Disability and Learning Services
Baxter Hall
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6471 voice
503-375-5383 tty
Procedures
Last Updated: Summer 2008
Please Note: This resource serves as a Student Handbook specific to disabilities. Students also need to be familiar with the handbooks for their particular college. Special considerations for graduate programs are indicated by (*). Meeting disability needs at Willamette University is a collaborative/shared responsibility whose philosophy is to assist students in satisfying requirements through accommodations and substitutions; not waivers. (See substitutions.)
Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, nothing contained herein constitutes nor is intended to constitute an offer, inducement, promise, or contract of any kind. The data contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not represented to be error free.
Voter Registration Forms are available in the office. Assistance provided on request.
Accessing Services (Student Responsibility)
- register with the DS office to request services (intake)
- provide appropriate disability documentation
- request reasonable accommodations in a timely manner
- discuss in-class accommodations with the professors *
- notify the DS office of any barriers to equal opportunity
* Often students in the graduate programs request total confidentiality. In that event, the liaison of the particular program and the disability service office will orchestrate the accommodations.
Schedule of Academic Accommodations
In general, an accommodation is a change in the learning environment to provide equal opportunity for academic or physical accessibility. The nature of the accommodation is considered individually, utilizing recommendations in the documentation. Accommodations are to be reasonable, not impose an undue hardship on the operation of the program, not fundamentally alter the nature of the academic standards and be justified by the documentation. Accommodations cannot pose a threat to personal or public safety. Also, accommodations such as notetakers are not in lieu of classroom attendance and participation. Accommodations at Willamette University may include but are not limited to:
- alternative testing
- assistive technology
- audio-tape lectures
- books on tape
- course load modification
- interpreters
- notetakers
- physical access
- scribe
- tutors
At the beginning of each semester, the student is to visit the disability office to obtain the letter of accommodation for their professors. Students are advised to make an appointment to meet with the professor to discuss the accommodations.* Students are not required to disclose the specific disability but are encouraged to discuss ways in which professors can assist them. For accommodations such as books on tape, interpreters, or any situation that involves extra time to implement, students are to contact the disability office as soon as they have been admitted or for returning students, once they have selected their classes for the next semester. Throughout the semester, the student, professor and Disability Services office will determine the best way to put in place an accommodation specific to that individual and class. Retroactive accommodations are not made. Requests for special testing such as electronic versions or other alternatives need to be made two weeks in advance.
* Often students in the graduate programs request total confidentiality. In that event, the liaison of the particular program and the disability service office will orchestrate the accommodations.
Admission/Readmission
Admission is based on students ability to meet the academic standards requisite to each Willamette University program; applicants are evaluated without regard to disability. Federal law prohibits preadmission inquiry. Any documentation or personal letters that dwell on a student's disability are removed from the application package and forwarded to the Disability Services office to be held. This provides a nondiscriminatory opportunity for the student to be evaluated.
All students are subject to the readmission policy of each college as designated in their catalogs.
Architectural Barriers
Founded in 1842, there are inaccessible buildings on campus. When facilities are newly built or undergo major renovations, designs are such that allows for accessibility. If there is a specific barrier, contact the Disability Services office. DSO and Facilities Management will consider the feasibility of requests for change or will develop an accommodation to meet the need. When it is a classroom, the particular class will be relocated.
Assistive Technology
To help foster independence, students are encouraged to work with Vocational Rehabilitation to acquire technology specific to their need. In the lieu of that, Willamette University will work with the student to assure that the students needs are being met with reasonable accommodations.
Confidentiality
Documentation and the nature of the disability is confidential information. At no time would the documentation be shared without written consent of the student. Students are requested to sign an acknowledgment that exchange of some information may need to take place between disability services and certain staff and/or faculty in order to comply with the student needs; however, neither the specific diagnosis of the disability nor the specific nature of other confidential concerns is released. Students also have the prerogative of whether they grant permission for the Disability Service office to communicate with parents.
Disability
A physical or psychological condition which substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded by the covered entity as having an impairment.
There is no specific list of disabilities as the determination is dependent on the functional limitation in the academic setting but may include such conditions as hearing impairment, visual impairment, psychological disorders, systemic disorders, mobility impairment, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.
Documentation Guidelines
Willamette University is committed to providing equal opportunity and meaningful access for qualified students with a disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. A qualified student is a person who is capable of meeting the academic standards at Willamette University with or without reasonable accommodations. Eligibility is dependent upon the nature of the disability and its impact on learning. The following legal terms are the foundations of determining eligibility:
Major life activity
Includes but is not limited to the functions of caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
Substantially limits
Unable to perform a major life activity or significantly restricted as to the condition, manner, or duration under which a major life activity can be performed when compared with the average person.
