Accommodations at WVC

Testing Accommodations

Extended Testing Time

Students may be granted additional time to complete timed tests, when warranted due to disability-related barriers. This accommodation does not extend deadlines, but students may be eligible for alternative testing times as appropriate.

Distraction-Reduced Testing Environment

A Distraction-Reduced Environment (DRE) is a quieter, low-stimulus space compared to a typical classroom. While not private or completely silent, it minimizes disruptions to support focus during exams. A DRE should include fewer students than the typical class environment. When testing occurs in a classroom setting, no more than one-third of the room's capacity should be present.

Students may use additional tools such as noise-canceling earmuffs or earplugs to further reduce distractions.

Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech (TTS) uses technology to read text aloud to a student. Different programs and handheld devices may be used to meet this need. If able, the student may be asked to wear headphones when using this technology in the presence of other testing students. 

Speech-to-Text

Speech-to-text (STT) allows a student to dictate words orally to a software program that will transcribe it into written 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 responsibility of the student to correct.

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. 

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Classroom Accommodations

Alternative Text Formats

When a student's disability prevents them from being able to use the textbook options available, the student may request alternative text formats, such as DAISY, ePub, or audio formats. The options available are subject to the student's needs and the available options to meet those needs. 

Students may be asked to provide proof that they legally obtained a copy of the text through purchase, rental, or other methods. This accommodation does not replace the student's responsibility to obtain course materials, but provides the student with alternatives to the available formats that they have obtained, when those available do not meet the student's disability-related needs. 

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. 

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

We provide multiple options to support students with disabilities that impact their ability to take notes. Based on the student's need, this can include permission to record audio of lecture, smart pens, apps, or a volunteer note-taker.

Preferential Seating

While many courses allow students the option to select their own seats in class, preferential seating ensures students with disability-related needs are able to have appropriate positioning within the classroom.

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Other Academic Accommodations

Reduced Course Load

Students with concerns regarding full-time enrollment, due to their disability, should discuss accommodation options with SAS. This accommodation does not provide exemptions to federal student aid options, such as the Pell Grant. Such funding is determined based on credit hours and cannot be altered by this accommodation. However, this accommodation may otherwise provide a student with institutional privileges awarded to students with full-time status.

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 qualified mental health professional thoroughly 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 re-evaluate 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. 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 STEM 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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