FAQs
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 at 304-293-6700.
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.
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.
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.
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 online at http://apply.wvu.edu/admissions or call (1-800-344-9881, or 304-293-6871) to obtain admission applications or additional admissions information.
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.
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
What types of assistive technology are available at WVU?
WVU provides qualified students with access to a variety of appropriate forms of assistive technology. Some of these technologies include: JAWS, Kurzweil 1000 & 3000, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Adobe Reader and Read & Write Gold.
A student can setup an assistive technology training by contacting their disability services counselor in the Office of Disability Services. To learn more about assistive technology products provided at WVU click here.
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.
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 register accessible transportation?
Individuals can register for services from the WVU Accessibility Services by contacting that office at 293-7278. Please see additional information available on the Office of Disability Services website.
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.
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.