The Special Populations Office provides student-centered comprehensive support services and events that promote equity, enhance the educational experience, foster success, and contribute to the economic self-sufficiency of students who are members of special populations.
Schedule an Appointment with the
Special Populations Office
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[accordion-item title=”Available Services” class=”accordion-caret”]
Services are available to students who are economically disadvantaged, physically/mentally disabled, single parents, homeless, out-of-workforce, English learners, and those enrolled in non-traditional careers. Available services include:
- Lending Library
- Assistance with classroom accommodations
- Career guidance and assessments
- Student resource guides and referral information
- Identification of resources to meet student needs
- Language translation services: free website translation
- Transportation assistance: The Special Populations Office cannot provide direct alternative transportation assistance but can assist with bus passes within the Central Georgia Technical College service delivery area. The Special Populations Office can also help identify transportation agencies in the area (as well as fees, route times, and route locations associated with the service).
- Childcare assistance: The Special Populations Office can assist with daycare assistance though the CGTC Child Development Center and Early Childhood Learning Center. The Special Populations Office can also help identify daycare service resources in the area.
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The Special Populations Lending Library allows students to apply for loaner textbooks, equipment, resources, tools, supplies, and laptop needed to complete general education and occupational courses while enrolled in a qualifying occupational program.
To qualify for the Lending Library, the student must meet the following criteria:
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- Currently enrolled student at CGTC
- Enrolled in an occupational major*
- Member of at least one special population group
Students are required to complete the Lending Library Application and meet with a Special Populations staff member to identify need. Unless a break in continuous enrollment occurs or information changes, the Lending Library Application only needs to be completed once. A verification of enrollment in classes within the semester the student is seeking assistance will be completed. Students expecting a financial aid refund should utilize the financial aid funds prior to assistance from special populations unless a reasonable justification is provided on the application. If approved, a Lending Library Agreement will be completed. Documentation from an instructor, syllabus, or program manual may be requested to verify textbooks or resources are required for program progression and completion.
Students are responsible for all items loaned while in their possession. Any item damaged, lost, or stolen are required to be replaced by the student. A hold will be placed on the students’ accounts for items needing to be replaced or are overdue. This hold will be released upon the return of the items loaned in the same condition as it was borrowed. Textbooks, resources, and laptop are loaned for one semester; if the student needs to borrow the same textbook, resource, or laptop for another semester, the student must return the textbook, resource, or laptop at the end of the semester and complete a new Lending Library Agreement.
Lending Library assistance is based on eligibility, availability of funds, and physical inventory. Assistance provided through the Lending Library may include:
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- Textbooks and learning materials
- Required program materials such as smocks, scrubs, tools, and more
- Laptop to complete required class assignments
* Students enrolled in the following non-occupational major are not eligible for Lending Library assistance: AB73 General Studies-Associate Degree, AF53 Interdisciplinary Studies-Associate Degree, TS23 Technical Studies-Associate Degree, EC21 Early College Essentials-Technical Certificate, and TC31 Technical Specialist-Technical Certificate.
Students enrolled in AF53 Interdisciplinary Studies and preparing for acceptance into the AN43 Associate of Science in Nursing program are eligible for Lending Library assistance. The Lending Library Application should note both majors.
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[accordion-item title=”Special Populations Categories” class=”accordion-caret”]
Special populations refers to students who meet the criteria for at least one of the following categories:
- Individuals with disabilities: An individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
- Individuals who are economically disadvantaged: A credit-hour student who is a needs-based financial aid recipient of Pell or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).
- Individuals in non-traditional career programs: Non-traditional occupations are those in which one gender makes up less than 25% of the total number of workers. (See Nontraditional Careers section)
- Single parents: An individual who is not married and has custody of and is responsible for the care of one or more minor children, or an individual who is not married and is currently pregnant.
- Individuals unemployed or underemployed
- Individuals with limited English proficiency: An individual whose native language is a language other than English.
- Homeless individuals
- Youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system
- Youth with parents on active duty in the armed forces
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[accordion-item title=”Myths About Special Populations” class=”accordion-caret”]
- Give money: The Special Populations Office cannot give students money; however, if funds are available, eligible students can receive assistance with the purchase of textbooks and equipment for classes.
- Guarantee passing grades: The Special Populations Office cannot guarantee any type of grade in any class but will assist students in obtaining the services they need to function in the classroom.
- Guaranteed job placement: Job placement is not guaranteed; however, students can receive assistance such as resume and interview preparation.
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[accordion-item title=”Student Success Team Survey” class=”accordion-caret”]
After reviewing the resources offered by the Special Populations Office, please take a moment to complete the Student Success Team Survey. Your feedback will assist in evaluating areas for improvement in the services that are offered.
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[accordion-item title=”Special Populations Form” class=”accordion-caret”]
The Special Populations Form assists in capturing information regarding the needs of new students, including the online student population. If you meet the criteria for a special populations student, you may be eligible for services and assistance. Please complete the online Special Populations Form so that we may determine if assistance is available. All individual responses will remain confidential.
Or complete the Special Populations Form 
. Please complete the form and return it to the Special Populations Office.
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[accordion-item title=”Resources” class=”accordion-caret”]
- Community Resources: Baldwin, Bibb, Jones, Monroe, and Putnam Counties
- Community Resources: Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Peach, Pulaski, and Twiggs Counties
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Disability Services
Central Georgia Technical College recognizes the importance of encouraging and helping students with disabilities reach their full potential. The Special Populations Office coordinates services for students with disabilities in order to assist these students in realizing and maximizing their academic and personal goals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the College ensures that admissions, services, activities, facilities, and academic programs are accessible to and usable by qualified students with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available to students who identify themselves as having a disability and as being otherwise qualified for admission to the College. Each student is responsible for providing documentation of his/her disability and requesting appropriate accommodations.
