Scottsdale Community College (SCC) was selected as one of a handful of colleges to participate in Project ACCESS, a national initiative of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. The project brings colleges together to create a more accessible environment that empowers students with disabilities to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Project ACCESS supports colleges in adopting new state requirements to accept a student's individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 Plan as valid documentation of a disability. The IEP is an individualized plan developed for students receiving special education services in K–12 schools, while the 504 Plan prescribes formal accommodations to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to learning. With monthly Communities of Practice, hands-on guidance, and individualized support, the program helps institutions develop clearer policies, expand accommodations, and create more welcoming, inclusive environments.
"SCC is honored to join this national cohort," said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, President of Scottsdale Community College. "Accessibility is at the heart of our mission. Project ACCESS will help guide our policies to ensure SCC meets national best practices, expand faculty support, and provide every student with the opportunity to succeed."
Project ACCESS is ultimately about long-term change: making sure students with disabilities experience college in a way that feels fair, supportive, and empowering. That includes improving how colleges accept and process documentation, coordinating accommodations across departments, and building policies that put students at the center. Over time, the initiative aims to help institutions create more consistent, thoughtful systems that lead to better academic outcomes.
Starting in January 2026, SCC’s representatives will work with peers from across Arizona, Illinois, and Minnesota through monthly virtual meetings. The group will also participate in quarterly task-force discussions, evaluation activities, and focused work sessions to bring best practices back to campus.
Today’s announcement reflects the commitment by SCC’s Disability Resources and Services Office to provide accommodations and services to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to all SCC programs, services, and activities. Learn more about this department’s mission and work here.
SCC looks forward to putting this work into action and helping shape a campus where every student feels supported, seen, and set up for success.
SCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. One of its sister colleges, Estrella Mountain Community College, was also selected by Project ACCESS to participate in this program.