Disabilities services

Disability Services

Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. At Washington State College of Ohio, we strive to provide a student-centered learning environment. Our goal is to assist students in developing their fullest potential and achieve personal success. The intent of the Office of Student Disability Services is to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and equal access to an education.

WSCO's admission policy is consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which states that institutions may not discriminate against a qualified disabled individual solely by reason of disability. It is also consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which requires reasonable accommodations be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities, as well as access to all educational programs, opportunities and activities on campus. In addition, the college placement test may be administered with accommodations if the student provides the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) documentation in advance.

Current incoming students with documented physical, psychological, or cognitive disabilities should contact the Student Disability Services Coordinator, located in the Center for Student Success Center in the Library. To assist with the process, please be sure to follow the steps below:

  •  Eligible students must schedule an initial intake appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator and bring three-year current documentation of their disability.
  •  Eligible students must provide current documentation of their disability from an appropriate diagnosing medical physician, licensed professional or specialist.
  •  High school Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans alone are not acceptable documentation and must be accompanied by supporting documentation. (Documentation should include a neuropsychological educational evaluation, a multi-factual evaluation, or other medical diagnostic information about the disability.)
  •  Academic adjustments and accommodations are determined on an individual, case-by-case basis and arranged by the OSDS.

Documentation Requirements

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Learning Disabilities

The name, title and professional credentials of the evaluator should be clearly stated in the documentation. All reports should be on letterhead, typed, dated and signed.

Documentation should be recent (within 3 years) and validate the need for services based on the individual's current level of functioning in the educational setting.

Validation of a substantial limitation to learning or other major life activity must be provided. A comprehensive assessment battery and the resulting diagnostic report should include:

  •  Diagnostic Interview Summary
  •  Assessment
  •  Specific Diagnosis
  •  Test Scores
  •  Clinical Summary
  •  Aptitude – A complete intellectual assessment with all subtests and standard scores reported.
  •  Academic Achievement – A comprehensive academic achievement battery is essential. The battery should include current levels of academic functioning in relevant areas such as reading (decoding and comprehension), mathematics, and oral and written language.
  •  Information Processing – Specific areas of information processing (e.g., short- and long-term memory, sequential memory, auditory and visual perception/processing, processing speed, executive functioning and motor ability) should be assessed.

The data should logically reflect a substantial limitation to learning for which the student is requesting the accommodation. The particular profile of the student's strengths and weaknesses must be shown to relate to functional limitations that may necessitate accommodations.

A well written diagnostic summary base on a comprehensive evaluation process is a necessary component of the report. The diagnostic report should include specific recommendations for accommodations as well as an explanation as to why each accommodation is recommended. The evaluators should describe the impact the diagnosed learning disability has on a specific major life activity as well as the degree of significance of this impact on the individual. The evaluator should support recommendations with specific test results or clinical observations.

If accommodations are not clearly identified in a diagnostic report the student will be asked to seek clarification and, if necessary, more information. The final determination for providing appropriate and reasonable accommodations rests with the institution.

Deafness or Hearing Impairments

An audiogram from a certified otologist indication air and bone conduction thresholds.

Mobility and Injury-Related Disabilities

A statement of disability including any recommended accommodations signed by a physician or licensed psychologist.

Psychiatric Disabilities

Documentation for a psychiatric disability should include the following components:

  •  A diagnosis by a licensed professional, qualified in the appropriate specialty area and not related to the student;
  •  The report should be on letterhead, dated and signed.
  •  A clear statement of the student's illness, including the DSM-IV diagnosis, summary of the present symptoms and prognosis. (Must be coded on Axis I or II).
  •  Documentation must be current, and describe how the student's psychiatric condition interferes with, or impacts, ability to participate in the educational process. (Generally documentation which is less than five years old is adequate, although the age of the documentation is dependent upon the psychiatric condition, the current status of the student and the student's request for accommodations).
  •  Medical information relating to the impact of medication and/or treatment on the student's ability to participate in all aspects of the academic environment.
  •  Suggestions of academic accommodations which might be appropriate in an educational environment, supported by disability related rationale.
Visual Impairments

A medical eye report from a certified ophthalmologist.

Student Disability Discrimination Grievance Procedures

Washington State College of Ohio believes that all students should be free from discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, throughout their educational pursuit at the college. If, at any time, students feel that they have been subject to discriminatory actions or denied entitled rights on the basis of disability (issues related to policies and procedure regarding physical accessibility, academic adjustments, disability harassment, retaliation, exclusion because of disability, or any other discriminatory action), resolution can be sought by filing out a written grievance with the Disability Services Coordinator located in the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS) in the Center for Student Success in the Library building. The Coordinator will promptly investigate the situation and determine action within ten (10) working days. Resolution of the issue may be reached at this level.

Grievance issues not resolved with the OSDS, or if the complaint is against the OSDS, students may file a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint to Human Resources located in the Library building. Human Resources serves as the ADA coordinator for civil rights compliance at Washington State College of Ohio. ADA regulations incorporate appropriate due process standards (the right to present witness, the right to representation). The Human Resources will make every effort to provide prompt resolution to complaints filed on the basis of disability. All grievances will be promptly and impartially investigated and evaluated and students will be informed of the findings and resolution decision within thirty (30) working days of receipt. If resolution has not been reached at this level, students may file a grievance with the Office of Civil Rights, or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Student grievances will be confidentially filed and maintained in either the OSDS or the Human Resources Office. The grievance will be discussed only on a need to know basis with the involved parties. The student complainant's name will be kept confidential to the degree possible given the nature of the complaint. Retaliation against a student who files a complaint of discrimination or persons who participate in related proceedings is prohibited by law.

Students may seek resolution at any time during this process by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Office of Civil Rights, at 600 Superior Avenue East, Suite 750, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

For more information

Barbi Cheadle

Student Success Coach and Interim Disability Services Coordinator
Office of Student Disability Services
740.374.8716 ext. 2503
bcheadle@wscc.edu

If discrimination has occurred, be assured that Washington State College of Ohio will take the appropriate corrective action for resolution.