Disability Services Application Process
How to Apply for Accommodations
All requests for accommodations covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) follow a standard process managed through the Disability Services Office. Western International University requirements for paperwork follow the generally-accepted process used in higher education to set up accommodations.
Required Forms and Steps
1. Student Rights and Responsibilities
Read, sign, and return the Student Rights & Responsibilities Form to the Disability Services Office to acknowledge a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities under the University’s ADA accommodation process.
2. Student Self-Disclosure
Complete, sign and return the Self-Disclosure Statement Form to the Disability Services Office disclosing a formal request for ADA accommodations.
3. Student Release of Information
The Release of Information/Verification Form informs the Disability Services Office of the diagnosing professional who will be providing the verification letter or filling out the Student Disability Information/Verification form. Please fill out this information and return with your completed paperwork.
4. Student Disability Verification
The Disability Information/Verification Form should be fully completed by your diagnosing professional (i.e., physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist). The diagnosing professional will need to complete the form in its entirety; otherwise, additional information will be needed or the form will not be accepted.
Note: A diagnosis, limitations in performing schoolwork, and specific recommendations for accommodations by a doctor or other legally acceptable health care professional as defined by the ADA are usually required. Please make sure to leave the doctor’s, psychiatrist’s, psychologist’s, or other appropriate health care professional’s office with paperwork, letters, forms, and testing information filled out correctly. It is your responsibility to ensure proper documentation. Prescription notes are generally not acceptable.
5. Fax Completed Paperwork
Fax completed paperwork to the Disability Services Office using the contact information shown on the forms.
6. Application Review
The Disability Services Office will review your application to determine whether the requested accommodations or any other accommodations might be reasonable.
7. Student Accommodation Agreement
Once reviewed, the Disability Services Advisor will contact you to discuss any reasonable accommodations that might be made available. After the advisor evaluates your situation, any agreed-upon accommodations will be documented in a Student Accommodation Agreement for you to sign and return to the Disability Services Advisor.
8. Making Accommodations
Accommodations will be made available and communicated to faculty once the Disability Services Advisor has received the signed Student Accommodation Agreement from the student. Accommodations are not retroactive.