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.
American Sign Language and Captioning: Services can be arranged through OAR. Please email accessibility@wcu.edu or call 828.227.2716 for assistance.
Housing: The process for students with disabilities to Request Special Accommodations is initiated
through Residential Living.
Accommodations for Temporary Disabilities: If you have a temporary disability due to an injury or medical condition, the OAR
can provide accommodations on a temporary or short-term basis. Please use the steps
outlined above for Getting Started - Requesting Accommodations.
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.
The process for obtaining accommodations is as follows:
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:
Serve as advocates for accessibility for students with disabilities while promoting
student independence, self-determination, and responsibility;
Coordinate and provide accommodations and related support services for accessibility
for students with disabilities;
Provide training and resources for faculty, staff, and administration around accessibility
for students with disabilities;
Provide consultation, information, and outreach to parents and prospective students
regarding accessibility and accommodations for students with disabilities;
Foster awareness and understanding University-wide of issues of accessibility in all
aspects of campus life;
Assist the University in supporting the civil rights of students with disabilities
as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), its amendments (ADAAA),
and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
