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President's Office for Social Justice
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive disability related accommodations?
How do I obtain disability-related accommodations?
How is eligibility determined?
Where is the Office of Disability Services Located?
Does the Admission process to West Virginia University consider a student's disability?
Are there health services available for students on campus?
What do I have to do if I have a temporary disability?
What disabilities are recognized?
Why do I have to provide ODS with documentation?
Why do I have to pay for documentation?
What types of assistive technology are available at WVU?
How do I file a complaint?
How can I obtain a permit for temporary handicap parking?
How can I register accessible transportation?
How do teachers know about my accommodations?
Why do I have to sign a release of information?
How do I arrange for accommodations for myself or a family member/guest for commencement or convocation?

Who is eligible to receive disability related accommodations?

All students who have been accepted by West Virginia University, are registered for classes and have documentation that meets the University's documentation criteria approved through the WVU Office of Disability Services are eligible under appropriate circumstances to receive disability related accommodations within their educational program and classes. More on Accommodations >

How do I obtain disability-related accommodations?

You must register in person with the WVU Office of Disability Services and present your documentation for determination of eligibility. During this process you will meet with a disability counselor who will discuss pertinent University policies, the documentation/accommodation process and available services. Once your documentation is approved, reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be decided for your classes. As the student, you will be involved with your disability counselor in the determination process of determining reasonable accommodations within your classes. More on Accommodations >

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How is eligibility determined?

To qualify as a person with a disability within WVU policies, in addition to being appropriately diagnosed with a particular condition, you must provide documentation that clearly substantiates, through diagnostic test data, significant, below average limitations to your functioning. If the areas of functioning you consider weaknesses are within the average range of functioning compared to others your age, you may not be considered disabled and not eligible to receive disability-related accommodations.

Where is the Office of Disability Services Located?

The Office of Disability Services is located on the main WVU campus in the student union building called the Mountainlair. The office is located on the lower level of the building in room G30. If more specific directions are needed please contact the Office of Disability Services.

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Does the Admission process to West Virginia University consider a student's disability?

  • Admission to West Virginia University is based upon an applicant's meeting published admission criteria of the University without regard to any disability.
  • Students are notified of acceptance to WVU by a letter from the Office of Admissions and Records.
  • Students seeking admission to the various programs and majors must meet the admissions requirements for the particular program and/or major with no preferences provided on the basis of disability.
  • Requirements for entry into, participation in and completion of various majors and programs are available in the University catalog.
  • Program requirements will not be waived. However, reasonable accommodations are considered as appropriate means for a student to be able to satisfy published requirements.
  • Please contact the WVU Office of Admissions and Records online at: http://www.arc.wvu.edu or call (1-800-344-9881, or 304-293-2124) to obtain admission applications or additional admissions information. Click here to apply: http://admissions.wvu.edu/undergraduate/application
    http://admissions.wvu.edu/graduate/

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Are there health services available for students on campus?

Any WVU student seeking health related service is eligible to visit the Student Health Center located adjacent to the University Health Center. Students are examined at the Student Health Center for a co-payment of $10.00. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 293-2311 or stopping by the office. WVU is also fortunate enough to be located to nearby Ruby Memorial and Mon General hospitals as well as a number of health clinics where services can also be obtained.

What do I have to do if I have a temporary disability?

For a student requesting services for a temporary disability the initial procedure is similar to that of all other disabilities. The student must first schedule an appointment with a disability counselor who will inform them at that time of the necessary documentation for their specific disability, and explain the accommodation process.

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What disabilities are recognized?

The Office of Disability Services recognizes all types of disabilities, although some are more commonly seen than others. To meet the adult criteria of a disability pursuant to federal law, the student must have "a significant impairment that substantially limits their functioning". A significant impairment is defined as "below average functioning."

Why do I have to provide ODS with documentation?

