Accommodations at WVC

Testing Accommodations

Extended Testing Time

Students given this accommodation are provided additional time to complete in-class graded assignments, quizzes, tests, and exams. The amount of the extension is based on the student’s need.

Distraction-Reduced Testing Environment

This accommodation does not guarantee that a student will receive a private space or that the room will be entirely free of distractions. Like all accommodations, this accommodation is provided on a case-by-case basis. If the instructor is proctoring the student's test, the student should discuss with faculty the ideal settings to reduce distractions as much as possible. Accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones or specific seating may be appropriate in such a classroom environment. 

Alternatively, if the instructor/student elect to utilize the Student Access Testing Center (SATC), the student may utilize SATC resources to optimize their focus. Some examples of reduced distractions include environments that limit both auditory distractions such as talking and visual distractions such as peers leaving the classroom. Students and faculty may request tours of the SATC at any time, should they have questions or concerns regarding accommodations in this environment. 

Text-to-Speech

Students who qualify for this accommodation may benefit from the use of a software program to read a test word-for-word to a student. This does not permit the student to receive clarification, rewording, definition, or any interpretation of the terminology. The use of such programs during testing are limited only to the direct reading of the test content and is typically delivered to the student through headphones. 

Speech-to-Text or Scribe

Students who qualify for this accommodation may benefit from the ability to dictate words orally to a software program that will transcribe the text. Students are responsible for reviewing the content to ensure it accurately transcribes the content in a way that reflects the student’s intended language. Errors are the sole responsibility of the student to correct.

Alternatively, a human scribe may take the place of such a program. Such a person must be an approved employee or volunteer through SAS or the course instructor.

Assistive Technology

There are multiple devices, hardware, and software available to assist students with their testing needs. Student testing concerns, related to their disability, should be discussed in detail with the Student Access Manager. Students may also provide such information in their application or supporting documentation, if desired. 

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Classroom Accommodations

Alternative Text Formats

Students with this accommodation may receive alternative formats of textbooks to meet their needs. This accommodation takes time and effort for staff to implement. Therefore, this requires the student to provide SAS with textbook information as soon as possible to begin the process.

Students are still expected to purchase, rent, or otherwise legally obtain a copy of the textbook. Textbooks purchased by others, on behalf of the student, are acceptable. However, we typically do not purchase books on behalf of students. We merely provide an alternative to a version obtained by the student. Students with this accommodation should connect with SAS staff to navigate their specific situation and need.

Communication: Interpreter/ Real-time Captioning/ FM System

Students whose disabilities indicate a need for captioning, amplification, ASL interpretation, or other similar needs may receive these services at no cost to the student. Such services are determined based on documentation and the interactive appointment with the student.

Student Access Services does not have ASL, CART, or Typewell staff employed on a consistent basis. Therefore, students requiring this accommodation must communicate with SAS well before the accommodation is needed. Payment for such services regarding courses and WVC academic activities is handled by SAS. For non-academic needs, students should connect with the sponsoring entity to request accommodation(s).

WVC strives to meet web accessibility standards established by WCAG 2.1 (AA). These standards require all video content to have closed captions and audio descriptions. While the institution as a whole is committed to providing such access, students are still encouraged to connect with SAS to ensure live CC services are in place for virtual services or videos, as needed. 

Note Taking Assistance – Peer Note Taker

Volunteer note takers and/or instructors may provide notes to a student for the class. The student requesting accommodation may choose to remain anonymous or not, with options in place to receive notes through multiple means. 

Note Taking Assistance – Audio Recording

Students with such an accommodation may record course content for later note taking and studying use. If an instructor does not generally permit audio recordings of class, the student should communicate their use of approved accommodation and request permission to do so. The student is then responsible for limiting the use of such recordings to their own personal use for study purposes and may not share such content with others in the class.

If an instructor has concerns regarding intellectual property rights or privacy, the instructor should contact SAS for support. Faculty, SAS staff, and the student will explore solutions. Both faculty and student are responsible for connecting with SAS to engage in further conversation to identify solutions.

Preferential Seating

If a student needs to sit at a certain place within the room to best understand or receive information presented, the student and instructor should collaborate to establish preferential seating. SAS is available for support and consultation as needed.

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Other Academic Accommodations

Attendance and Assignments

Students granted this accommodation shall not be penalized for absences or tardiness that are related to the student's disability.  Students with assignment extensions are expected to clearly communicate with faculty early in the term, to establish expectations for using such an accommodation.

Students with this accommodation not permitted absences, tardiness, or assignment extensions for other reasons, outside of those related to the student's disability. Further details regarding this accommodation are discussed with students who may be eligible and/or who request such an accommodation.

