Accommodations at WVC

Testing Accommodations

Extended Testing Time

Students given this accommodation are provided additional time to complete in-class graded assignments, quizzes, tests, and exams. The amount of the extension is based on the student’s need.

Distraction-reduced Testing Environment

Students with disabilities that are significantly impacted by distracting stimuli in the environment may qualify for a distraction-reduced testing environment. This accommodation does not guarantee that a student will receive a private space or that the room will be entirely free of distractions. If the instructor is proctoring the student's test, the student should discuss with faculty the ideal settings to reduce distractions as much as possible. Accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones or specific seating may be appropriate in such a classroom environment. 

Alternatively, if the instructor/student elect to utilize the Student Access Testing Center (SATC), the student may utilize SATC resources to optimize their focus. Some examples of reduced distractions include environments that limit both auditory distractions such as talking and visual distractions such as peers leaving the classroom. Students and faculty may request tours of the SATC at any time, should they have questions or concerns regarding accommodations in this environment. 

Text-to-Speech

Students who qualify for this accommodation may benefit from the use of a software program to read a test word-for-word to a student. This does not permit the student to receive clarification, rewording, definition, or any interpretation of the terminology. The use of such programs during testing are limited only to the direct reading of the test content and is typically delivered to the student through headphones. 

Speech-to-Text or Scribe

Students who qualify for this accommodation may benefit from the ability to dictate words orally to a software program that will transcribe the text. Students are responsible for reviewing the content to ensure it accurately transcribes the content in a way that reflects the student’s intended language. Errors are the sole responsibility of the student to correct.

Alternatively, a human scribe may take the place of such a program. Such a person must be an approved employee or volunteer through SAS or the course instructor.

Assistive Technology

There are multiple devices, hardware, and software available to assist students with their testing needs. Student testing concerns, related to their disability, should be discussed in detail with the Student Access Manager. Students may also provide such information in their application or supporting documentation, if desired. 

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Classroom Accommodations

Alternative Text Formats

Students with this accommodation may receive alternative formats of textbooks to meet their needs. This accommodation arguably takes the greatest amount of time and effort by SAS staff. Therefore, this requires the student to provide SAS with textbook information as soon as possible to begin the process.

Students are still required to purchase or rent the textbook. We do not purchase books on behalf of students. If the student’s preferred format is not available for purchase, the student should purchase or rent a format that may best support their needs in the meantime, if possible. Once purchased or rented, the student will need to provide proof of purchase to SAS staff to begin the process of obtaining an alternative that will meet their needs. 

Students should know that Canvas LMS, our institution's learning management system, often includes alternative formats for course content including but not limited to 

Communication: Interpreter/ Real-time Captioning/ FM System

Students with hearing loss are provided with accommodations to receive clear communication regarding information presented during class. Such services are determined based on documentation and the interactive appointment with the student.

Student Access Services does not have ASL, CART, or Typewell staff employed on a consistent basis. Therefore, students requiring this accommodation must communicate with SAS well before the accommodation is needed. Payment for such services regarding courses and WVC academic activities is handled by SAS. For non-academic needs, students should connect with the sponsoring entity to request accommodation(s).

Students with limited hearing loss may benefit from the use of FM systems in their classroom. Such technology allows all students within the classroom to hear the instructor more clearly and accurately with limited feedback and echo.

WVC strives to meet web accessibility standards established by WCAG 2.1 (AA). These standards require all video content to have closed captions and audio descriptions. While the institution as a whole is committed to providing such access, students are still encouraged to connect with SAS to ensure live CC services are in place for Zoom and Video content, as needed. 

Note Taking Assistance – Peer Note Taker

Volunteer note takers and/or instructors may provide notes to a student for the class. The student requesting accommodation may choose to remain anonymous or not, with options in place to receive notes through multiple means.

Note Taking Assistance – Audio Recording

Students with such an accommodation may record course content for later note taking and studying use. If an instructor does not generally permit audio recordings of class, the student should communicate the need for the accommodation and request permission to do so. The student is then responsible for limiting the use of such recordings to their own personal use for study purposes and may not share such content with others in the class.

If an instructor has concerns regarding intellectual property rights, the instructor and student should discuss the concerns together. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, or alternatives cannot be arranged between the student and instructor, both faculty and student are responsible for connecting with SAS to engage in further conversation to identify solutions.

Preferential Seating

If a student needs to sit at a certain place within the room to best understand or receive information presented, the student and instructor should collaborate to establish preferential seating. SAS is available for support and consultation as needed.

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Other (rare) Academic Accommodations

Attendance and Assignments

In extremely rare instances, some students with unpredictable, episodic medical conditions may be eligible for accommodations to facilitate flexible attendance and/or assignment deadlines. 

In the event that such an accommodation is warranted, the student and faculty must work closely to clearly establish a plan in the event of an unexpected event due to the student’s disability. In some instances, absence from a course fundamentally alters the nature of the course design and content, which may limit or disqualify the accommodation. Such determination is at the instructor’s discretion. However, SAS staff are available to facilitate and engage in conversation regarding the accommodation options and fundamental alteration. Students granted this accommodation are not permitted absences or tardiness for other reasons outside of those established when determining the accommodation. Further details regarding this accommodation are discussed with students who may be eligible and/or who request such an accommodation.

