related accommodation along with pertinent information regarding the licensing and health in accordance with all applicable Pennsylvania dog laws and county regulations, following all requirements for tags and vaccinations must be submitted with application.

The requesting individual will be notified in writing of the decision upon completion of the review process.

Conflicting Disabilities
Persons who have asthma/allergy/medical issues related to animals are encouraged to make their condition known to Disability Services (for students) or Human Resources (for employees) by providing medical documentation to support their claim. To resolve a problem as efficiently and effectively as possible, action will be taken to consider the needs of both persons.

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:

Students
Students requesting accommodations based on disability, including requests to use a service animal on/in campus facilities should contact NCC's Disability Services department. Service animal requests and additional accommodations will be determined in an interactive manner based upon NCC's accommodation process.

Visitors
Visitors using a service animal are welcome in all areas of campus that are open to the public. Specific questions related to the use of the service animal can be directed to Disability Services or the ADA Coordinator.

Employees
Employees requesting reasonable accommodations, including the use of a service animal should contact the ADA Coordinator and/or Human Resources.

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Grievance Procedures
Any student who has concerns or complaints related to access and accommodations has the following options.

Informal Procedure
Though not required, it is recommended that the student speak about the concerns first with the Coordinator of Disability Services, or with his or her college Disability Services Specialist to achieve a satisfactory resolution. Any student who is uncertain about whether to come forward with an informal complaint or whether to file a formal grievance may consult with the Coordinator of Disability Services.

Formal Procedure
Please refer NCC's Grievance Procedure in the Student Handbook.

Contact Information
Student complaints related to accommodations and disability related concerns should be addressed with NCC's Affirmative Action Officer and ADAAA Coordinator, Helene M. Whitaker, 610-861-5300 or TTY/TDD 610-861-5575.

Complaints can also be sent to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20201.

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Policy for Use of Mobile Devices
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act and subsequent regulations, it is the policy of NCC that mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities are generally permitted in all facilities and programs, as described below.

Definitions:

• "Wheelchair" is defined as "a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion." This definition includes mobility scooters.
• A "mobility disability" includes a wide range of disabilities, including circulatory and respiratory disabilities that make walking difficult or impossible.
• An "Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD)"is defined as any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines - whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities - that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion. Included in the OPDMD category are: golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (e.g. Segway® PT) and any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair.

Use of Wheelchairs and OPDMDs
NCC will make reasonable modifications to permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use OPDMDs as long as operation of the mobility device is in accordance with legitimate safety requirements, including operation at a safe speed limit, and care in observation of pedestrians. NCC prohibits the use of fuel driven engines inside our buildings, as fumes have been deemed a direct threat to others. NCC is not responsible for the storage of these devices.

As needed and on an individual basis, NCC will determine additional appropriate use of OPDMD's based upon assessment factors that include the type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device, the facility's volume of pedestrian traffic (which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year), the location of a program, service or activity and whether the use of the OPDMD creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources.

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

Students:
Student requesting accommodations based on disability, including requests to use an OPDMD on/in campus facilities should contact NCC's Disability Services department. Accommodations will be determined in an interactive manner based upon NCC's accommodation process. Students may be asked to provide a "credible assurance" that the device is required because of the person's mobility disability. Credible assurances include a valid, disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability. A verbal representation by the individual with a disability that is not contradicted by observable fact, indicating that the OPDMD is being used for a mobility disability can also be considered.

Visitors:
Visitors using wheelchairs and Other Power Driven Mobility Devices are welcome in all areas of campus that are open to the public. Specific questions related to the use of these devices can be directed to Disability Services or the ADA Coordinator.

Employees:
Employees requesting reasonable accommodations, including the use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices should contact the ADA Coordinator and/or Human Resources.

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Emergency Procedures

General Guidelines

Responsibilities of Person with a Disability:

1. In an emergency situation, it is critical to your health and safely that YOU are familiar with your needs during an emergency evacuation.

2. We recommend that you identify someone in advance who might assist you in leaving the building and/or who will inform emergency personnel of your presence and your location.

3. Be familiar with the location of exits and "safe zones/areas of refuge" in each building. Do not use elevators.

4. Remain calm.

5. Treat every alarm as an actual emergency.

6. Use the closest and safest exit.

Emergency and Fire Drill Procedures
In a fire drill or actual emergency, an alarm will sound.

When the alarm/siren sounds, classes will be dismissed and the instructor will be responsible to make certain everyone in his/her class is evacuated safely and quickly and to direct the students to the designated evacuation area.

Use of the elevator is prohibited except by or under the direct supervision of emergency services personnel.

Emergency personnel should be contacted for assistance in evacuating individuals with disabilities, i.e. individuals with mobility impairments, and escorting them to safety by use of the elevators or other means.

All students and staff shall remain in their assigned evacuation areas until instructed to return.

Special Considerations:

Persons with Visual Impairments:
Ask a fellow student or professor about the nature of the emergency.

If you require assistance in exiting the building, ask for assistance from a fellow student or staff member. Ask that they take your elbow and escort you, advising you of any obstacles that you may encounter.

When you have reached safety, ask to be oriented as to your location and/or escorted to emergency personnel or staff from Physical Plant for further assistance.

Persons with Hearing Impairments:
Ask a fellow student, professor or your interpreter about the nature of the emergency.

If you cannot perceive emergency alarms and if a visual alarm signal is not available, request an alternative warning, such as a written note or a flashing of the light switch be provided.

Exit the building by following students and staff.

Persons with Mobility Impairments:
Students should move toward the nearest marked exit. In the College Center, the smoke tower stairwells are the "Areas of Rescue." All exit corridors and smoke tower stairwells are marked with exit signs and are protected with self closing fire rated doors. These are the safest areas during an emergency.

If you are unable to navigate an exit using stairs, you are to stay in the exit corridor or the landing in the smoke tower stairwell. You will be evacuated by emergency personnel.

Inform a student or staff member of your location and ask that they immediately inform emergency personnel of your location as they exit the building.

Call for help until rescued. Persons who cannot speak loudly should carry a whistle or have some other means for attracting the attention of rescue personnel.

Emergency personnel will start at the top floor of a building and work down until all areas have been evacuated.

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