If you are seeking accommodation services from WCC on the basis of a disability, you are required to submit documentation to verify your eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Documentation of a disability is required which currently substantially limits major life activity, including learning. Accommodations are individualized (determined on a case by case basis) and are intended to provide equal access to programs and courses for students who are otherwise qualified.
Disabilities involve substantial limitations. They are distinct from common conditions that do not substantially limit major life activities. Disabilities may be visible or hidden, which include:
- Deaf or hearing impairment
- Mental Health Diagnosis
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Physical/Mobility Disability
- Blind or Low Vision
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Chronic Health Condition
- ADD/ADHD
- Specific Learning Disability
- Other conditions
How does WCC determine accommodations?
Learning Support Services reviews your documentation to determine if it meets the verification requirements. The assessment also includes discussion with you to determine the impact of the disability. High school IEPs are helpful but do not necessarily provide enough information. Accommodations in college may be different from those received in K-12.
Accommodations are renewed each semester as needs may change over time and are not always initially identified. Also, a prior history of accommodations does not, in and of itself, ensure the provision of a similar accommodations.
If the information provided is not enough to determine the present extent of the disability and/or appropriate accommodations, LSS may request more documentation or an assessment of the disability. The cost of the supplementary documentation or assessment is the student's responsibility.
General documentation requirements
To access accommodations, you need to provide documentation that supports your request. Your documentation should be on official letterhead from a licensed medical, diagnostic or psychological professional.
A diagnostic evaluation is preferred. If none are available, please discuss with a Program Specialist. The attached form outlines the minimal information required and may be completed by your current provider(s).
Your documentation should:
- Include the diagnosis and level of functioning including limitations.
- Establish a clear link between the effects of the disability and the accommodation(s) being requested.
- Include information regarding treatment, medication or assistive devices (if any) being used if it affects educational functioning.
- Be relevant and recent: within the last 12 months for psychiatric disabilities, last 5 years for a learning disability and last 3 years for other disabilities except physical or sensory disabilities of a permanent or unchanging nature).
- Include school records to determine how your condition impacts you at WCC, including psycho-educational testing reports and accommodations used currently/previously while in school.
If the evaluator or physician is listing specific recommendations for accommodations, he/she should provide a detailed explanation as to why each accommodation is recommended. The accommodations should be matched to specific functional limitations determined through interview, observation, and/or testing. If accommodations are not clearly identified in a diagnostic report, LSS will seek clarification and, if necessary, more information.
Specific documentation requirements
If any of these disabilities pertain to your situation, please see the specific requirements for documentation. Please note: physical disability documentation is covered by the general requirements above.
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
- Psychological/Psychiatric Disorder
- Specific Learning Disability
Document Submission
Please fax or email documents to our office as soon as possible:
- Fax: 734-477-8517 (confidential fax)
- Email: learningsupport@wccnet.edu
Questions? Please talk with a Program Specialist. Most concerns are resolved when we know there is a potential issue.