Unlike in K-12, this accommodation is rarely provided in higher education and is not appropriate for disabilities that are continuous and predictable. For example, students with learning disabilities and ADHD are likely not eligible for this accommodation in higher education, unless they have other disabilities with documentation warranting such an accommodation. Explore our website to see some of the differences between high school and college accommodations. You may also reach out to us anytime at sas@wvc.edu or 509-682-6854 if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Reduced Course Load

On rare occasion, a student’s disability impacts the student so greatly that the student cannot maintain a full courseload (12 or more credits). In such situations, most students can work with their advisor, counseling staff, and/or the financial aid office to discuss options for support. Many students are eligible for financial aid options in WA state while attending less than full time.

Generally, students attending full-time are not advised to work unless they can maintain success in their courses. Students who do work are often advised to work less than 19 hours per week. We recognize many students have families and responsibilities that require them to maintain part-time or full-time employment. If you cannot maintain full-time courses and employment, this is perfectly normal. SAS encourages you to connect with resources on campus such as counseling and financial aid to discuss options.

In some situations, students with disabilities require full-time enrollment to maintain specific supports. Students who are not employed and who cannot maintain full-time employment may be eligible for a reduced course load on a case-by-case basis. This reduction is typically 10 credits rather than 12. This accommodation is generally temporary and only put in place for one quarter at a time. Such an accommodation requires collaboration with registration and financial aid. Students requesting this accommodation should do so with significant time to do so (at least 4 weeks prior to the quarter begins).

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Non-Academic Accommodations

Accessible Classroom/Relocation

While WVC continually strives to remove architectural barriers for students with disabilities, some students may experience accessibility barriers.  Classroom modifications can be made to create an accessible space within a classroom or laboratory (e.g., adding/removing chairs, tables, desks, sinks, ramps, etc.). If the physical location of the room itself is a barrier due to the student's disability, students may be eligible for accommodations to transport the student from one location on campus to another. Alternatively, some courses may instead be relocated to a different location, if the needs of a student's disability merit such an accommodation. 

Priority Registration

Some students with disabilities may need an early registration appointment in order to select courses that accommodate the needs of their disability. Priority registration allows students greater control over scheduling to allow for time to travel between classes or schedule courses in modalities (e.g., in person, online, hybrid, etc.) that help alleviate the limitations of that student's disability.

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Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals

Service Animals are different from Emotional Support/Therapy Animals (see below).

A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is trained to perform an active task that mitigates or partially mitigates the impact of a person’s disability. Individuals with service animals do not need to request accommodation and do not need to submit documentation for the disability, unless requesting separate accommodations for that disability.

If a student applies to live in the dorms/student housing and has a service animal, they should contact SAS before or soon after completing the New Resident Application and Contract. While service animals do not require accommodations or documentation, Student Access Services is equipped to help you communicate your needs with housing in a timely manner, to help with room assignments. Please see WVC’s Service Animal policy for details.

Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support animals are permitted in living spaces, but are not permitted in any other WVC buildings. If you would like to request a housing accommodation with your emotional service animal, you will need to proceed with the standard process for securing accommodations. Additional information regarding your animals’ veterinary records and licensing, along with documentation from a medical practitioner describing your need, will be required. Further details are available in our Service & Emotional Support Animal Policy.

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Temporary Accommodations

General Information

If a student experiences an injury or illness that is expected to last less than 1-2 weeks, they are encouraged to communicate with their instructor regarding their needs and the impact of their incident. However, even some temporary conditions can have a severe impact or impact a student for a significant period of time. Accommodations cannot be used retroactively, so if you believe you may need an accommodation for temporary disabilities, we encourage you to submit an application and begin the process as soon as you suspect you may need it.

If a temporary disability lasts longer than anticipated or becomes a permanent disability, the student and SAS staff will reevaluate the student’s need at a later date. We encourage you to connect with SAS at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date of your accommodations if you plan to request an extension.

Some examples of conditions that merit temporary accommodations include:

• Accidents or injuries including sprained or broken limbs, fingers, joints, hands, etc.

• Concussions, medical conditions, surgeries.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you are entitled to rights and protections under Title IX, even if you do not meet the requirements for a disability accommodation due to your pregnancy. Reach out to our Title IX coordinator to learn more about your protections or to request reasonable adjustments due to your pregnancy. 

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to receive support from BOTH Student Access Services and Title IX. Please reach out to one or both offices if you have questions and we will help you get the support you need. 

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Accommodations NOT Provided in Higher Education

WVC is committed to providing students with equal access to education by providing reasonable accommodations. Many students receive accommodations in high school that focus on success, but are not appropriate in higher education (college/university).  The following are a few examples of things that are NOT considered reasonable accommodations in college. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Tutoring
• Retests
• Individualized instruction
• Modification of curriculum or instruction
• Personal care attendant provided by the institution
• Personal Aide Services and Devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, etc.)
• Transportation to and from campus

To be clear, the student may utilize resources that relate to things above, but they are not considered a reasonable accommodation.

For example, WVC offers multiple FREE tutoring resources. Most tutoring resources are available to all students at WVC, with a few limitations regarding participation in select grant-funded programs (e.g., TRIO, CAMP, MESA, Student Grant's Center). WVC tutoring options include contracted virtual eTutors, the Math Center, the Write Lab (available on Canvas and in Person on the Wenatchee campus), and the Languages & Communications Lab, to name a few. 

There are also resources available on campus that may assist you with finding community connections and funding. For example, if you need help obtaining personal devices such as hearing aids, glasses, or similar, consider connecting with our our Student Benefits Navigator or our Counseling Staff, who may know of funding or community resources to support you.

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