Disability Services
Academic & Housing Accommodations
Accommodations are intended to provide equal access for students with disabilities; They are determined through an interactive process and approved on a case-by-case basis, considering each student's unique disability-related barriers and individual needs.
Academic Accommodations
The purpose of academic accommodations is to provide students with disabilities equal access to the learning environment. Accommodations help reduce disability-related barriers so students have an equal opportunity to participate, learn, and demonstrate their knowledge- not to provide an unfair advantage or guarantee success.
Accommodations are determined through an interactive process and are approved on a case-by-case basis, based on each student's unique disability-related barriers and individual needs. In order to accurately assess requests for disability-related academic accommodations, our office requires documentation from a qualified health provider:
We require that a medical or mental health provider complete the Disability Verification Form as it requests specific, detailed information often left out of a typical doctor's note. Information provided should be directly linked to the impact or functional limitations associated with the disability, and how the disability impacts academic experience.
Detailed medical, psychological or neuropsychological evaluations or assessments that clearly state the diagnosed disability and its impact can meet the criteria of documentation as well.
Disability Verification Form- Academic
Examples of Academic Accommodations
The accommodations listed below are examples of reasonable accommodations that may be approved based on a student’s disability-related needs. This list is not exhaustive and does not include all possible accommodations.
Testing Accommodations
Disability Services (DS) approves considers the possibility of testing accommodations for students whose disabilities affect their ability to demonstrate their knowledge during exams. If approved, exams with accommodations may be administered by the instructor or through CWU Testing Services. Common testing accommodations include extended testing time, a reduced-distraction testing environment, and the use of approved assistive technology during exams.Note: Testing accommodations are not retroactive. If a student takes an exam without using their approved accommodations, they cannot retake the exam with accommodations to improve their grade.
Below is a link outlining the expectations for students taking exams through Testing Services:
Testing Expectations
Recording of Lecture
Students whose disabilities impact their ability to take effective notes during class may be approved for the ability to record lectures. This accommodation helps ensure equal access to course content when disability-related barriers impede the student’s ability to take comprehensive notes. Depending on the student's individual needs, accommodations may include permission to audio record lectures. This may involve use of a digital recorder, or personal device (such as laptop, tablet, or cell phone) during class, and access assistive technology applications or other approved note-taking tools.Below is a link outlining the expectations for students allowed recording of lecture as an accommodation:
Recording of Lecture Expectations
Modified Attendance
Students whose disabilities involve periodic, unpredictable flare-ups that may occasionally prevent them from attending class may be approved for a modified attendance accommodation. This accommodation provides flexibility with attendance when disability-related symptoms affect a student's ability to attend class, but it does not allow unlimited absences or excuse students from completing course requirements. The amount of attendance flexibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and cannot fundamentally alter the essential requirements of the course. Students are responsible for communicating with their DS access specialist and their instructor, completing missed coursework, and obtaining notes and materials from missed classes. Below is a link outlining the expectation for students with this accommodation.
Early Registration
Early registration is an accommodation that is reserved for use by students whose disability requires specific scheduling considerations. Students who utilize textbooks in alternative formats or require sign language interpreters and / or speech to text transcription in their classes may be considered for early registration accommodations. This allows them to submit their accommodation requests to DS early to allow adequate time for their course materials to be converted, and for ASL interpreters to be requested and assigned. This is not an accommodation that is implemented for every instance, as each student’s specific needs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is rarely approved.
Accessible Textbooks / Alternative Format
Students who experience disability-related barriers accessing traditional print materials may be approved for accessible textbooks and other materials. Course content can be converted into accessible formats, such as electronic text, HTML, or Braille. Creating accessible materials is time consuming, so students should request their textbooks and course materials as early as possible after registering for classes in order for the content to be readily available when the quarter begins.Check-ins
DS staff provide the opportunity for periodic check-ins for students whose disabilities impact executive functioning skills. During these meetings, students can discuss challenges related to time management, organization, planning, and study skills. Check-ins may include creating a weekly schedule, developing strategies to manage assignments and deadlines, and identifying steps to stay on track academically. DS staff can also help students connect with campus resources and other support services as needed.
Physical Access
Disability Services works with Facilities to support physical access for students with disabilities. DS coordinates classroom accessibility accommodations, including ADA-compliant seating arrangements, priority snow removal, and classroom relocations when elevator outages or other accessibility issues affect access.
Communication Access
Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may receive communication access accommodations, including captions for videos, real-time captioning, and sign language interpreters. Accommodations are determined based on a student’s disability-related needs and barriers.Housing Accommodations
Disability Verification Form - Housing
Housing accommodations are intended to provide equal access for students with disabilities. Requests must be based on a documented disability-related need or medical necessity and cannot be approved based solely on personal preference. If you believe you have a disability or medical condition that requires a reasonable housing accommodation, please review the information below.
