Disability Services
Reasonable Accommodations
What is a reasonable accommodation
Accommodations are adjustments to the standard methods used to access educational opportunities at Wheelock College.
Individual accommodations are determined through a series of questions. The answer to each question must be “yes,” or the accommodation is not appropriate.
- Does the student have a disability as defined by Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act?
- Has the student provided appropriate documentation?
- Is the student “otherwise qualified” to participate in the program or course?
- With the requested accommodations, can the student perform the essential tasks of the course?
- Is the requested accommodation reasonable?
- An accommodation is reasonable
if it:
- is based on documented individual needs; AND
- allows the most integrated experience possible; AND
- does not compromise the essential requirements of a course or program; AND
- does not pose a threat to personal or public safety; AND
- does not impose undue financial or administrative burden; AND
- is not of a personal nature
- An accommodation is reasonable
if it:
Determination of reasonable accommodations is made on a case-by-case basis. Accommodations are not provided based simply on diagnosis, but are provided according to consideration of an individual’s specific needs.
Denial of Accommodation Requests
Requests for accommodations may be denied if the answer to any of the above questions is “no.” This may occur if the accommodation would fundamentally alter the course or program, if the accommodation would impose undue financial burden, or if the accommodation is of a personal nature.
Grievance Procedure
Any student who feels she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of a disability or who has concerns about compliance with applicable laws should follow the grievance procedure outlined in the “Notice of Non Discrimination” published in the Student Handbook. Copies are available in the Student Development Office.
Assistive Technology
The following assistive technology devices or software programs are currently available either in the Learning Center or from the Coordinator of Disability Services:
Hardware:
- 4-track tape players
- Scanner
- FM listening system
Software:
- Screen Reader 4.0 (text-to-speech)
- Voice Xpress (speech-to-text)
- Inspiration
Contact the Coordinator of Disability Services for information about these devices and programs or to set up training sessions
Requesting Accommodations on Certification and Graduate School Exams
Testing accommodations are available for most state and national standardized tests, including the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure, the Child Life Council Certification Exam, and the Social Work Licensure Exam. Students must apply directly to the test administration offices for each test. The Coordinator of Disability Services will help students complete accommodation request forms. A copy of current disability documentation and a letter from Disability Services are often required. Contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at x2304 to set up a time to complete the process. Please note that students who plan to request accommodations should complete the test registration process as early as possible to allow for consideration of their requests and to provide for any complications in processing
- Contact Disability Services
- Paul Hastings, Director Academic Assistance and Disability Services
- email: phastings@wheelock.edu
