Requesting Accommodations

General Process: What to Expect

Requesting accommodations can seem daunting, but following a clear process can make it more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Gather Documentation

  • Obtain medical documentation: Collect current documentation from your healthcare provider that outlines your disability and the functional limitations it imposes. This might include medical records, psychological evaluations or educational assessments.
  • Prepare educational records: If applicable, gather any previous educational records, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, that detail past accommodations and supports.

Contact the Disability Office

  • Find contact information: Locate the contact information for your college’s disability services office. This can usually be found on the college’s website.
  • Schedule an appointment: Reach out to the office to schedule an appointment. This initial meeting is crucial for discussing your needs and starting the accommodation process.

Prepare for the Meeting

  • List your needs: Make a list of the specific challenges you face in the classroom and the accommodations you believe will help. Be as detailed as possible.
  • Bring documentation: Bring all relevant documentation to your meeting. This will help the disability services staff understand your needs and determine appropriate accommodations.

Attend the Meeting

  • Discuss your needs: During the meeting, clearly explain your challenges and the accommodations you are requesting. Be open to discussing different options and solutions.
  • Interactive process: Engage in an interactive process with the disability services staff. This collaborative approach ensures that your needs are thoroughly understood and that the accommodations provided are tailored to your individual situation.

Receive Accommodation Plan

  • Review the plan: After your meeting, the disability services office will provide you with an accommodation plan. Review this plan carefully to ensure it includes all the accommodations you discussed.
  • Ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the plan, don’t hesitate to ask the disability services staff for clarification.

Communicate with Faculty

  • Share your plan: Provide your professors with a copy of your accommodation plan. This can usually be done via email or in person.
  • Discuss implementation: Arrange a time to discuss how the accommodations will be implemented in each of your classes. This ensures that both you and your professors are on the same page.

Monitor and Adjust

  • Track effectiveness: Monitor how well the accommodations are working. Are they helping you overcome the challenges you identified?
  • Communicate issues: If you encounter any issues or if the accommodations are not meeting your needs, communicate this to the disability services office and your professors.
  • Request adjustments: Don’t hesitate to request adjustments or additional accommodations if necessary. The goal is to ensure you have the support you need to succeed.

Follow Up

  • Regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with the disability services office to review your accommodations and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about any changes in policies or procedures related to accommodations.

By following these steps, you can effectively request and implement the accommodations you need to thrive in your college courses. Remember, the disability services office is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance at any stage of the process.

West Virginia University Process: What to Expect

Requesting accommodations at West Virginia University (WVU) involves a clear process to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need. Here’s how you can request accommodations:

Gather Documentation

  • Obtain medical documentation: Collect current documentation from your healthcare provider that outlines your disability and the functional limitations it imposes. This might include medical records, psychological evaluations or educational assessments.
  • Prepare educational records: If applicable, gather any previous educational records, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, that detail past accommodations and supports.

Submit an Application

Schedule an Intake Appointment

Attend the Intake Appointment

  • Discuss your needs: During the appointment, clearly explain your challenges and the accommodations you are requesting. Be open to discussing different options and solutions.
  • Interactive process: Engage in an interactive process with the accessibility specialist. This collaborative approach ensures that your needs are thoroughly understood and that the accommodations provided are tailored to your individual situation

Receive Accommodation Plan

  • Review the plan: After your meeting, the Office of Accessibility Services will provide you with an accommodation plan. Review this plan carefully to ensure it includes all the accommodations you discussed.
  • Ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the plan, don’t hesitate to ask the accessibility specialist for clarification.

Communicate with Faculty

  • Share your plan: Provide your professors with a copy of your accommodation plan. This can usually be done via email or in person.
  • Discuss implementation: Arrange a time to discuss how the accommodations will be implemented in each of your classes. This ensures that both you and your professors are on the same page.

Monitor and Adjust

  • Track effectiveness: Monitor how well the accommodations are working. Are they helping you overcome the challenges you identified?
  • Communicate issues: If you encounter any issues or if the accommodations are not meting your needs, communicate this to the Office of Accessibility Services and your professors.
  • Request adjustments: Don’t hesitate to request adjustments or additional accommodations if necessary. The goal is to ensure you have the support you need to succeed.

Follow Up

  • Regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with the Office of Accessibility Services to review your accommodations and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about any changes in policies or procedures related to accommodations.

By following these steps, you can effectively request and implement the accommodations you need to thrive in your courses at WVU. Remember, the Office of Accessibility Services is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance at any stage of the process.

Sample Request Letters and Emails

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Disability Services Office]
[College/University Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Disability Services Office]

I am writing to formally request accommodations for my [specific disability] for the upcoming [semester/academic year]. I am currently enrolled in [course names or program] and believe that certain accommodations will greatly assist me in achieving my academic goals.

I have been diagnosed with [specific disability] by [healthcare provider’s name], and I have attached the relevant documentation to support my request. Based on my condition, I am requesting the following accommodations:

  1. [Accommodation 1] (e.g., extended time on exams)
  2. [Accommodation 2] (e.g., note-taking assistance)
  3. [Accommodation 3] (e.g., use of assistive technology)

These accommodations are essential for me to fully participate in my courses and demonstrate my abilities. I am committed to working collaboratively with my professors and the disability services office to ensure these accommodations are implemented effectively.

Please let me know if you require any additional information or documentation. I am available to meet at your earliest convenience to discuss my request further.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your support in helping me achieve my academic potential.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Student ID Number]

Tips for Effective Communication with Faculty and Disability Services

Effective communication with faculty and disability services is key to ensuring that your accommodations are implemented smoothly and effectively. When communicating with faculty, it’s important to be proactive by reaching out early in the semester to discuss your accommodation needs, giving them ample time to make necessary adjustments. Scheduling a face-to-face meeting or virtual appointment allows for a more personal and detailed conversation. Be clear and specific about your needs, providing examples of how the accommodations can be implemented in their class. Bringing a copy of your accommodation plan from the disability services office can guide the conversation. Be open to dialogue and prepared to discuss and possibly negotiate how accommodations will be implemented, maintaining flexibility and collaboration. Following up with a summary email after your meeting ensures both you and your professor are on the same page. Always approach the conversation with a positive and respectful attitude to build a constructive relationship with your professors.

When communicating with disability services, preparation is key. Gather all necessary documentation and make a list of the accommodations you believe you need before your meeting. Clearly articulate your challenges and how specific accommodations can help, providing as much detail as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the accommodation process, available resources, and any concerns you might have. Engage actively in the interactive process to ensure your needs are thoroughly understood and addressed. Stay informed about any changes in policies or procedures related to accommodations to remain proactive in managing your needs. If you don’t understand something, seek clarification to fully grasp your rights and the accommodations process. Regularly check in with disability services to review your accommodations and make any necessary adjustments, ensuring your needs continue to be met throughout your academic journey. By following these tips, you can effectively communicate your needs and ensure that your accommodations are implemented in a way that supports your academic success.