Each student requesting accommodations must provide current, comprehensive documentation
of a disability by a qualified professional (which may include, depending upon the
nature of the disability: a physician, psychologist, audiologist, speech-language
pathologist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, physical therapist, optometrist,
or learning disabilities specialist).
The Federal definition of a person with a disability is a person who (1) has a physical
or mental impairment which limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record
of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such impairment. The determination
of whether an individual has a disability under the law is not based on the name or diagnosis of the impairment but rather the impact of that
impairment on the life/learning of that individual (the functional limitations).
Please remember that documentation serves two purposes: 1) to establish that a student
meets the definition of a person with a disability; and 2) to describe functional
limitations in order to support the need for and reasonableness of specific accommodations.
All documentation provided is reviewed in light of these purposes.
In general, documentation of disability should be typed on letterhead stationary or
be in a report format and should include the following:
- A clearly stated diagnosis;
- A description of the diagnostic methodology used;
- A description of the student's current functional limitations in an academic environment;
- A description of the expected progression or stability of the disability;
- The signature, printed name, title, professional credentials, and contact information
of the evaluator; and
- The date of the most recent evaluation.
Other points to remember:
- Because provision of accommodations and services is based upon the current impact
of the disability, it is in your best interest to provide the best, most recent documentation.
- Documentation should be current within three-five years. However, each case is evaluated
on an individual basis and exceptions may be made depending upon circumstances and
the disability.
- Keep in mind that assessments done in childhood may not be sufficient documentation
for an adult college student.
- Should you need a current assessment, we can assist you in identifying resources where
necessary testing can be provided. OAR does not pay for nor provide testing and/or
diagnosis.
- Documentation should address your ability to function in an academic environment and
may include recommendations for accommodations. OAR is not obligated to provide specific
accommodations as recommended by evaluators. All accommodations are determined on
a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the student and in consideration of that
student's unique situation.
- A school plan such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) does not alone constitute
documentation of disability but may be included in a student's overall assessment.
- A physician's prescription pad note is not acceptable as documentation of disability.
- Submitting documentation does not complete the process. You must meet with OAR to
discuss and plan services.
Information regarding a student's disability is not obtained through the admissions
process. Disability-related information and records are maintained separately from
academic records. Please send documentation of disability directly to OAR.
Accommodations Plans are created collaboratively with the student and OAR. From that
plan, Accommodations Letters are generated for each class and specifies appropriate
classroom accommodations, which may include (examples):
- alternative testing arrangements,
- extended time,
- reduced-distraction testing rooms,
- readers,
- scribes,
- alternative format materials (such as handouts and textbooks in PDF or Braille),
- use of a word processor,
- recorders,
- SmartPens,
- captioning of videos,
- interpreters, or assistive technology.
Accommodations Letters inform instructors of approved modifications. It is your (the student's) responsibility to deliver the letters to your instructors and to
initiate discussion about your accommodations. OAR staff will be available to meet
with students and faculty upon request. Accommodations must be reviewed and new letters
generated each semester in which you need them.
Students with documented disabilities sometimes need alternative testing accommodations
for access. These accommodations are designed to adjust testing conditions to validly
measure what the student with a disability has learned rather than measuring the impact
of that person's disability.
The most common testing accommodations include extended time (time-and-a-half is standard);
a reduced-distraction testing environment; use of a reader or text-to-speech software;
use of a computer; use of a scribe or speech-to-text software; or exams given using
alternate materials (such as Braille or large print).
Many times your instructor can provide the accommodations you need (such as extra
time or a quiet environment). However, there may be times when the instructor does
not have the resources to do so. In those cases, you will need to schedule to take
your exams with OAR.
Instructions for Submitting a Test Proctoring Request
1. Proctoring requests must be received at accessibility@wcu.edu three (3) business days before the test.
2. Type “Test Proctoring Request” in the subject line of your email
3. In the body of your email, type the following:
- Your first and last name
- Your 92#
- Class prefix and number (i.e. PSY 150)
- Your instructor’s first and last name
- Date and time when the class will take the test
- Date and time, you will be requesting to take the test (make sure you have permission
from your instructor FIRST for any changes of the day or time BEFORE sending your
request to OAR).