To begin, all students considering applying for housing accommodations are strongly encouraged to follow all CWU Housing selection process and deadlines. Do NOT wait to select a room until after you meet with DS. Room assignments can easily be changed if the requested disability accommodations are warranted. Students who choose to wait to select a room may have fewer options.
Documentation
Housing accommodations are based on medical documentation of a disability-related need and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To request a housing accommodation, students must provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider. The healthcare provider must complete the Disability Services Housing Disability Verification Form, which should explain the student’s disability, the related functional limitations, and how those limitations affect the student’s housing experience.
Note: Any recommended housing accommodations must be connected to the student’s disability-related needs and explain why the accommodation is medically necessary. While Disability Services will consider recommendations from healthcare providers, Disability Services is responsible for determining the appropriate accommodations for providing equal access to CWU Housing.
Examples of Disability Related Housing Accommodations (Accessibility Features)
- Buildings with elevators
- Private or semi-private bath
- Room on the first-floor
- Room equipped with a fire alarm strobe
- Roll-in showers
- Dining plan modification
- Wheelchair accessible units
- Additional mini fridge
- Grab bars in the shower
Other Accommodations
If you need accommodation for equal access that is not listed here, please contact Disability Services directly at 509-963-2214, or ds@cwu.edu. Please keep in mind that making arrangements early ensures that we can assist you, and answer any questions, in a timely manner.
Single Room Requests
As part of the Housing application & selection process, single rooms are available for all students to choose- (dependent upon availability). Students who prefer a single room should contact University Housing to ask about available options. As a reminder, the preference for a single room does NOT qualify as a disability-related housing accommodation.
Medical single rooms are reserved for students who provide documentation showing a substantial disability-related need. Simply having a disability or medical condition does not automatically qualify a student for a medical single. This determination is made by Disability Services staff during the access planning meeting with the student.
Examples of conditions that do NOT support the need for a medical single include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Learning disabilities/ADHD
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Orthopedic conditions
- Depression
- Anxiety
Feeling stressed about having a roommate is a common experience for many incoming students. However, it does not qualify a student for a medical single. Requests based on wanting a quiet, private, or distraction-free study space do not qualify as disability-related reasons for a single room accommodation and will not be approved. It is important to remember that Residence halls are shared living environments, and a single room does not guarantee a completely quiet or undisturbed space.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
Central Washington University (CWU) maintains a “no pets” policy in university housing. However, in accordance with federal law, CWU considers requests for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as a reasonable housing accommodation for students with disabilities.
Simply having a disability or experiencing stress, anxiety, and other challenges related to college do NOT automatically qualify a student for an ESA accommodation. To be approved, a student must demonstrate that:
They have a disability that substantially limits a major life activity;
Documentation from a qualified medical provider that the ESA is necessary to provide equal access to use, and enjoy, university housing; and
The specific animal requested is reasonable in the university housing environment.
Students requesting an ESA must complete the Disability Services registration form. They must also have their healthcare provider complete and sign the Disability Services ESA Disability Verification Form. This required form must explain the student’s disability-related limitations, how the ESA helps address those limitations, and why the ESA is necessary in the university housing environment.
Unapproved ESAs are not permitted on campus. Students must meet with Disability Services for initial approval based on disability documentation, with final steps completed with University Housing.
Disability Verification Form - ESA
Reasons a Housing Accommodation May Be Denied:
- The documentation does not support a substantial limitation of major life activity.
- The disability-related need does not require an alteration to the living environment.
- There is a more reasonable accommodation available to meet the criteria of equal access.
FAQs
Requests for a Specific Residence Hall
Disability Services does not manage housing assignments and cannot request placement in a specific residence hall. Our office works with Housing and Residence Life to determine reasonable housing accommodations based on disability-related needs, not personal preferences. Housing and Residence Life are the offices responsible for making room assignments, and they must have your completed housing application and deposit before an assignment can be made.
Requests for a Specific Roommate
Disability Services is not involved in the process of assigning roommates. Students may work with Housing to request specific roommates.
Housing Exemptions
Housing exemptions are rare and are appropriate only when the university cannot assign housing that provides the student with equal access. Central Washington University Housing and Residence Life and Disability Services work diligently together to make appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities and/or serious health problems. There are many varied types of housing available on campus. We are generally able to find a solution within on-campus housing options to address whatever issue is prompting an exemption request. Because of this fact, housing exemptions are rarely granted.
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