Documentation legitimizes a student's request for accommodation and, in general, includes the following:
- identification of the nature and extent of the disability
- a history of the condition and accommodations received
- qualitative information supporting the diagnosis
- specific information on the functional limitation as relevant to the academic environment
- names of any assessment instruments used
- description of the current course of treatment including medication side effects
- prognosis for the disability
- recommended reasonable accommodations
- recency of the documentation depends on the nature of the disability and is considered on a case by case assessment of the impact of the disability on academic performance
The diagnostician must be impartial, not a family member of the student, and be a practitioner in the specific area of the diagnosis. It is the student's responsibility to provide documentation to the Disability Services office; preferably, as soon as the student is admitted. It is the University's prerogative to determine if the documentation meets its standards and whether eligibility criteria is met. Costs associated with diagnosis, evaluation, and testing are the responsibility of the student. Referral sources are available.
Willamette University provides support for individuals with a diagnosed disability that creates a limitation in the academic setting (e.g., learning, visual, hearing, psychiatric, chronic illness, etc.). Appropriate documentation needs to be on file with this office to receive reasonable accommodations and services.
Emergency Egress
An Emergency Evacuation Procedure for individuals with mobility impairment is in the Selected Policies Manual - Fire Alarm Response.
Ethics/Standards
The Director of the Office of Disability is a member of AHEAD (Association of Higher Education and Disabilities) and adheres to the professional ethics and standards of that national organization as well as participating in continuing educational opportunities provided. Membership and involvement in ORAHEAD (Oregon Association of Higher Education and Disabilities) is also maintained.
Field Placement Positions
Students considering a practicum off campus need to discuss accommodation needs in a timely manner with the disability office and practicum supervisor. The student should request a position description that clearly identifies the essential functions of the field placement position. Accommodations become a collaborative process utilizing multiple resources.
Foreign Language
See Substitutions
Grievance Procedure
Please see the Selected Policies Manual, sections 4, 5 and 6.
Housing Requests
Any student who requests housing accommodations due to a disability will be approved through the disability service office. The Office of Residence Life consults with the disability office how best the needs may be met if there is a specific concern. (For complete details go to http://www.willamette.edu/dept/disability/housing/index.html, or call either Residential or Disability Services and request Protocols-Disability Services 3.1 Residential Services - Special Housing Requests).
Currently, mobility accessible rooms are available on the first floor of Belknap Hall, Shepard House, Terra House, Lausanne Hall, Kaneko Commons and the University Apartments. Lounges and bathrooms on those floors are also accessible. Laundry facilities are not accessible in all of these residences but a general campus laundry facility is available in Montag Center.
Intake
Willamette University procedures stipulate that in the post-secondary setting a student does not qualify for services until they have registered with the disability office, provided the appropriate documentation, and been certified for eligibility. It is the student's choice as to whether they register with the Disability Services office. No retroactive accommodations will be approved.
Interim Services
Interim accommodations may be provided for a period of one semester only. This allows time for the student to provide appropriate documentation (Letter to U of Chicago No. 05-02-2126 OCR, Chicago, IL 2003).
International Education
Willamette University participates in international education through both sponsored and endorsed programs. All students are encouraged to consider participating in off campus studies and internships. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to plan early for this opportunity as host sites are not necessarily experienced in providing accommodations. It would be prudent to include the Disability Services office in the process to assist in reviewing the primary activities of the program and the overall living conditions to determine compatibility with needs. A positive experience comes from having a match that is comparable to need. For more information, visit the International Education website.
Laptop
The campus is becoming progressively amenable to wireless web access and faculty utilizing computer programming in the classroom is increasing. Any concerns over laptop use should be discussed with the professor and the Disability Services office at the beginning of the semester.*
* Exceptions: The Graduate Colleges have specific guidelines for computer use; please meet with the Disability Liaison.
Library Assistance
Library staff are available to assist all library patrons in locating resources and materials and with the use of library equipment. They are not available to provide extended periods of their time to one individual. If the assistance required takes more than the usual request time, make an appointment with the library staff for more personal attention at a time that is convenient for both of you and contact the Disability Services office.
Medications
Bishop Wellness Center does not prescribe medications for serious chronic conditions. Students may be referred by Health Services to outside physicians for monitoring their current medication or any necessary changes. However, students are encouraged to consult with their primary physician and develop a plan before coming to Willamette University, as to how medication will be continued. If you have any questions about this, please consult the Wellness Center, well in advance.