It is the student's responsibility to provide the staff of the Office of Disability Services with the appropriate documentation of their disability, which usually comes from a physician, psychologist, or other licensed professional. Documentation is needed to fully address the current diagnosis and specific functional limitations, as well as to assess testing data that substantiates a "significant impairment" in academic functioning.
More on Documentation Requirements >

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Why do I have to pay for documentation?

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the appropriate documentation of their disability. The Office of Disability Services staff does make suggestions for local testing for learning disability evaluations. Every student has the right to obtain their documentation wherever they choose. If you are eligible for services through your state vocational rehabilitation agency, you may qualify for an evaluation at no cost to you. You may locate your state vocational rehabilitation agency through the Department of Education Web Page: http://www.ed.gov/orrices/OSERS/RSA/Resources/State/.

For more information concerning the responsibilities of a post-secondary student with a disability please visit this webpage: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html

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What types of assistive technology are available at WVU?

WVU offers a variety of adaptive resources within academic computer labs and libraries. Adaptive Technology Centers are located in Evansdale Library, Health Sciences Library and Wise Library and the White Hall Computer Lab. Such programs include but are not limited to: Zoom text, Jaws for Windows, Kurzweil 1000 & 3000, CCTV readers, and Tape recorders

Additional information on Assistive Technology can be obtained by visiting:
http://www.as.wvu.edu/~acad/astech.html#sect1

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How do I file a complaint?

Any individual who feels they have been discriminated against or treated unjustly may file a complaint in the Office of Social Justice located in Room B-1 Stewart Hall or by emailing them at: socialjustice@mail.wvu.edu. Additional information regarding filing a complaint is available on the Office of Disability Services website.


How can I obtain a permit for temporary handicap parking?

Requests for temporary parking permits should be made in person to the Office of Disability Services. At the time of the request the individual should present documentation of their temporary handicap to the Office of Disability Services in the form of a statement issued by the treating physician specifying the diagnosis, that the need for temporary handicapped parking exists, and the anticipated time period for which the permit would be needed. More on Accessible Parking >

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How can I register accessible transportation?

Individuals can register for services from the WVU Accessibility Services by contacting that office at (304) 293-7278. Please see additional information available on the Office of Disability Services website. More on Accessible Transportation >

How do teachers know about my accommodations?

Once the documentation procedure is completed, the student will meet with their disability counselor to formulate accommodation authorization letters that are then presented to specified professors. These letters state information pertaining to the accommodations that are to be provided but do not state information pertinent to the type of disability itself. Once developed, the letters are then hand-delivered by the student in a confidential manner, to each professor typically during his/her office hours. Students must verbally request authorized accommodations from their professors. Accommodations must be requested each semester from the Office of Disability Services.
More on Accommodations >


Why do I have to sign a release of information?

The Office of Disability Services takes the confidentiality of your information seriously. Federal law requires that information obtained on the behalf of a student or that must be released to another party must be approved in writing by the student. You may be asked to sign a release of information for your parents, your doctor, or your therapist. You may inquire about signing a release of information with your counselor in the Office of Disability Services.

How do I arrange for accommodations for myself or a family member/guest for commencement or convocation?

Special seating is available for guests with physical limitations, as well as guests requiring the services of the interpreters on the platform. It is necessary to call the Office of Disability Services at (304) 293 6700 to reserve special seating. Please note: only one guest can accompany the guest requiring special seating. Additional guests must sit in the general seting areas.
Graduates with disabilities should contact their disability services counselor to make arrangements for accomodations during the ceremony.
Ushers will direct guests to their seats.
For further information, refer to the Disability Services Web site at http://www.wvu.edu/~socjust/disability/.

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West Virginia University Office of Disability Services

G-30 Mountainlair | P. O. Box 6423
Morgantown, WV 26506-6423
Phone: (304) 293-6700 Voice/TDD: (304) 293-7740
FAX: (304) 293-3861
Email:
access2@mail.wvu.edu
Alternative formats are available on request .

WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution

     

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