Requesting New Access Services (Disability Accommodations)
Step 1: Student submits Application for Access Accommodations.
Step 2: The Access Services team will reach out to schedule a brief conversation regarding the proposed accommodations and the university support options.
Step 3: The Access Services team will share your accommodation letter with the faculty you choose.
Step 4: Discuss specific course-related accommodation needs using your accommodation letter with your faculty.
Requesting Repeated Access Services (Disability Accommodations)
Step 1: Student submits Application for Access Accommodations.
Step 2: The Access Services team will share your accommodation letter with the faculty you choose.
Step 3: Discuss specific course related accommodation needs using your accommodation letter with your faculty.
Frequenty Asked questions
How do students access services?
Students with access limitations or disabilities can request Access Services support. Students begin by submitting a brief application and then scheduling a time to connect with the Access Services team to discuss their academic needs.
How do students qualify for services?
Caring for students with disabilities is a core to our university values. To qualify for access accommodations, the student must provide documentation of a disability or impairment and specific details on how this limitation may restrict his or her ability to perform a major life function in comparison to most people.
The federal ADA regulations define “disability” to mean any individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.
The determination of whether an individual has a disability under ADA is not based upon the name or diagnosis of the impairment, but rather upon the impact of that impairment on the life of the individual.
How often must a student request access services?
Access accommodations are requested by students on a term-by-term basis. In some cases, this becomes an ongoing request prior to the start of each academic term. In other cases, students may initiate this only as their specific needs arise.
Are all accommodations the same?
Access accommodations are always tailored to the individual student involved. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Rather, the accommodations will be based not only on the diagnosis of a disability but also the severity of impact (functional impact) in each specific case.
My parents have always taken care of my accommodations with the school. Can’t they bring in documentation without me and handle this for me?
Students at post-secondary institutions are considered adults and must therefore guide this process from start to finish. The agreement for services needs to be made with the person requesting the services and not at the request of the third party.
Are there special classes or academic programs designed just for students with learning disabilities?
The purpose of the accommodations are to provide each student with access to the same classes and academic programs that others have. With provided accommodations, the goal is to equip and empower students to succeed within these contexts.
Is there someone who will help me obtain accommodations if I run into problems?
The Access Services team is here to help! Email access@okwu.edu with any questions you may have and schedule a conversation.
Additional Resources
Explore OKWU
A Premier Christian University in Northeast Oklahoma