It is important that students with disabilities who plan to go on to college from high school or to a four-year school from a community college understand the difference between academic accommodations (which are mandated by state and federal legislation) and supplemental support services which may or may not be provided. This is an area that can be VERY important when students are "school shopping".

Probably the best example of this is tutoring. At the postsecondary level, tutoring is not considered an accommodation for disability. The ADA describes tutoring as "individualized instruction" and mandates only that institutions who provide tutoring to all students make that tutoring accessible to students with disabilities. Neither Washington state laws nor federal legislation require colleges/universities to provide free tutoring to students because of disability.

Many students with disabilities receive tutoring as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) in secondary school and/or at the community college level. Some four-year colleges/universities offer tutoring as one component of retention efforts. Central Washington University does not provide free tutoring to its students. However, all CWU students can make use of the basic skills labs for help in basic math, English, and writing.

Some CWU students receive tutoring because they are involved in a special program such as Varsity Athletics or the Student Support Services Grant Program. A limited number of students registered with DSS can apply for tutoring, academic advising and career development services through the Student Support Services TRIO Grant. For additional information, please call Neil McFarlane, Director of the Student Support Services Program, at (509) 963-2026.

The Director of Disability Support Services assists students with disabilities with academic, personal and/or financial problems by referring them to individuals, offices, and organizations who/which may serve their needs.

Academic Advising Resources Center - (509) 963-3523

Admissions - (509) 963-3001

Counseling Center - (509) 963-1391

Office for Equal Opportunities - (509) 963-2205

Financial Aid Office - (509) 963-1611

Health Center - (509) 963-1881

Library - (509) 963-1777

Parking Office - (509) 963-2667

Student Support Services - (509) 963-2026

University Store - (509) 963-1311

Visitation Program - (509) 963-1262

CWU Student Counseling Center: The CWU Counseling Center provides a variety of services to assist students with academic, career, or personal problems.

The "E" Center: The "E" (for empowerment) Center provides programming and support for non-traditional students.

Writing Labs: CWU operates two drop-in writing labs for students who have difficulty with written expression.

Math Labs: CWU operates a drop-in math lab for students who are experiencing difficulty in the basic math courses.

Student Support Services: The Student Support Services Grant Program is a trio grant which provides academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling to students with disabilities who are admitted into the program. For additional information or to request an application form, please call (509) 963-2026.

Department of Services for the Blind

1600 W. Perry, Bldg. 1, Suite D

Yakima, WA 98902-5769

(509) 575-2014 or 1-800-552-7103

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Region 2)

521 E. Mountainview Dr.

PO Box 366 B19-4

Ellensburg, WA 98926

509-925-0407

Hearing, Speech, and Deafness Center

1620 18th Ave.

Seattle, WA 98122

(206) 323-5770