Accommodations at WVC
Student Access Services (SAS) works with students with disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations that support equal access to learning at Wenatchee Valley College.
Accommodations are individualized. This means they are based on each student’s disability-related needs and how those needs affect access in a college environment. All accommodations are provided in accordance with federal and state law.
Our staff will help you understand:
- How to request accommodations.
- How to use them in your classes.
- Your rights and responsibilities as a student.
- Any accommodation-specific agreements you may need to review and sign.
How Accommodations Are Determined
The accommodation process is interactive and student-centered. In partnership with the student, we carefully consider what disability-related barriers are present at WVC and consider appropriate adjustments or services to address those barriers.
To be approved, an accommodation must clearly relate to a disability-related limitation and support equal access. Accommodations do not guarantee success, but make sure everyone has the same opportunity to be successful.
This list includes common accommodations but is not exhaustive. Accommodations are always determined on a case-by-case basis and cannot change the essential parts of a class.
Types of Accommodations
Jump to a section:
- Testing Accommodations
- Classroom Accommodations
- Other Accommodations
- Service & Emotional Support Animals (Housing)
- Temporary Accommodations
- Pregnancy
- Accommodations Not Provided in College
Testing Accommodations
Extended Testing Time
Some students may receive additional time on timed exams when disability-related barriers warrant this adjustment. This does not extend deadlines or due dates.
Distraction-Reduced Environment (DRE)
A distraction-reduced space is quieter and has fewer students than a typical classroom. It is not fully private or silent, but it is designed to limit interruptions. A DRE should have fewer students than a typical classroom setting (no more than one-third of the class should be present). Students may also use earplugs or noise-reducing headphones when appropriate.
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
Text-to-speech technology reads exam content aloud through approved software or devices. Headphones are typically required when others are testing nearby.
Speech-to-Text (STT)
Speech-to-text allows students to dictate responses. Students are responsible for reviewing and correcting any transcription errors before submitting their work.
Assistive Technology for Testing
Some students may use approved software or devices during testing. SAS will work with students and their instructors to determine what tools are appropriate.
Classroom Accommodations
These accommodations support access to course materials and classroom participation.
Alternative Text Formats
If a textbook is not accessible due to a disability, SAS may provide materials in an alternative format such as audio, ePub, or DAISY. Students are still expected to obtain their own copy of the book, but any cost of an alternative format is covered by SAS. In other words, this accommodation does not give students with disabilities free books, but ensures appropriate versions are available to meet needs, without the student incurring additional costs compared to their peers.
Communication Services (Interpreting, Captioning, Amplification)
Students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have related disabilities may receive services such as:
- ASL interpreters
- Real-time captioning
- FM amplification systems
Because these services require scheduling, students should notify SAS as early as possible.
While WVC is committed to following web accessibility standards, students are still encouraged to connect with SAS when they have captioning or other communication needs. Doing so helps us meet needs and ensures class content is consistent with your individual needs.
Note Taking Services and Technology
We provide multiple options to support barriers related to note taking. Based on the student's need and course format this could include: permission to audio record lecture, smart pens, notetaking apps, or volunteer notetakers.
Preferential Seating
Ensures access to seating locations that support disability-related needs (such as visibility, hearing, mobility, distraction, or proximity to the door).
Other Accommodations
Reduced Course Load
Students whose disabilities affect their ability to manage a full-time course load may be approved for reduced enrollment with certain institutional benefits preserved (for programs/services that require full-time enrollment).
Importantly, this does not change federal financial aid rules. Aid eligibility is based on credit load. However, in WA state many students still qualify for some financial aid when taking less than full-time courseloads. Students should connect with the financial aid office to discuss their options related to less-than-full-time enrollment.
Accessible Classroom Adjustments or Relocation
If a classroom or lab space is not accessible, adjustments may include changes to furniture and equipment or classroom relocation.
Priority Registration
Some students may register early to build a schedule that supports their disability-related needs such as: time to travel between classes, course format needs (online, in-person, hybrid), or medical scheduling needs.
Service and Emotional Support Animals (Housing)
Service Animals
Service animals are trained dogs or miniature horses that perform disability-related tasks. They are generally allowed in campus buildings and do not require prior accommodation approval. View our Service Animal Policy for more details.
If you apply to live in the dorms/student housing and have a service animal, we urge you to contact SAS before, or soon after, completing the New Resident Application and Contract. Student Access Services is equipped to help you communicate your needs with housing in a timely manner, to help with room assignments, and to address other disability-related needs in housing.
Emotional Support Animals (Housing Only)
Emotional Support Animals are not permitted in campus buildings, but eligible students may apply for an ESA in housing as an accommodation. Documentation and advanced approval are required for ESA accommodation. Please see our Residence Hall accommodations for more information.
Temporary Accommodations
Temporary disabilities can also qualify for accommodations when they significantly affect access. Examples of temporary situations could include: injuries or broken limbs, concussions, surgery recovery, or short-term/seasonal conditions.
Short conditions (lasting 1-2 weeks) are usually handled directly with the instructor. Longer and more impactful conditions should be referred to SAS for support.
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.
If you experience disability-related barriers due to your pregnancy (e.g., gestational diabetes), 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.
Accommodations That Are Not Provided in College
College-level accommodations are not special education. Colleges provide accommodations for access, but do not guarantee outcomes or individualized instruction.
The following are generally not considered reasonable accommodations in higher education:
- Personal tutoring (as an accommodation). *
- Re-tests or exam retakes.
- Modified curriculum or adjusted grading standards.
- Personal care attendants provided by the college.
- Personal devices (glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, etc.). **
- Transportation to and from campus.
To clarify, students may use resources related to the list above, but they may not be considered reasonable accommodations in college. In fact, there are some free resources for all WVC students you can explore:
*WVC offers multiple FREE tutoring resources. WVC tutoring options include the STEM Center, the Write Lab (available on Canvas and in Person on the Wenatchee campus), and the Languages & Communications Lab. There are also tutoring resources for participants in grant-funded programs such as TRIO, CAMP, MESA, and the Student Grant's Center.
**Students who need help paying for personal supports: consider connecting with our Student Benefits Navigator or our Counseling Staff. They may have funding options or know of resources to help you get what you need.