Understanding Disability Services
Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II}, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Post-secondary institutions must provide equal access to programs and services. This is done by providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities.
Accommodations due to disability
Various accommodations are provided to students as determined on an Individual basis by LSS. Ensure you have received a letter from LSS, via Accommodate, for any accommodation requests. Please ensure that your updated contact information is available and return calls from LSS within 24 hours. Delay may be considered denial so your timely response is crucial in administering accommodations.
Recommended Syllabus Statement
"If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss disability accommodations and other learning needs, please contact me as soon as possible and contact LSS in LA 115 (734-973-3342)."
When contacted by the student, refer the student to LSS to review documentation and approve accommodations.
Testing Accommodations in LSS
Any changes to test dates will need instructor approval if the request is after the test deadline.
Tests will be uploaded via Accommodate. See Support for Students with Disabilities for forms and directions.
Accessibility
The ADA (Section 508) requires that electronic content be accessible, including emerging technology. Accessibility should be considered in the development of or reference to materials for students.
Information should be effectively and equally available to all students, including students with disabilities.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the concept that barriers in curriculum, instruction and assessment should be eliminated at the onset to maximize the number of students who will benefit. Designing curriculum and instruction for diverse students with UDL to enhance the classroom environment requires less retrofitting and adaptations by instructors.
After reviewing the course description and syllabus, things to consider regarding attendance leniency or deadline extensions:
- Is classroom interaction between student and instructor an integral part of the class?
- Is interaction among students, such as group work or partner work, an integral part of class? Would the student’s absence constitute a significant loss to the educational experience of other students in class?
- Does the fundamental nature of the course rely on student participation as an essential method for learning? If so, are there other ways students can participate outside of class?
- Will student lose participation points if absent and will this be detrimental to final grade?
- Are there time sensitive parts of the class that can only be done during that class period?
- If absent, is there a procedure for students to follow to make up work missed?
Questions or concerns regarding disability services or accommodations should be directed to:
Learning Support Services – LA115 734-973-3342
Hours: Mon 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wed-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WCC Resources for Mental Health Concerns
Student mental health is not just a disability issue but a campus-wide public health issue. Mental Health includes wellness.
- Potential harm to others - contact Security
- Potential harm to self- contact Counseling at 734-677-5102, 2nd Floor Student Center
Building
Counseling will meet with student, do an assessment, follow the College's process for response and follow-up with the student.
Adjustment issues - Counseling staff will meet with student on a short-term basis Community referrals are done as needed
WCC Counseling will collaborate with other departments to provide support services, including Division Counselors.
References
- American Council on Education: Accommodating Student Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Tips for Campus Faculty and Staff
- Fast Facts for Faculty: Ohio State University
- University of Washington (UW): "Do-It"
Emergencies should be directed to Campus Safety and Security 734-973-3411 (from campus phone - dial 3411).