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Any change to a classroom environment or task that permits a qualified student with a disability to participate in the classroom process, to perform the essential tasks of the class, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of classroom participation equal to those enjoyed by students without disabilities. An accommodation is a legally mandated change that creates an equitable opportunity for task completion or environmental access.
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[accordion-item title=”What types of accommodation may be available?” class=”accordion-caret”]
- Testing Accommodations: Providing a quiet room for test taking and/or providing test takers with extended time to complete tests.
- Alternative Textbook Formats: Providing written materials in alternative formats such as large print, Braille, computer disk, or audio tape.
- Assistive Technology: Providing software (e.g. Jaws, Dragon Naturally Speaking, ZoomText, etc.) to assist students with academics.
- Special classroom seating: Priority seating.
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[accordion-item title=”What services will not be provided?” class=”accordion-caret”]
- Personal devices such as hearing aids or glasses, and personal services such as assistance with eating, toileting or dressing, will not be provided.
- Accommodations that excessively lower or change classroom or program standards will not be provided. As an example: while instructors may allow alternative assignments or tests, these alternatives will not be easier or more difficult than the tests they are replacing.
- Accommodations that would change the essence of a program will not be provided. As an example: a student with limited use of hands who is taking an air conditioning repair class may not ask to take a written test instead of actually repairing an air conditioning unit; the essence of the course is to actually repair the unit.
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[accordion-item title=”Documentation Requirements” class=”accordion-caret”]
All disabilities that affect learning and/or require a physical alteration will require documentation that verifies the disability, clarifies the areas of learning affected, and states the accommodations recommended as appropriate.
The purpose of the documentation is twofold: to help the Special Populations Office determine if the student is a qualified individual with a disability and eligible for accommodations, and to determine appropriate accommodations. Documentation legitimizes a student’s request for accommodations and, in general, includes the following:
- Identification of the nature and extent of the disability
- Specific information on the functional limitations as related to the academic environment
- Description of the current course of treatment, including medical side effects
- Prognosis for the disability
- Recommended reasonable accommodations
The documentation should be prepared by a professional and should be in the form of an assessment rather than a statement. The documentation should be dated within the last three years.
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[accordion-item title=”Americans with Disabilities Act Grievance Procedures” class=”accordion-caret”]
Students who have a complaint about accommodations provided by Central Georgia Technical College must attempt to resolve conflicts by contacting the Special Populations Office.
If the results of this process are unsatisfactory to the student, he or she must contact the Executive Director of Conduct, Appeals, and Compliance, who will investigate the complaint and make reasonable efforts to resolve the matter. The investigation shall be informal but thorough, affording all persons an opportunity to submit evidence or other relevant information.
If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director of Conduct, Appeals, and Compliance, he/she can contact the Vice President of Student Affairs. The Vice President of Student Affairs shall provide a written or verbal final response to the student.
Use of this grievance procedure does not limit a student’s pursuit of other remedies, including the right to pursue a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
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[accordion-item title=”Frequently Asked Questions” class=”accordion-caret”]
If I have a disability, how do I apply for admission to Central Georgia Technical College?
Students with disabilities follow the same admission procedures as all other students: by completing and submitting the Central Georgia Technical College Application for Admission and satisfying all admissions requirements.
Are the admission standards modified for students with disabilities?
No. Students with disabilities must meet the same admission and program requirements as all other students.
Does Central Georgia Technical College have special education classes for students with disabilities?
No. CGTC provides reasonable classroom accommodations for students based on their eligibility.
Is there a fee for disabilities services?
No. Disability services are offered at no cost to eligible students.
How do I request accommodations?
Students wishing to access disability services must self-identify by contacting the Special Populations Office.
Will I automatically receive services each semester?
No. You must renew your request each semester by contacting the Special Populations Office.
How will I know if I’m eligible to receive reasonable accommodations?
After documentation has been received and reviewed by the Special Populations Office, you will be contacted to discuss eligibility.
Are dual enrolled students eligible to receive accommodations?
Yes, any currently enrolled student taking credit courses with CGTC is eligible to receive reasonable accommodations.
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Nontraditional Careers
Non-traditional occupations are those in which one gender makes up less than 25% of the total number of workers. Examples of non-traditional careers for men include cosmetology, dental hygiene, early childhood care and education, and nursing. Examples of non-traditional careers for women include auto mechanic, carpenter, computer technician, and welder.
Promoting nontraditional career opportunities opens doors for every individual and breaks the mold of expectations in an atmosphere free from stereotypes. The colleges provide support services to special population students including non-traditional majors in an effort to alleviate barriers that hinder successful completion of courses and employment.
Why Consider a Nontraditional Career?
- Interesting and rewarding employment opportunities
- Competitive wages
- Opportunities for advancement
- Increased job satisfaction
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[accordion-item title=”Links for Nontraditional Careers” class=”accordion-caret”]
- National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity – http://www.napequity.org
- US Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau – http://www.dol.gov/wb
- Women Work! – http://www.womentechworld.org
- The American Assembly for Men in Nursing – http://www.aamn.org
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Contact Information
Ruby Hamb-Holmes
Director, Special Populations
Macon Campus, Room J-105
Warner Robins Campus, Room C-104
p: (478) 757-3532
rhamb-holmes@centralgatech.edu