Disability Resource Center

Project Empower Develop Grow Educate (EDGE) is a postsecondary non-degree-seeking transitional program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. The program offers you a chance to receive hands-on learning and industry certification(s) in one of the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology, Advanced Automotive Service Technology, Baking and Pastry Arts, Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality, and Electrical Assistant. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive educational experience that will lead to a successful transition to employment. Project EDGE connects students to technical college life, potential industry certifications, and employment opportunities.

What is a disability?

A disability is a physical or mental disorder that limits one or more things you want and need to do. It can make it difficult to:

walk, see, hear, or breathe
take care of oneself
learn
work

Adults with disabilities include, but are not limited to, persons with conditions, diseases, and infections, such as these:

physical, sight, speech, and hearing disability
epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis
cancer, heart disease, diabetes, infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
intellectual disability
emotional disability
specific learning disability

Persons with a history of such a condition or otherwise considered as having such a condition are also considered as people with disabilities.
(*as described in Federal and State Laws)

What are Accommodations?

Accommodations should not create “undue hardship” for the College. You may not get the most expensive or “best” accommodation, just one that will help you do what needs to be done. Some of these accommodations may be appropriate for you in the classroom and test setting:

extra time for testing and learning
individual tests
frequent rest breaks
private work area
calculators
note takers
oral or sign language interpreters
tapes, large print or Braille
taped, typed or dictated answers
special class or test settings
adaptive equipment
written instructions
assisting devices
building access

Accommodations are changes made to help you learn the skill or do the work necessary for you to learn. They may include:

using different kinds of learning materials
using special services
needing special testing options
needing adaptive equipment

How to declare your disability at Manatee Technical College

High school dual enrolled students with an IEP or 504 plan.

Fill out the dual enrollment application, make sure you check the box for IEP or 504.
When the application is submitted attach a copy of your IEP or 504 plan.
The Disability Resource Center will work with your zoned school to set up a meeting.

Adult students with a disability

Apply for the program of your choice
Download and fill out the request for accommodations application.
Download Application Form (PDF, 88KB).
Download Application Form in Spanish (PDF, 87KB)
Submit the application and any needed documentation to mtcdisabilityresourcecenter@manateeschools.net or bring it to the Office of Disability Resources on main campus.
Once your documentation is reviewed, you will receive an email with the next steps.

Manatee Technical College accommodates students with disabilities in accordance with federal laws. Any student who feels they may need accommodations based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis should set up an appointment through our Disability Resource Center. Any questions about required documentation can be directed to our Disability Resource Center Coordinator.