Student Access and Accommodation Services

Open Student Access and Accommodation Services navigation

What We Do

SAAS supports students by providing access, guidance, and connection throughout their Heartland experience. Here is how we can help you:

• Connect students with academic and campus accommodations: Ensure you have the tools, supports, and adjustments needed to fully participate in classes and campus life.
• Support the transition to college life: Whether you are coming from high school or returning to school, we help you navigate expectations, resources, and the college environment.
• Provide guidance on self-advocacy, communication, and independence: Build confidence in expressing your needs, using campus resources, and managing your educational journey.
• Partner with faculty to ensure equitable access in the classroom: Collaborate with instructors to ensure accommodations are implemented smoothly and consistently, supporting your academic success.

How to Get Started

Getting connected is simple.

1. Apply to the college.
2. Submit a Request for Accommodations.
3. Submit documentation.
4. Meet with a SAAS Coordinator for an intake appointment.

Contact Us

Need Help?

We are just an email or visit away.

• Accommodations@heartland.edu
• Students Commons Building (SCB) 1415 – inside the library

Appointments

Click the button below to request an appointment for various SAAS services or a general information appointment.

Schedule Appointment

Call Us

Phone number: 

309-268-8259

Requesting Accommodations

The accommodations process helps us understand your needs and partner with you to ensure equal access to courses, programs, and campus life. Here is what you can expect from the SAAS accommodation process:

1. Apply to Heartland Community College

   Before accommodations can be approved, you must be admitted as a Heartland student.

2. Submit a Request for Accommodations

   Complete the online request form to tell us about your disability, past supports, and the types of accommodations you expect to need in college.

3. Provide Documentation

   Documentation helps us understand your functional limitations, not just your diagnosis, so we can determine reasonable accommodations that support access.

   You may submit:

   • Disability/Diagnosis Verification Form completed by a qualified professional
   • High School 504 Plan or High School IEP, if applicable
   • Other relevant records, such as evaluations or medical documentation

   If you are unsure what documentation to submit, our staff can guide you.

4. Schedule an Intake Appointment

   Once your request is received, we will contact you to schedule a meeting with a SAAS Coordinator.

   During this appointment, we will:

   • Discuss your strengths, challenges, and goals
   • Review your documentation together
   • Identify reasonable accommodations
   • Explain how to use your accommodations with your instructors

   This is a collaborative conversation designed to support you.

5. Attend the Intake Appointment

   After the intake appointment is complete, an approved accommodation notification will be created. This document will be shared with you and your instructors.

6. Use Your Accommodations

   You will be able to begin using your accommodations immediately once they are approved for the semester and the accommodation notification has been distributed.

   If your needs change or new barriers arise, SAAS can adjust your accommodations at any time. Just reach out for next steps.

Using Your Accommodations

Once your accommodations have been approved during your intake appointment, you are ready to start using them in your courses and within campus life. SAAS is here to help you put your accommodation into action confidently and successfully.

Access Your Accommodation Letter

After your intake appointment, your approved accommodations will be added to your SAAS profile. Your official accommodation notification will be emailed to you and your instructors. You will also receive a custom Accommodation Resource Guide that identifies the roles and responsibilities of the student, faculty, and the SAAS department.

Your accommodation notification:

• Lists the accommodations you are eligible to use
• Assists in communicating your needs to instructors
• Ensures faculty know how to support your access

Communicate Accommodation Needs with Instructors

Students are responsible for communicating their accommodation needs with their instructors each semester. This step:

• Lets instructors know which accommodations you will be using
• Opens a supportive communication pathway
• Helps ensure accommodations are implemented on time

Students should discuss with their instructors how accommodations will work in their classes. If you ever feel unsure about how to approach your instructor, SAAS can assist you in initiating the conversation.

Reach Out if Your Needs Change

Your needs may shift during the semester. Accommodations can be adjusted or updated at any time. Contact SAAS to discuss updating your accommodations if:

• A new barrier arises
• A class requires different supports
• Your disability-related needs change
• You want to explore additional assistive technology

SAAS is here for ongoing support, not just at the start of the term.

Meet the Staff

Kori Folkerts

Director, Student Access and Accommodations Services, and HALO Program

Kori.Folkerts@heartland.edu 309-268-8251

Dawn Berry

Program Assistant, Student Access and Accommodations

Dawn.Berry@heartland.edu

Jill Warren

Coordinator and Instructor, Student Access and Accommodations Services, and HALO Program

Jill.Warren@heartland.edu 309-268-8151

Karin Orwig

Coordinator and Instructor, HALO Program

Karin.Orwig@heartland.edu 309-268-8235

Jan Schlickman

Program Facilitator, Student Access and Accommodation Services

Jan.Schlickman@heartland.edu

Leslie Wagner

O & I Facilitator, Adult Education

Leslie.Wagner@heartland.edu