- List your approved accommodations that you will need for this quiz/exam (i.e. time-and-a-half,
assistance with reduced-distractions, alternate format test-braille)
Remember, the specific accommodations you request via this process must be listed
on your Letter and agreed upon ahead of time.
You will receive an Outlook Calendar invite within one business day from the test
proctoring request submission (Friday requests will be confirmed Monday). If you do
not receive a confirmation, please contact Office of Accessibility Resources at (828)
227-3886.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE, OAR may not be able to proctor your exam and you must take your exam with the rest of class.
In this case, the instructor might not be able to provide you accommodations for the
exam.
TESTING FAQ's
- Do I have to take my exam with OAR if my instructor can give it to me with the extra
time?
- No. If your instructor can administer your exam with your approved accommodations,
then they should do so.
- I gave my accommodations letter to my professor at the beginning of the semester.
Doesn't that mean they have to schedule my exams with OAR? Can't I just show up to
OAR on the day of my exam?
- It is the student's responsibility to schedule individual exams and you must do so
at least three (3) business days in advance of your exam. Follow the procedure described
in the section: Test Proctoring Request Procedure.
- OAR will then contact your instructor for details.
- What happens if I forget to schedule my exam with OAR until the day before?
- If you do not schedule your exam with OAR using the proper procedure (as described
in the section: Test Proctoring Request Procedure), OAR may not allow you to take your exam in our office. You will have to take your
exam with the instructor and the rest of the class.
- What if I am sick on the day of my exam or if I forget to come take my exam? Do I
just reschedule with OAR?
- No. You must first contact your instructor and discuss it with him/her. Once you agree with the instructor
on a make-up date/time, we are happy to administer the exam. We will not administer
a test other than at the originally scheduled time without written approval from the
instructor.
- I am approved for a reader. Can I bring someone with me to read for me or can I request
a particular reader?
- In order to maintain the security and integrity of testing, OAR will not allow you
to bring your own reader.
- OAR assigns readers based upon availability of our staff and cannot guarantee a particular
person to read. In some cases, OAR may use Assistive Technology for reading exams
aloud.
- I have not used testing accommodations all semester. Can I still take my final exams
at OAR?
- Yes, if you have met with OAR, received your Letters of Accommodation, and given them
to your instructors. To schedule exams you must follow the procedure outlined in the
section: Test Proctoring Request Procedure. Final exams require one-week notice.
- If you have not picked up your Letters of Accommodation or have not given the letters
to your instructors, then you must take your exams with the rest of the class without
accommodations.
- I have an exam scheduled for the first day of finals but I'd rather take it on the
last day, to give myself more time to study. Also, I have to work that day. Is this
OK?
- No. You must take your exam on the same day as or near the same time as the rest of
the class unless you have multiple finals on the same day and have made prior arrangements
with your instructor. Only your instructors—not OAR—can approve changes in your exam
schedule. Work, travel, or other extra-curricular activities are not valid reasons
for moving the date of an exam.
- I have an exam scheduled for the last day of finals but I'd rather take it early because
my parents are coming to move me out of the dorm. Can I do this?
- Only your instructors—not OAR—can approve changes in your exam schedule. Work, travel,
or other extra-curricular activities are not valid reasons for moving the date of
an exam.
- My exam begins at 8:30am. I have double time. Since that gives me 5 hours to take
my exam, can I just come at 9:30am or 10am? Or can I come at 8am and sit in the room
to study for a few hours?
- No. You must begin your exam at the scheduled start time. If you wish to begin more
than 15 minutes before or after the scheduled start time, OAR must have approval from
your instructor.
- If I'm tired and have plenty of time, can I lie on the floor and sleep in the testing
room?
- No. If you are not taking an exam, we will assume you are finished and collect your
exam.
- Can I take my things into the testing room?
- You may only take items that are approved by your instructor (i.e. calculator, book,
notepaper, etc). You may have a drink or snack with you, if you like, but please do
not spread out and make yourself a picnic.
Absolutely NO cell phones/smart phones/tablets are allowed in the testing rooms.
