disAbility Resources for Students (DRS) is committed to providing services and programs that foster student development at all levels: intellectual, emotional, physical, and social. Full participation in all aspects of University life is necessary to achieve this holistic development and it is encouraged and supported by DRS. The following policy is designed to promote productive involvement specifically for students with disabilities as they achieve their goals at Western Washington University (WWU).
Western Washington University provides qualified students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access all aspects of University life. These aspects include but are not limited to registration, financial aid, coursework, academic counseling, and student activities and services.
It is the policy of WWU to provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical, sensory or mental limitations of otherwise qualified students except where such accommodation would impose an undue burden on the institution.
This policy applies whenever a WWU qualified student with a disability requests an accommodation for any WWU academic program, activity, or service.
1. Reasonable Accommodation Policy Complies with State and Federal Laws.
This policy complies with the:
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- Washington State Law Chapter 28B.10 RCW.
- Washington State Law Chapter 49.60 RCW.
Medical records and other documents generated when a student requests and completes a Needs Assessment or requests a reasonable accommodation are maintained in disAbility Resources for Students (DRS). Although the records are confidential, students may view their own records at any time. Students must submit written authorization to DRS for the release of their records to a third party. DRS will destroy all records five years from the last date of activity in the file.
3. Students Must Complete a Needs Assessment with DRS before Requesting Services
It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a Needs Assessment with DRS. The request must be made with DRS as soon as the student determines that an accommodation is needed. The student must submit a health care practitioner's written documentation of the disability to the Director of DRS or designee.
4. Director of DRS or Designee Performs Needs Assessment
The Director of DRS or designee will complete the Needs Assessment. Additional documentation may be requested from the student during the Needs Assessment or any time a student requests a reasonable accommodation. The Director or designee has the authority to grant or deny services to the student on a case by case basis.
5. Qualified Students can Receive Services from disAbility Resources for Students
Students who are determined to be qualified for accommodations may request services from DRS. Following is a partial list of services that DRS provide and their corresponding procedures.
- taped textbooks (review Procedure 1).
- enlarged print (review Procedure 2).
- lecture notes (review Procedure 3).
- Braille (review Procedure 4).
- sign language interpreter services (review Procedure 5).
- access to adaptive equipment (review Procedure 6).
- flexibility in testing arrangements (review Procedure 7).
6. Definitions
Disability: 1) under 42 USC 12102, a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or 2) under chapters 49.60 RCW and 162-22 WAC, an abnormal condition that is medically cognizable or diagnosable.
Health Care Practitioner: a person who has completed a course of study that is specific to his or her diagnostic expertise and who is state licensed or certified when licensing or certification processes exist for that field.
Qualified Student with a Disability: an enrolled WWU student with a documented disability and completed Needs Assessment who complies with applicable university policies on student rights and responsibilities and who meets the admission requirements and technical standards of the academic program, activity, or service. Academic programs, activities, and services include but are not limited to:
- undergraduate or graduate courses.
- non-matriculated student programs.
- correspondence or distance learning courses.
- international, exchange, or study abroad programs.