Disability Services Frequently Asked Questions

What accommodations am I eligible to receive?
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Disability Services Office at 602-943-2311 or 866-948-4636 to discuss what may be the most reasonable accommodations based on your specific limitations.

Where can I find the necessary application forms?
Please visit the Application Process page on our Web site.

May I e-sign the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) forms and email them back to you?
No. The ADA forms must be signed by hand, but do not require an original signature. Therefore, students may fax, scan and email, or mail back their forms.

I don't have a printer. Can you send the ADA forms by mail?
Yes. ADA forms can be sent by postal mail. However, the University is not responsible for any delays caused by the delivery time. Accommodations do not go into effect until the Disability Services Office has received all of the completed required ADA application forms.

What steps should I follow to complete the application process?
Please visit the Application Process page on our Web site.

I am the caretaker for a disabled relative. Am I eligible for a disability accommodation?
No. The Disability Services Office can only accommodate a student for conditions that limit him/her due to his/her own diagnosis or treatment.

What if I need to miss multiple classes in excess of the Western International University attendance policy?
All students must abide by the University’s attendance policy. There are no exceptions based on documented disabilities. Please contact your academic representative to discuss rescheduling or dropping the course.

How can I learn more about ADA guidelines and what is considered a reasonable accommodation?
Complimentary information and materials are available by calling the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

Finances

Do I have to pay for my accommodations?
No. It is the University’s responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students with disabilities at no cost to the student.

Is financial assistance available through the Disability Services Office for students with disabilities?
No. Check with your Finance Counselor. Independent, outside agencies may provide support such as vocational rehabilitation, workers compensation, and job services. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may also be able to assist, if you are an eligible veteran.

Faculty Members

Can you contact my faculty members and tell them about my situation?
The Disability Services Office can not communicate with faculty members until students have completed the application process and have a formal accommodation agreement in place. If students have formal accommodations, then the Disability Services Office will notify each faculty member of the agreed-upon accommodations. Accommodated students should verify with each instructor as they start a class to ensure that the faculty member received the disability notification from the Disability Services Office.

What if my faculty member does not want to provide me with reasonable accommodations?
Please contact the Disability Services Office immediately. Many times, these situations are due to miscommunication. Faculty members receive formal notification of accommodations for all eligible students receiving accommodations.

Changes to Schedule/Accommodations

What happens if I change from a local campus to an online program?
Please notify the Disability Services Office of any changes that you are making to your schedule including campus changes. The Disability Services Office will follow up if any additional paperwork is required.

Are there different accommodations that I would be eligible for with the online campus for which I am not eligible at a local campus, or vice versa?
Because reasonable accommodations are based on how each student is limited within their classroom, changes might be made to accommodations for students who change from a local campus to an online program, or from an online program to a local campus. Please notify the Disability Services Office when you do make changes to your campus location so that they can address how your accommodations may need to be modified.

What if my condition changes and I need to request additional accommodations?
Please contact the Disability Services Office immediately. The Disability Services Advisor will request to review the new documentation supporting your request for additional accommodations. Once the additional agreed-upon accommodations are determined, the advisor will complete an updated Student Accommodation Agreement document that will require your signature.

Medical

What if I missed my final project due to a medical emergency?
This could only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Disability Services Office to discuss your specific situation.

What if I need an extension because of my medical condition?
This could only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Disability Services Office to discuss your specific situation.

I am no longer in contact with the doctor that originally diagnosed my disability. What should I do?
The medical verification letter can be written by any diagnosing professional whose education and licensure supports the field related to the letter being written. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can write a letter regarding mental health conditions and a medical doctor can write a letter regarding medical conditions. The Disability Services Office also accepts certain outdated testing options.

I cannot afford to see a doctor. Can I still receive accommodations?
Every disability accommodation requires documentation and verification from a medical professional. The letter can be written by any diagnosing professional who is qualified in the area related to your condition.

I am scheduled to have surgery. Am I eligible for a disability accommodation?
This could only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Disability Services Office to discuss your specific situation.

I have been having serious health problems, but my doctors still do not have a diagnosis. What are my options?
Even if your doctors do not have a diagnosis, you may still qualify for reasonable accommodations. The Disability Services Office would require a formal doctor’s letter explaining your situation and your limitations to make that determination.

Is pregnancy considered a disability?
Pregnancy and childbirth are not typically covered under the ADA. However, if students are experiencing complications due to pregnancy or childbirth, they may be eligible for temporary accommodations.

Learning Disabilities

Does Western International University provide testing to identify a learning disability?
Colleges and universities are not required to provide testing services. Students are encouraged to contact their family doctor, or other diagnosing professional, for referrals. Diagnosing professionals are those individuals licensed and properly credentialed in their field of expertise.

Can I use my Individualized Education Plan as documentation of my disability?
No. An IEP is not considered reasonable documentation in the post-secondary environment. Current testing will be required to qualify for reasonable accommodations.

I was diagnosed with a learning disability as a child, but I have been out of school for several years. Do I need to get retested?
Students must provide a dated clinical evaluation that is no more than 3 years old to receive an accommodation for a learning disability. The evaluation must include an academic recommendation. Students are required to provide adult-based learning disability testing results, as child-based testing is conducted differently. The Disability Services Office also accepts certain outdated testing options.