Support Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act directs institutions of higher education to provide support services and accommodations to students (and others invited to campus) if the disability interferes with "equal access." Therefore, individuals who have a disability (either chronic or temporary) may be eligible for support services and/or accommodations.
If you wish to discuss possible support services and/or accommodations, please schedule an appointment with Ivey West by calling 253.879.3395 or sending an e-mail. Bring any diagnostic information that is relevant.
Declaration of a disability is not automatically a request for support services.
Documentation
Documentation is required for invisible disabilities such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, psychiatric disabilities, and chronic health impairments. Documentation can be provided on the forms which are linked to this site, or it can be in a format prepared by an appropriate diagnostician.
Documentation of a disability must:
- be prepared by a appropriate professional
- be current
- name the disability
- describe the procedures used to make the diagnosis
- include standardized test data if testing was performed
- indicate the severity and expected longevity
- describe functional limitations in an academic setting.
Support Services That May Be Available to Students with Disabilities
Support services and accommodations are individually tailored depending upon a student's disability, its severity, and the student's academic environment-courses, housing situation, activities, etc. The following is a list of possibilities. Not every student qualifies for (or needs) every accommodation. Furthermore, other accommodations not listed here may be possible.
- Individual instruction in study strategies including goal setting and time management
- Taped textbooks and use of a four-track player
- Free tutoring in many subject areas
- Extended time on exams
- Testing in an alternative format or setting
- Assistance with note taking
- Assistance with the physical process of writing exams or papers
- Individual instruction in the use of adaptive computer equipment
- Assistance in developing, organizing, writing and editing assignments
- Coaching in self advocacy strategies
- Sign language interpreter service
- Flexible attendance policies
- Flexible deadlines
- Additional academic advising to maximize program and course selection
- Intervention with faculty or staff on a student's behalf as needed
Timelines
Support services and accommodations are implemented as quickly as possible, but students must allow adequate time for the process to begin. Generally speaking, it takes at least two weeks for a student to have an intake appointment and begin to use implemented services. Some services such as note taking and taped textbooks take even longer to initiate. Therefore, students are encouraged to complete an in-take interview before any services are needed. Later on if accommodations are needed and warranted, the process can be implemented much more quickly.
Students who take exams in the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching must provide the instructor and the Center at least 24 hours advance notice.
For final exams, one weeks' notice to the Center is required. | 
