The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) removes barriers in support of equal access
for individuals with disabilities by providing campus-wide accessibility services
and reasonable accommodations for eligible students. We recognize that students have
been admitted to the university based on their abilities to succeed, expected to meet the same academic and technical standards. The OAR supports
disability as an aspect of diversity and inclusion integral to our campus community
and society.
Students not registered with the OAR and requesting accommodations for the first time
at Western Carolina University should engage as soon as possible once they have identified
a barrier or need.
Students submit the OAR Registration Form, and their documentation, such as evaluation and medical report to the OAR (please see our Documentation Guidelines for more information). Upon receiving the information, the OAR will facilitate an interactive and engaging process to determine accommodations and support the student. Students with approved accommodations are provided an Accommodation Letter.
Alternative Format Book Request Process
Assistive Technology &
Kurzweil 3000
Accommodations are provided when deemed necessary and reasonable for a particular student and are determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process between the student and OAR. It is the student's responsibility to disclose their disability and to request academic or physical accommodations.
Students should make their request in a timely manner to the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) and every reasonable effort will be made to provide accommodations and ensure accessibility. Requests for accommodations can be made at any time; however, some accommodations may take time to put in place. Therefore, it is best for students to make their requests as early as possible in the semester. Accommodations are not retroactive and cannot be made for events or exams that have happened before the request.
Visit the OAR Documentation Guidelines webpage.
It is our mission to remove barriers and ensure equal access for all qualified students with disabilities.
In support of this mission, the goals of the Office of Accessibility Resources are to: