Disabled Student Resources and Services Student Handbook
Disabled Student Resources & Services
Student Handbook
Table of Contents
Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services
Documentation of diagnosed disability
Discussing Accommodations with Instructors
Meeting with Instructors, Recommended Topics
Textbooks in Alternative Formats
Suggestions for Helping All Students Succeed
Disabled Student Resources and Services
Western Michigan University maintains the Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services (DSRS) to help assure compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by various congressional acts, i.e., the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990. This office has created an atmosphere of opportunity by providing services and mediating considerations for students.
The primary goal of the Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services is to ensure access for students with documented disabilities and to contribute to the development of self-advocacy and confidence of students with disabilities. We encourage students to take control of their own learning and to discuss the means for arranging types of appropriate support. In addition, we serve as an advocate for students in determining appropriate considerations.
This handbook describes student rights and responsibilities, procedures for requesting accommodations, and information about campus resources. DSRS recommends that you read this handbook thoroughly, as it will be a useful reference throughout college and beyond.
In recent years, laws have been passed to protect the rights of disabled persons. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that impedes normal achievement. These laws ensure the rights of people with physical and mental impairments, as well as those with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination against disabled people by state and local governments or businesses who receive federal funding. This includes public accommodations such as those provided by Western Michigan University. Title II and Section 504 help ensure that you will have the same opportunities for success as other WMU students. The section that directly affects Western Michigan University states:
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, . . . shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance...” (The United States Department of Education:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/placpub.html)
Western Michigan University is obligated to make reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations only to the known limitations of otherwise qualified students with disabilities. However, these laws do not require, expect, or imply the lowering of academic standards or altering of any course’s content. The laws also don’t require WMU to provide adjustments and accommodations that are unduly burdensome and are never done at the expense of the essential standards. The laws do require, expect, and imply that the institution must provide reasonable accommodations to assure equal access to the information within the academic setting. For example, for a student who meets every entrance requirement for a specific college course but cannot read the printed text due to a documented visual impairment, that institution must make alternative forms of the book (i.e. Braille, audio or electronic text) available.
For purposes of understanding, the following definitions and explanations have been included.
A person with a disability includes any person who:
- Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities
- Has record of such an impairment, or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment
Major life activities include:
- Walking
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Speaking
- Breathing
- Learning
- Working
A “qualified person with a disability” is defined as one:
- who meets the academic and technical standards
requisite to admission or participation in the education
program or activity. - With respect to employment, one who with or without
reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential
functions of the job in question.
Obligations of Student and College
A student with a disability has an obligation to:
- Self-identify that he or she has a disability, if services are desired;
- Provide current/recent documentation of the disability;
- Self-identify the need for academic adjustment and/or accommodation.
The College’s obligations under section 504 and the ADA:
- Provide reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations for the student’s known disability;
- Afford the student an equal opportunity to participate in the college’s programs, courses and activities.
Academic Adjustments and Accommodations:
The key word is reasonable.
Reasonable academic adjustments and accommodations include but are not limited to:
- Extended time for testing
- Alternative testing sites
- Permission to tape lectures
- Copies of overheads or outlines/notes used in lectures
- Volunteer readers
- Scribes for classroom
- Print materials in alternate format
(Questions about whether or not a request is reasonable should be discussed with the DSRS director)
Limitations:
Colleges are NOT required to provide:
- Personal attendants
- Readers for personal use or study
- Tutorial services other than those provided for the entire student population
- Choice of aids (college may choose methods of auxiliary aids so long as methods provide equal opportunity
- Coursework adjustments, IF such a provision would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or the academic requirements, which are ESSENTIAL to a program of study or to meet licensing prerequisites.
Important Note: All academic adjustments and/or accommodations are based upon the recommendations included in a student’s written documentation. Documentation does not necessarily entitle a student to all of the considerations listed above.
The Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services (DSRS) reviews the documentation of each student who discloses a disability and determines appropriate academic adjustments and/or accommodations. The responsibility of providing academic adjustments and accommodations and complying with the ADA rests with all employees of Western Michigan University. The DSRS encourages faculty members to help students secure academic adjustments and/or accommodations. Considerations, such as extended time for testing, alternate test sites, copies of lecture notes, and permission to tape lectures, can often be arranged most efficiently by the student in cooperation with DSRS and the instructor. The Director of Disabled Student Resources and Services is available to discuss the appropriateness of academic adjustments and accommodations with instructors when necessary. For more information about understanding and accommodating students with disabilities, please contact the Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services at (269) 387-2116.
Documentation of disabilities is essential in order for Disabled Student Resources and Services to implement academic adjustments and/or accommodations. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act provides for eligibility of services through guidelines, which must be adhered to by DSRS. Basically, documentation includes the physician’s or other professional’s summary of tests given, the interpretation of those tests, outline of the history of the disability, and any prescribed remedies, such as hearing devices or medications. The extent of the documentation needed varies, depending on the type of disability.
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, in the pamphlet "Students with Disabilities Preparing for Post secondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities," discuss documentation and how post secondary institutions have different requirements than the K-12 system. It goes on to explain what to do if the documentation does not meet the requirements of the post secondary school. Page six states:
"If the documentation that you have does not meet the post secondary school's requirements, a school official must tell you in a timely manner what additional documentation you need to provide. You may need a new evaluation in order to provide the required documentation."
The pamphlet, under a separate heading on page six, goes on to say:
"Neither your high school nor your post secondary school is required to conduct or pay for a new evaluation to document your disability and need for an academic adjustment. This may mean you will have to pay or find funding to pay an appropriate professional to do it..."
It is not DSRS's intention to put an undo burden on you for your documentation, however, it is imperative that we know the "current" state of your disability and how it affects the life activities at this stage of your life.
ADD/ADHD
- Diagnosis by a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychiatrist, licensed doctoral-level clinical or educational psychologist, or combination of such professionals
- Evaluation should be usually within three years of application for services
Contain the following information:
- Clear statement of DSM III, IIIR, or IV diagnosis
- Date of diagnosis
- Summary of procedures and instruments used
- Summary of evaluation results
- Medical history relating to use of medications
- Statement of impact and limitations of academic performance
- Recommendations for academic adjustments to compensate for the disability
- Name, title, and appropriate licensure information.
Chronic Illness
- Diagnosing physician
- Name
- Licensure
- Dates of diagnosis and most recent contact
- Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Functional nature of debilitating illness
- Clinical evidence of disability
- Recommended accommodations
Hearing Impairment
Diagnosis by an audiologist with audiogram included describing scope of hearing loss:
- Deaf
- Hearing loss of 70 dB or greater in the better ear
- Hard of hearing
- Hearing loss of 35 to 69 dB in the better ear
- Impact of hearing loss in academic environment
- Recent Contact with a qualified professional
Learning Disabilities
- Diagnosis by a licensed school or private psychologist
- Name, title, and appropriate licensure
- Evaluation usually within five years of the student's application for assistance
- Specific identified learning disability, including the degree of severity
Battery of tests including aptitude, achievement, and information processing such as:
- WAIS-R
- Woodcock-Johnson
- TASK
- TOWL-2
- Stanford Binet
- KAIT - Reference to specific academic accommodations requested
Mobility Impairment
- Nature of disability
- Type of mobility devices
- Wheelchair
- Walker
- Cane
- Braces - Academic Environment Issues:
- Distances - Physician’s information
- Name
- Licensure
- Date of most recent contact
- Impact in academic environment
- History and impact of medications on learning
- Type and severity of impairment
Visual Impairment
- Diagnosis describing the amount of vision loss
- Blindness
- Visual acuity in both eyes of less than 20/200
- Visual field of less than 20% despite best correction with glasses
- Low vision
- Visual acuity better than 20/200 but worse than 20/70 with correction
- Documentation must include a diagnosis by a medical doctor or optometrist/ophthalmologist
Emotional/Psychological Impairments
- Diagnosing physician’s credentials
- Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Functional nature of debilitating illness
- Clinical evidence of disability
- Recommended accommodations
Disabled Student Resources and Services at Western Michigan University is under Federal Regulations regarding the confidentiality of any student documentation and disability. Any and all documentation provided to this office is treated as confidential medical records and are not released to anyone outside of the accommodation process within the office, except under the following circumstances:
- The student gives DSRS a signed release (Family Education and Right to Privacy Act – Buckley Amendment) to share the information to the person(s) specifically named on the release
- DSRS is required and/or permitted by the laws and/or court order
- The student is a direct threat to him/herself or others
- The student makes a disability-related grievance or appeal.
DSRS staff will not release or discuss a student’s disability or information given to this office to a parent, spouse, or other party not specified on the Buckley release. DSRS will not disclose a student's specific disability with faculty members, however, the impact a disability has on a class is not considered disclosure and can be discussed.
An initial contact with DSRS is usually a phone call at which time an appointment will be arranged for a confidential discussion of disability. Documentation of the disability by a qualified physician, psychologist, neurologist, or other professional will be requested. This documentation must include: the physician’s or other professional’s summary of tests given, the interpretation of those tests, outline of the history of the disability, and any prescribed remedies, such as hearing devices or medications. The documentation may be submitted at the initial appointment, faxed, attached to an e-mail, or through regular postal delivery. Please be aware that accommodation services cannot begin until the documentation has been accepted and qualifications determined.
In the first appointment with DSRS, the student will discuss with the director or assistant director how his/her disability affects academic and other areas, supports used in the past, and what accommodations might be available at the university. The student learns how to access the services (which may be different than high school or former schools) and the responsibilities that are associated with disability accommodations. The student is encouraged to meet with the director/assistant director for regular appointments or whenever there is a need.
After a student has been qualified for services, the student will complete an accommodations letter request for each instructor. These letters must be requested every semester. The letters inform the instructor that the student has a disability for which academic adjustments are requested. The letters do not inform the instructors of the exact disability – just that there is one. The student is responsible for picking up the letters and hand-delivering them to each instructor. It is recommended that appointments during instructor’s office hours be made for this purpose. Confidentiality is controlled in this one-on-one meeting, but, more importantly, the instructor has an opportunity to discuss with you how the accommodations may impact the classroom.
Following the initial office meeting, the student may meet with DSRS whenever needed. Test accommodations should be discussed with professors first to determine if there is a room near the classroom or in the department offices that a student could use or if the test can be taken at DSRS. The student must contact DSRS if he or she is going to utilize the testing rooms at DSRS by calling to make an appointment for a room. Tests and exams must be taken at the same time as scheduled for the class unless otherwise approved by the instructor. This request must be at least three business days in advance for a testing room and at least five business days in advance if a reader/scribe is needed. Students are given priority registration opportunities to gain access to classes which best fit their disability needs, such as time of day or number of days per week. Staff with DSRS can help with study skills, time management, organization of papers and proper use of citation for APA, MLA, scientific, and other formal writing guidelines.
You are encouraged to speak directly with faculty members regarding any academic adjustments/accommodations you need. Approaching faculty members on your own is an excellent way to increase your self-confidence and ability to discuss your needs. This is good preparation for life beyond college, where there may not be as many support services in place to help you arrange accommodations. Discussing your needs with faculty members helps them better understand your situation and allows them to get to know you personally.
To request academic adjustments/accommodations from your professors, you must request letters of accommodation from the DSRS office. These letters verify that documentation of your disability is on file with our office and that you are eligible for special considerations. Each semester, you must provide information about your courses to the DSRS office, which will provide you with your letters.
Please follow these steps to request academic adjustments and/or accommodations:
- Provide all of the information requested on the Accommodation Request form to the DSRS office. Requests may be faxed to DSRS 269-387-0633, attached to an e-mail to the director, assistant director or office associate or dropped off to the office. Letters may not be available the same day, so plan ahead.
- Once you have your letters, be sure to hand deliver them to your instructors. It is best to make an appointment with your instructors first so that you will have an opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your needs, and discuss these accommodations. Simply handing the letter to an instructor prior to the beginning of class or at the end of class is not appropriate, since there is a greater chance of the letter becoming misplaced or forgotten. Personal appointments will make the best impression on your instructors and ensure your privacy.
- Discuss accommodation requests with your instructors at the beginning of each semester, when you present your accommodation letters. For extended time and/or quiet room accommodations for testing, before each test, remind your instructor of the need for the accommodation, how they would like you to arrange for the time/room, and how the test is to be delivered to the room. If you are to take the test at DSRS, then contact DSRS to discuss the arrangements. You do not need to inform DSRS if you will be taking a test anywhere other than DSRS. If a reader/scribe is requested, you must contact DSRS at least five (5) business days in advance of the test so a reader/scribe can be arranged.
- It is the student’s responsibility to arrange classroom accommodations with his/her instructor. Tests and exams must be taken at the same time as scheduled for the class unless otherwise approved by the instructor. Requests for extended time and/or quiet room may be accommodated in several ways:
- take the test in the department conference room or other quiet area.
- find an empty room near the course classroom.
- make arrangements with DSRS. If this choice is acceptable, the student needs to inform DSRS as to the delivery and return of the test to the instructor. Tests may be faxed (7-0633), e-mailed to jennifer.lawson@wmich.edu or hand delivered to our office at Woodlawn Place, 2210 Wilbur (the former St. Aiden’s Chapel, also where the Children’s Learning Place is located). To take a test at DSRS, you must call at least 3 business days in advance to schedule a testing room. For Final Exam week scheduling a testing room at DSRS must be done at least 10 business days in advance. The instructor must inform DSRS of any materials allowed for the test, otherwise, DSRS will prohibit anything being taken into the testing room.
Discussing Accommodations with Instructors
Discussing the nature of your disability (not the disability itself) with your instructors is imperative to helping them understand your needs. This can seem challenging, especially for beginning students who have not had much experience discussing the impact of their disabilities or accommodations. The ability to clearly request accommodations and explain your needs isa skill that will help you in all aspects of life. The following are some suggestions that can make your discussions with faculty members more successful.
- Plan Ahead - Think about what you will say before you meet with an instructor. You may wish to write out a script and practice ahead of time. Some instructors may not be familiar with your specific academic adjustments or accommodations, so you should be prepared to give them a brief explanation of how your disability affects you academically.
- Make an appointment - Making an appointment with your instructor will ensure that he or she has set aside time to listen to you without distractions. It is inappropriate to approach an instructor just prior to the start or at the end of a class session to ask about an appointment or give him/her your letter, as you will not have the instructor's undivided attention. You will also not have the privacy a discussion of your disability deserves. During the appointment, clarify with the instructor how accommodations will be arranged.
- Be firm yet pleasant - Accommodations are your legal right, yet they can mean extra work for the instructor. Approaching the discussion in a cooperative, rather than demanding, manner is usually the most effective way to secure your accommodations. Remember, because this discussion will go beyond accommodations, you are actually establishing a relationship with a faculty member with whom you will be working for an entire semester. You can keep the mood of the meeting positive by going into it with a friendly attitude. For example, if extended time and a quiet room for exams are two of your accommodations, ask where the instructor would like you to take exam (the professor's office, an extra classroom, at DSRS, etc.). It is your responsibility, not the instructor's, to reserve a room at DSRS for testing.
- Remind instructors about agreed upon accommodations - It is helpful to remind instructors about exam accommodations a few days before the exam to avoid any problems the day of the test. Determine in your initial meeting with the instructor how best to contact her or her. For example, would the instructor like a reminder e-mail note from you, a phone call, or a verbal reminder at the class session just prior to the scheduled test? This is especially important for the classes that only meet one day per week.
Meeting with Instructors: Topics to Cover
Outlined below are the topics covered in a typical student/instructor meeting. Examples are listed in italics.
1. Introductions. Introduce yourself and tell the instructor in which class you are enrolled. This is also a good time for small talk or a comment about class.
"Hi Dr._____. My name is _____. I'm in your Geography 101 class and am really enjoying it so far."
2. Reason for Meeting. Explain that you have a disability and that you need certain accommodations. You can give the instructor your letter at this time. You may need to provide a rationale for the accommodations if the instructor does not have previous experience in this area.
"I wanted to have this meeting to talk to about my disability and to work out accommodations for me. Here is my letter from Disabled Student Resources and Services describing appropriate accommodations for my disability."
(or)
"I'm here to discuss with you the need for having accommodations in your class for my disability. The accommodations won't require much work on your part, but they will make a big difference in my academic success."
(or)
"I have a disability that can be compensated for with a few accommodations."
3. Arrange Accommodations. Describe the appropriate accommodations for your disability. Try to arrange these accommodations with your instructors during the meeting. For example, if extended time and a quiet room are two of your accommodations, please ask your instructors whether they would feel comfortable having you take the test at DSRS or if they have a quiet room you would be able to take the test in. It is your responsibility to contact DSRS to reserve a testing room at the DSRS office. Please be prepared to tell the Office Associate how the professor is going to get the test to DSRS as well as what class the test is for, the time you are planning to take the test, and date the test will be given. You must reserve a room if you choose to take any test at DSRS. No “walk-ins” will be honored.
Follow up with questions such as:
"How shall I inform you what room I am scheduled to take the test in? Shall I call your office or would you prefer an e-mail?"
If you are eligible for copies of visual aids used in class, find out how you will get them. For example:
"Shall I stop by your office each week for the copies of your lecture materials or will you bring them to class? Would it be easier if I gave you my e-mail address so they could be sent to me? Is there a course Web site where I could download them?"
It is important to be direct at this time. Ideally, you should leave the meeting with a clear understanding of how each accommodation will be arranged. Write down the agreed upon arrangements, for future reference, should a mix-up occur.
4. Thank your instructors for their cooperation. Instructors are
required by law to provide you with accommodations, but thanking
them is a courtesy that can help you build a better relationship.
Please Note: You will find that most instructors are willing to cooperate with your requests for accommodations. If you encounter any difficulty in arranging accommodations with instructors, contact DSRS for assistance.
Students with documented disabilities are eligible for early registration times. This accommodation is provided to allow students more flexibility when planning their schedules and to help arrange adequate time between classes, especially if extended time for testing or travel is an appropriate accommodation.
Once you have provided DSRS with documentation of your disability, you are eligible for priority registration. You may take advantage of priority registration throughout your entire career at WMU, except for the first Freshman Semester. All students should meet with an advisor prior to requesting registration from DSRS. This ensures you are taking the appropriate classes for your program of study. It is your responsibility to keep track of registration times and to seek assistance with registration, if necessary. Priority registration means that once registration opens you are among the first to be able to register for courses. DSRS must register you; neither the phone system nor the web-based registration system will allow you to register before your minimum credit hours. Priority registration can only be done through DSRS. For example, if you are a second semester freshman, you couldn’t register yourself until a month after registration begins. But, we can register you on the first day of registration or any time after that. Registration dates and times are posted on the GoWMU portal. You are responsible for finding out when registration begins.
There are several steps to the registration process:
- College Advising Office. If possible, make an appointment or call ahead. Advisors will be able to access the registration system through office computers and can assist you in choosing appropriate courses and alternatives to closed classes.
- Make an appointment with DSRS. Although we do not provide academic advising, we can help you create a schedule which will suit both your academic program and your disability.
- E-mail or fax your requests. You may pick up a registration form from the DSRS office, download the form from www.dsrs.wmich.edu or clearly write out the request to be e-mailed or faxed. The form is also available at the back of this handbook. Be sure to include your name and Western Identification number (WIN) and other contact information, the course department and number, the call number, and the days and times offered. Also check to make sure there are no restrictions on the courses for which you wish to enroll. Make sure you have completed or are currently enrolled in any prerequisites. DSRS cannot over-ride any closed sections, time conflicts or holds placed on your record, so if you have outstanding debts like parking tickets, take care of them before requesting priority registration.
- DSRS will e-mail you, should any problems with your registration occur. The phrase “Problems Registering” will be in the subject line. The problem will be identified and will include what you should do to correct the problem.
- Contact the Director/Assistant Director of DSRS. Both the Director and the Assistant Director of DSRS are available to discuss your complaint and intervene when appropriate
- In the event that the instructor or the DSRS office could not resolve your complaint, you may submit a written appeal to the University’s American with Disabilities Act Compliance Officer. Students may submit their appeal to the ADA Review Committee, which will render a decision.
- Further appeal of the ADA Review Committee’s decision is permitted. However, the committee’s decision upon a second appeal is final.
* You can pay parking tickets online at http://www.parking.wmich.edu/ then click on the left-hand side "Pay Parking Tickets"
* You can check your university account balance online at http://gowmu.wmich.edu
Textbooks in Alternative Format
If your documentation recommends that you receive textbooks in alternate formate, please note that DSRS can check with the publishers for the availability of digital books or scan your textbooks electronically and burn them to a CD. Textbooks on audio tape are generally not used due to the difficulty of acquiring them in a timely fashion.
DSRS is equipped to produce electronic text for our students with print-related disabilities. Electronic text is the most effective, as well as the quickest way to convert your textbooks and course packs. We encourage all students requiring alternative formats to utilize our scanning services. METL is also equipped for students who wish to do their own scanning and alternative format requirements for small volume projects. (http://www.wmich.edu/metl/)
To utilize our scanning services, please contact the Office Associate to see if your textbook has already been scanned. If it has, you must provide DSRS with proof that you have purchased the book. If we do not have the textbook, please purchase your textbooks as early as possible as we have many requests at the beginning of a semester. We must remove the binding of the books in order to use our high-speed duplexing scanner, however all books will be returned to you.
To have a book scanned, completely fill out the scanning request form provided at the DSRS office. Label each one of the books you wish scanned with your name and contact information. We want to be sure to return books and CD’s to the proper owners. Once the books are scanned, DSRS will contact you for pick-up.
Due to copyright laws, DSRS must have proof that you have purchased your textbooks. While DSRS may already have a book you require scanned, you are still expected to purchase the book to be in compliance with copyright laws.
The following are alternative resources for obtaining textbooks in other formats.
Western Michigan University Libraries - WMU Libraries have a wealth of electronic texts available. Please see their web page for links to sites available for students at WMU. The web address is: http://www.wmich.edu/library/cg/363/
NetLibrary - Another resource for electronic text format is available thought www.netlibrary.com Students can register free of charge and utilize ebooks online similar to checking out a book from the library. This service is provided through WMU's affiliation with the Library of Michigan (www.michigan.gov/hal). There are also library of michigan services for the visually impaired and disabled: Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Amazon.com - Ebooks are also available through various online book sellers with the major one being Amazon. You can download a wealth of text from Amazon.com. Some books are free for download while others have a minimal charge. Most well known novels cost a few dollars. Some of the more technical books can cost as much as $35.00. (www.Amazon.com)
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress - A free national library program of braille and recorded materials for blind and physically handicapped persons is administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Under a special provision of the U.S. copyright law and with the permission of authors and publishers of works not covered by the provision, NLS selects and produces full-length books and magazines in braille and recorded formats. Reading materials are distributed to a cooperating network of regional and subregional (local) libraries where they are circulated to eligible borrowers. Reading materials and playback machines are sent to borrowers and returned to libraries by postage-free mail. Braille books, magazines, and music materials are also made available on the Internet through Web-Braille. Established by an act of Congress in 1931 to serve blind adults, the program was expanded in 1952 to include children, in 1962 to provide music materials, and again in 1966 to include individuals with other physical impairments that prevent the reading of standard print. (http://www.loc.gov/nls/find.html)
In the event that you are not satisfied with the disability-related academic adjustment provided in a specific course or have problems with a specific instructor, the following steps should be taken:
For non-academic disability related issues (situations arising in a residence hall, facilities issues, grounds/maintenance), the student should contact the appropriate resource person.
Residence Halls - Each hall has a director and residence advisor (RA) for each floor and a Residence Life handbook. These would be the first contact concerning disability issues in the halls. DSRS should also be contacted, especially if an issue cannot be corrected through the residence hall.
Facilities- all buildings at WMU have coordinators and may be contacted about disability-related concerns, although DSRS is better equipped to discuss facility issues with physical plant personnel. Obstructions, broken elevators, inaccessible classrooms, and so on should be identified to DSRS, who can then alert the appropriate division.
Grounds - students with disabilities who have issues about obstructions on sidewalks, snow/ice build-up or piles, railings, barriers, etc. should contact DSRS. DSRS will then contact the appropriate division for fixing the problems. Be aware that in the case of snow removal, ground crews clear the sidewalks as rapidly as possible, which may not be at your convenience or time-fram. In light of that, however, conditions such as ice build-up on ramps or in doorways and snow piles preventing full access to sidewalks for wheelchairs are concerns that should be addressed.
If the disability related issue in any of the non-academic areas is not resolved, the student should then follow steps 1 and 2 under the academic adjustments section above.
The University’s formal policy outlining request/appeal procedures is available from the DSRS Director.
Please note that this grievance procedure refers only to disputes with academic adjustments relating to disabilities. Complaints not relating to a disability should follow the steps outlined in the University’s Academic Appeals Procedure.
For grievances concerning the harassment and discrimination, contact the Office of Institutional Equity at (269) 38726316.
•Office of Disabled Student Resources and Services: 387-2116. Please direct questions to the DSRS Director or Assistant Director. The receptionist will arrange appointments.
•Academic Skills Center: 387-4442
Provides FREE services designed to strengthen learning skills and enhance achievement. Services include Supplemental Instruction, the Writing Center, tutoring in various subjects, and a computer lab with learning-assistance software.
•Book Store: 387-3929
•Career and Student Employment Services: 387-2745
Provides information about potential careers, interviewing, and disclosure issues.
•Center for Academic Support Program: 387-4411
The Center for Academic Support Programs enhances teaching and promotes student learning through collaborative, effective research-based programs.
•University Counseling and Testing Center: 387-1850
Provides personal, educational, and career counseling for all WMU students.
•Financial Aid & Scholarships: 387-6000
Provides assistance in addressing financial concerns.
•Mathematics Tutoring Lab: 387-4519
Tutoring available for modular math and some other courses on a
walk-in basis or may be made by appointment.
•Multi-purpose Enabling Technology Lab (METL): 387-6385
Houses the adaptive computer lab specializing in assistive technology for students with visual, hearing, reading, and writing difficulties.
•Parking Services: 387-4609
Provides information regarding parking regulations, permits, and violations.
•Sindecuse Health Center: 387-3290
Provides on-campus, low-cost health care.
•University Computing Services Help Desk: 387-5161
Provides assistance with computer related questions.
•Waldo Library: 387-5059
•Writing Center: 387-4615
Provides assistance with writing papers, including structure, format, appropriate citation references, and other related topic.
Academic Standard - The usual indicators of academic ability, such as grade point average, high school rank, and standardized test scores.
Accessible Classrooms and University Functions - The ability to attend classroom or University functions with regard to seating, restrooms, stairs, lighting, walkways, etc.
Accessible Housing - the ability to live in campus housing with regard to restroom, furniture, walkways, elevator or first floor room, etc.
Accommodations Request - An actual description of the change(s) needed in order to function in the academic setting.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - ADA (Pub. L. No. 101-336) is a law that protects persons with disabilities.
Assistive Listening Device - A technical tool to assists students who are hard of
hearing with or without a hearing aid. ADL's bring the speaker's voice
directly to the ear and helps overcome the problems of distance from the
speaker and surrounding background noise.
Alternate Format - changing the print material into a different style, which allows
the student access to that information. Example: textbook to Braille or
enlarged print.
Alternate Test Format - Changing the presentation of a test to allow the disabled student to convey his or her knowledge. Example: printed to Braille or oral tests.
Books on Tape - audio versions of textbooks and other printed material for the visually impaired. Most books-on-tape are obtained through the Readings for the Blind and Dyslexic.
Closed Captioning - Word-for-word text of a movie or video dialogue that requires a decoder in order for the text to be viewed on a screen.
Degree of Hearing Loss - the extent that hearing is impaired to categorize from mild to profound.
Distraction-reduced Environment - a testing environment in which distractions are minimized
Documentation - Information obtained from a qualified professional, which must contain specific information concerning the diagnosis of the disability.
Parking Permit - accessible parking for mobility impaired students. This includes any disability, either chronic or temporary, which impedes the ability to walk.
Reader - someone who reads tests or other written information to a disabled student.
Reasonable Accommodation - a request for assistance in the academic environment within an appropriate timeframe.
Scribe - a person who writes responses to test items for a disabled student.
TTY - a telecommunications device (specifically telephone and computer) for the deaf.
Suggestions for Helping All Students Succeed
A hand out for instructors who request information about assisting students.
1. Provide students with a detailed course syllabus. Make it available before registration week if possible.
2. Begin each lecture with an outline of material to be covered that period. At the conclusion of class, briefly summarize key points.
3. Present new or technical vocabulary on the blackboard or use a student handout. Terms should be used in context to convey further meaning.
4. Give assignments both orally and in written form to avoid confusion.
5. Announce any reading assignments well in advance for students who are using taped materials. It takes an average of six weeks to get a book tape-recorded.10. Provide adequate opportunities for questions and answers, including review sessions.
6. Allow students to tape lectures .Emphasize the importance of listening to the lecture and taking notes while taping.
7. Provide study questions for exams that demonstrate the format as well as the content of the test. Explain what constitutes a good answer and why.
8. If necessary, allow students to demonstrate mastery of course material using alternative methods (e.g., extended time for testing, taped exams, readers and scribes, individually proctored exams in a separate, quiet room.
9. Permit the use of simple calculators, scratch paper, and spellers' dictionaries during exams.
10. Provide adequate opportunities for questions and answers, including review sessions.
11. If possible, select a textbook with an accompanying study guide for optional student use.
12. Encourage students to use campus support services (e.g., priority registration, assistance in ordering textbooks in alternative format, alternative testing arrangements, specialized study aids, College Success Seminars at the Academic Skills Center, the Writing Center, and academic tutorial assistance).
Note: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap against persons in programs or activities receiving or benefiting from federal assistance. Thus, in an educational setting such as WMU, Section 504 mandates "reasonable accommodation" for students.
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST FORM Click here
PRIORITY REGISTRATION FORM Click here
RELEASE OF INFORMATION Click here
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