Notetaking Services
Notetakers are peers taking the class simultaneously. It is the student's responsibility to get a notetaker by either working with the professor or asking a student. In the event the student desires anonymity or has difficulty getting someone, the Disability Services office will assist upon request. Notetakers receive a semester stipend (prorated for temporary medical conditions).
Notetakers are not intended to replace regular class attendance and participation. Notes will be delivered either to the Disability Services office or to the student, depending on the requested delivery method. Notes shall be delivered no later than the end of each week; preferably, at the end of each class.
Notetaker Request forms are to be completed in the Disability Services office. Pressure-sensitive paper is available in the disability office or copies may be made in department offices or the Disability Services office. If delivery is interrupted, it is the student's responsibility to notify the disability office at once.
Parking Permits/Campus Safety
Students holding a DMV-issued permit, may present that to the Office of Public Safety with a request to purchase an all-campus permit that will allow parking in designated disability spaces on campus. You will be ticketed if you do not have the appropriate Willamette University tag.
Personal Attendant
Section 504 of Part II, Title 34 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 104.44[2](d) states specifically, "Recipients (post secondary education programs that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance) need not provide attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature." Willamette University's position is that personal needs necessitating an attendant are the responsibility of the student.
Preliminary Eligibility Verification
Once the documentation is reviewed and the student has completed the intake form, a Preliminary Eligibility Verification form will be completed noting the student's disability, recommended accommodations and any special needs the student may have.
If a student feels that an accommodation decision by the Director of Disability & Learning Services will not adequately address the student's disability or he/she believes that accommodation decisions are not being adequately implemented and/or enforced, he/she should first attempt to resolve the concern cooperatively with the Director of Disability & Learning Services within 10 business days of receiving the written decision as stated on the Preliminary Eligibility Verification form. If the student and director cannot resolve the student's concerns, then the student may (within 10 business days of the final decision of the director) contact the Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President, located in the office of the President, who shall receive the appeal as the Disability Appeals Officer for Willamette University
Priority Registration
Priority registration is considered on an individual basis as justified by the documentation. Please contact the Disability Services Office for further discussion.
Schedule of Academic Accommodations
The Schedule of Academic Accommodations becomes the final eligibility verification that the student takes to the professor(s) at the beginning of each semester. It is the student's responsibility to request this schedule within the first two weeks of classes and deliver it to his/her professor. Students have the opportunity to review the accommodations with the Director of Disability & Learning Services at the beginning of each semester per the Willamette University Student Disability Accommodation Procedures (Selected Policies Manual p.4 online).
Service Animals
The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items". Federal Regulations 28 C.F.R. & 36.104. Documentation justifying the use of a service animal is to be processed through the Disability Services office. Please obtain the Assistance Animal procedure from the Disability Services office for further guidelines.
Sign Language Interpreters
Interpreters are hired from the community on an hourly basis. It is crucial that the Disability Services office be notified immediately when it is known you will need these services. Students are to notify the Disability Services office and interpreter as soon as possible if they are going to be absent.
Special programming such as theater, graduation, and public speakers may have an interpreter at one presentation or they may be available upon request only. Announcements will specify the manner in which interpreters will be available.
Standards of Conduct
Individuals with disabilities are subject to the university student code of conduct as listed in the Student Handbook.
Substitutions
All students at Willamette University College of Liberal Arts have a foreign language and mathematics requirement. Faculty have deliberated and determined that the course of study outlined is requisite to a Bachelor of Arts degree at this University and any major changes would fundamentally alter the nature of the degree. These requirements are important to a well-rounded education and foreign language requirements promote diversity on campus. (Guckenberger vs. Trustees of Boston University).
A list of course selections for each of these requirements is available in the CLA Catalog. Substitution requests other than these two curricular areas may be considered on an individual basis. To petition for a substitution, the student must have a good academic record with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The student must have made a good-faith attempt at meeting the requirements by attending class regularly, utilizing appropriate accommodations and support systems such as supplemental sessions or tutoring before requesting a substitution. Contact the Disability Services office for assistance in this process.
Temporary Medical
Temporary medical forms are generally issued by Bishop Wellness Center unless treatment is by an off campus provider.
Testing
As a shared responsibility, the majority of the CLA faculty provide the testing arrangements as needed by the student per the letter of accommodation. The student, professor and disability office will determine what is most feasible for the student and proceed accordingly.*
* Graduate programs are administered by the Disability Liaisons.
Tutors
Peer tutors are available to students with disabilities (not a legally mandated accommodation but as a courtesy of the University). Currently, tutors are coordinated through the Dean's office.
* Exception: Students in graduate programs should contact their respective liaisons.
Waivers
See Substitutions.