Reduced Course Load

Students with concerns regarding full-time enrollment, due to their disability, should discuss accommodation options with SAS. In such situations, most students can work with their advisor, counseling staff, and/or the financial aid office to discuss options for support.

In WA State, many students (with or without accommodations) are still eligible for some financial aid options if enrolled less-than-full-time. Students should connect with the financial aid office to discuss options related to less-than-full-time enrollment.

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Non-Academic Accommodations

Accessible Classroom/Relocation

While WVC continually strives to remove architectural barriers for students with disabilities, some students may experience accessibility barriers.  Classroom modifications can be made to create an accessible space within a classroom or laboratory (e.g., adding/removing chairs, tables, desks, sinks, ramps, etc.). If the physical location of the room itself is a barrier due to the student's disability, students may be eligible for accommodations to transport the student from one location on campus to another. Alternatively, some courses may instead be relocated to a different location, if the needs of a student's disability merit such an accommodation. 

Priority Registration

Some students with disabilities may need an early registration appointment in order to select courses that accommodate the needs of their disability. Priority registration allows students greater control over scheduling to allow for time to travel between classes or schedule courses in modalities (e.g., in person, online, hybrid, etc.) that help alleviate the limitations of that student's disability.

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Service and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals and Service Animals in Training

Service Animals, and Service Animals in Training, are different from Emotional Support/Therapy Animals (see below).

A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is trained to perform an active task that mitigates or partially mitigates the impact of a person’s disability. Individuals with service animals do not need to request accommodation and do not need to submit documentation for the disability, unless requesting separate accommodations for that disability.

If a student applies to live in the dorms/student housing and has a service animal, they should contact SAS before or soon after completing the New Resident Application and Contract. While service animals do not require accommodations or documentation, Student Access Services is equipped to help you communicate your needs with housing in a timely manner, to help with room assignments. Please see WVC’s Service Animal policy for details.

Emotional Support Animal

Emotional support animals are permitted in living spaces, but are not permitted in any other WVC buildings. If you would like to request a housing accommodation with your emotional service animal, you will need to proceed with the standard process for securing accommodations. Additional information regarding your animals’ veterinary records and licensing, along with documentation from a medical practitioner describing your need, will be required. Further details are available in our Service & Emotional Support Animal Policy.

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Temporary Accommodations

General Information

If a student experiences an injury or illness that is expected to last less than 1-2 weeks, they are encouraged to communicate with their instructor regarding their needs and the impact of their incident. However, even some temporary conditions can have a severe impact or impact a student for a significant period of time. Accommodations cannot be used retroactively, so if you believe you may need an accommodation for temporary disabilities, we encourage you to submit an application and begin the process as soon as you suspect you may need it.

If a temporary disability lasts longer than anticipated or becomes a permanent disability, the student and SAS staff will reevaluate the student’s need at a later date. We encourage you to connect with SAS at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date of your accommodations if you plan to request an extension.

Some examples of conditions that merit temporary accommodations include:

• Accidents or injuries including sprained or broken limbs, fingers, joints, hands, etc.

• Concussions, medical conditions, surgeries.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you are entitled to rights and protections under Title IX, even if you do not meet the requirements for a disability accommodation due to your pregnancy. Reach out to our Title IX coordinator to learn more about your protections or to request reasonable adjustments due to your pregnancy. 

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to receive support from BOTH Student Access Services and Title IX. Please reach out to one or both offices if you have questions and we will help you get the support you need. 

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Accommodations NOT Provided in Higher Education

WVC is committed to providing students with equal access to education by providing reasonable accommodations. Many students receive accommodations in high school that focus on success, but are not appropriate in higher education (college/university).  The following are a few examples of things that are NOT considered reasonable accommodations in college. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Tutoring
• Re-tests
• Individualized instruction
• Modification of curriculum or instruction
• Personal care attendant provided by the institution
• Personal Aide Services and Devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, glasses, etc.)
• Transportation to and from campus

To be clear, the student may utilize resources that relate to things above, but they are not considered a reasonable accommodation.

For example, WVC offers multiple FREE tutoring resources. Most tutoring resources are available to all students at WVC, with a few limitations regarding participation in select grant-funded programs (e.g., TRIO, CAMP, MESA, Student Grant's Center). WVC tutoring options include contracted virtual eTutors, the Math Center, the Write Lab (available on Canvas and in Person on the Wenatchee campus), and the Languages & Communications Lab, to name a few. 

There are also resources available on campus that may assist you with finding community connections and funding. For example, if you need help obtaining personal devices such as hearing aids, glasses, or similar, consider connecting with our our Student Benefits Navigator or our Counseling Staff, who may know of funding or community resources to support you.

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