Access and Disability Services

Access and Disability Services seeks to maintain academic standards while providing equal access and support services to students who are able to benefit from courses offered by the college, have the commitment to succeed, and have a documented disability.

Reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual case-by-case basis to meet the needs presented by the student's disability. There are steps that students will need to complete in order to determine if they are eligible to receive accommodations through Access and Disability Services.

student standing outside building
Access & DisabilitiesDisability Rights

 

A person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, standing, seeing, speaking, hearing, sitting, breathing, reading, learning, thinking, performing manual tasks, or taking care of oneself is considered disabled.

Post-secondary students with disabilities are guaranteed access to college programs and services through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

There are steps that students will need to complete in order to determine if they are eligible to receive accommodations through Access and Disability Services.

Accommodation Forms

You must be a current Prairie State College (PSC) student or have applied to PSC and been accepted with a student ID number and a PSC email address to complete this form.Complete all forms in their entirety. Inadequate information and incomplete forms will delay the process.

 

Document Guidelines

Students seeking accommodations must submit documentation that specifies their disability and how it affects them. Documentation must be completed by a licensed healthcare professional who is not a relative. Documentation must be sent via email to disabilityservices@prairiestate.edu. Do not mail, fax, or drop off documentation.
  • High School IEP or 504 Plan (Final IEP not accepted) AND
  • Psychological Evaluation with Diagnostic Results

  • Documentation from a Qualified Ophthalmologist

  • Auditory Test results from a qualified Audiologist OR
  • Qualified Medical Professional

  • Documentation from a qualified Psychiatrist or Psychologist (Mental Health Professional) AND
  • Psychological Evaluation with Diagnostic Results

  • Medical Disability Form completed by a Licensed Medical Professional

Resources for Student with Disablities

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities Differences Between High School and College Level Accommodations (PDF)

 

Contact Us

Shelley Tekeste

Email: disabiltyservices@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3755
Appointment Hours: 
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Title IX

Prairie State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, disability, ancestry, marital status, military discharge status, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies in conformance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act, and relevant sections of the Illinois Human Rights Act. This policy complies with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Violence Against Women Act, which mandate procedures to address sexual violence.
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Disabled Veterans and Dependents Benefits
Prairie State College supports veterans and their families through programs like the VR&E, which provides vocational rehabilitation for eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities. Dependents of disabled or deceased veterans may qualify for Chapter 35 education benefits, offering up to 36 months of training. The Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship also covers tuition for dependents of service members who are POW, MIA, or killed/disabled due to service, available for up to five years at Illinois public colleges.
Learn More
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Getting Hired: Disability Resources
Many organizations help individuals with disabilities and veterans find jobs. Platforms like abilityJOBS, Abilitylinks.org, and USA Jobs connect job seekers with inclusive employers and federal opportunities. disABLEDperson, Lime Connect, and the Workforce Recruitment Program offer internships, scholarships, and job placements. Resources like the Job Accommodation Network and EEOC provide support on accommodations and anti-discrimination laws. The Office of Disability Employment Policy promotes workplace inclusion for people with disabilities.
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Accessibility at Prairie State College Commencement
Prairie State College is dedicated to accessible celebrations. Graduates needing accessible seating or assistance should contact Shelley Tekeste by May 1, 2026. Limited seating is available for the graduate and one guest. For sign language interpreter services, email commencement@prairiestate.edu.