- Academic Programs & Support
- Academic Services
- Accessibility Resources
Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR)
Mission & Goals
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.
The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) provides campus-wide accessibility services
and reasonable accommodations for eligible students. The OAR supports disability as
an aspect of diversity and inclusion that is integral to our campus community and
society.
Students who are requesting accommodations for the first time should register with
us as soon as possible once they have identified a barrier or need.
Requesting Accommodations
Students register for accommodations via AIM (Accessible Information Management), our online portal. You will need to use your myWCU login.
After registering, students will be emailed by OAR and will arrange a virtual intake meeting to determine proper accommodations.
Students with approved accommodations are provided an Accommodation Letter, which they will share with their instructors.
Accommodations We Offer
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Academic: determined on a case-by-case basis via an interactive intake meeting with one of our staff.
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Testing: extended time with reduced distractions, all within our OAR Test Proctoring Center in Killian Annex.
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Temporary Disability Accommodations: the OAR can provide short-term accommodations if you have a temporary disability due to an injury or medical condition.
Services We Offer
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Academic Coaching: with qualified graduate assistants, to assist students with disabilities in developing skills for success in the classroom.
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Alternative Format Textbooks/Assistive Technology: Kurzweil 3000 offers access to print and digital content for students with accommodations.
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American Sign Language and Captioning: can be arranged by emailing accessibility@wcu.edu or calling 828.227.3886 for assistance.
Services Through Other Offices
- Academic Advising: differs from our coaching in that deals with general academic assistance for all students, regardless of disability status.
- Campus Map of Accessible Entrances, Elevators & Ramps
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Dining Services: call 828.227.7396 for assistance with any Special Dietary Needs.
- ESAs (Emotional Support Animals): through Residential Living via their “Housing Accommodation” Form.
- Housing: through Residential Living’s “Housing Accommodation” Form. Documentation needs to be sent to Residential Living as well.
- Library Support: via Hunter Library.
- Maternity/Medical Leave: via Student Affairs office, call 828.227.7147.
- Parking: through the Parking Operations Office.
- Tutoring Services: for courses, writing (WaLC) and mathematics (MTC).
- University Participant (UP) Program: for helping students with disabilities transition from high school to college.
Contact Us
Office of Accessibility Resources
Killian Annex Suite 137
Cullowhee, NC. 28723
828.227.3886 (phone)
828.227.7320 (fax)
accessibility@wcu.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM - 5PM