The process of reviewing documentation for accommodations requires comprehensive diagnostic information. High school IEP's are helpful but generally do not provide sufficient information for accommodations. Accommodations provided may differ from those provided in high school or elementary school. They are renewed semester by semester based on student need. Accommodations may include but are not limited to: readers, note takers, access to adaptive computer technology, extension of time limitations prescribed by minimum academic progress requirements and testing accommodations.
Federal law and the policies of Washtenaw Community College (WCC) do not require the provision of personal-care attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or other devices or services of a personal nature.
Students with disabilities should expect to adhere to all institutional policies and to be graded according to the same standards as other students at WCC. Accommodations and support services are not intended to remediate but are to provide students equal access by minimizing the impact of the disability. Accommodations cannot eliminate a student's responsibilities in areas such as conduct, class attendance nor can they alter the technical standards, fundamental requirements or basic expectations of the class or course of study.
Student Responsibilities
- Contact Learning Support Services at the beginning of each semester so that appropriate
accommodations can be made in a timely manner. This includes providing the information
required on the intake form which indicates the student's need. While accommodations
may be done anytime during the semester, not contacting DS early in the semester may
delay or compromise the availability of accommodations.
- Provide timely, appropriate documentation (written medical or psychological reports)
indicating the disability and establishing the necessity for accommodations. Documentation
is required prior to implementation of any accommodations. Please see other descriptions for appropriate documentation for specific conditions.
Sample forms are available.|
- Provide instructors with letters listing approved accommodations from DS and make
arrangements with instructors for getting tests (including special instructions) to
DS in a timely manner.
- Any questions or concerns related to the accommodation(s) should be discussed with a Program Specialist. Most concerns are resolved when we know there is a potential issue.
DS Responsibilities
- Determine eligibility for services and arrange accommodations after review of appropriate
documentation and consultation with the student. The evaluation of accommodation requests
includes a review of the basic goals and standards of the program or course to be
taken.
- Consult with faculty/instructors as necessary regarding course requirements or faculty
concerns related to the accommodations.
- Complete and Accommodation Letter for the student to give to each instructor outlining the approved accommodations.