Department of Social Justice

Guide to Disability Services

Acceptance to WVU Tech or the C&T at WVU Tech and their programs is based on an applicant's meeting published admissions criteria with no preference provided on the basis of disability. Students are notified of acceptance by letter from the Registrar's Office / Office of Admissions and Records, and/or the particular program.

For further admissions information visit the WVU Tech Admissions web site. Admission Process

Director of Admissions
West Virginia University Institute of Technology / C&TC at WVU Tech
Room 210, Old Main
Montgomery, WV 25136
Phone: (304) 442-3151 or 1-888-554-TECH
Fax: (304) 442-3097
www.wvutech.edu

Following Admission to West Virginia University Institute of Technology or the Community and Technical College at WVU Tech

Persons with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services to plan for potential accommodation.

Receiving Disability Related Accommodations

Accommodations are determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the student’s qualification, history and documentation. In order for a student to receive disability related accommodations within their academic program:

1) The student must establish that he or she is an “individual with a disability” by providing documentation that meets University criteria.

2) The student must meet the requirements for being “qualified,” that is, the student may be required to document that he or she can perform the essential tasks and functions of the program and required courses. Meeting the admissions standards of the University or program does not always address essential function requirements of a program or major. Essential functions, tasks, standards and requirements of a program cannot be removed. Possible performance standards may be applicable within the areas of: observation; communication; sensory and motor function; intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; behavioral and social requirements.

3) It must be determined if there is a reasonable accommodation that will allow the student to complete the requirements of the class, program and/or University requirements. Individuals who have self-accommodated or whose use of medication or other therapies have mitigated the effect of the disorder may not be viewed as “substantially limited.” An individual must document according to University criteria that they are substantially limited in a particular area in order to be considered disabled and eligible to receive reasonable accommodations for their significant functional limitation.

Documentation

A student requesting disability related academic accommodations must register in person with ODS.
Disability related reasonable academic accommodations are provided under appropriate circumstances on an individual basis based upon appropriate documentation of disability and significant impairment to functioning.
A diagnosis of a disorder, condition or syndrome in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations.
Students are responsible for providing appropriate documentation of their disability and functional limitations prior to receiving accommodations. It is important to plan for accommodations ahead of time since the process of documentation review and approval can take time.
Documentation of a disability must: include recent test data from a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional; state the diagnosis using DSM-IV; ICD-10 codes; substantiate significant functional limitations.
An IEP or 504 Plan from the public school system is not sufficient documentation.
Documentation criteria for specific disabilities are available upon request.
If a student’s documentation does not meet WVU Tech's ODS’s guidelines then the student may work proactively with their Disability Counselor who can assist in obtaining appropriate documentation.

Accommodation

Students are personally responsible for applying in a timely manner to the WVU Tech ODS regarding their need for accommodations upon admission to WVU Tech.
A Disability Counselor, in conjunction with the student, develops accommodations specific to both the student’s needs and appropriate documentation.
Students must hand deliver their accommodation authorization letters to their respective instructors during the instructor’s office hours. It is recommended that accommodation letters not be delivered in class.
Planning and implementation of accommodations by the instructor may take time; therefore, letters authorizing accommodations should be delivered as soon as possible.
Problems with receiving accommodations should first be communicated to the instructor by the student. If not resolved, the student should contact their disability counselor.
If a student changes their schedule by adding a class they should notify their disability counselor as soon as possible if accommodation letters are needed.
Students must contact the ODS at the beginning of each semester to arrange for academic accommodations and complete the release of information.
If a student feels they are not being appropriately accommodated they may file a complaint with the President’s Office for Social Justice at (304) 293-5496.

Confidentiality

The Office of Disability Services is committed to ensuring that all information regarding a student is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law. Information provided to the Office of Disability Services is considered confidential and is not disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the student. Any information regarding a disability is considered confidential and only shared within the institution when there is a legitimate reason. The Office of Disability Services follows the guidelines set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

If a student wishes to allow someone to have access to information about their disability or accommodation, they must sign a release of information. A release of information is a legal document that provides written permission to disclose or receive information pertaining to a specific student. Students must sign a release of information that allows the Office of Disability Services to speak to any individual on their behalf relative to their disability including their doctor, therapist, and parents. If you have questions about signing a release of information or confidentiality please contact the Office of Disability Services. It is your responsibility as a student to become informed about procedures and policies and to make use of the resources and services available to you.

On occasion, it may be necessary to disclose the nature of the disability in the letter of accommodation in order to assist you with potential safety or emergency situations, such as fire drills, building evacuations, specific medical information, etc. Also please note that a student's file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.