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Fact Sheet 07
Revised June 2007
Services for Students With Disabilities
Philosophy
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 defines a person with a disability as "someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."
The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) offers services for students with physical and learning disabilities. The OSSD is designed to assist students to make a successful transition to the University. We take a proactive stance that encourages students to understand their needs and strengths in order to best advocate for themselves.
At West Chester University we recognize that some students with disabilities want minimal assistance while others require the full range of support and services. To facilitate a successful transition, we recommend a comprehensive assessment of needs through our office. We also provide advocacy with faculty for classroom accommodations.
Functions of OSSD
The OSSD is located within the Academic Programs and Services Division. We coordinate services with other units within the division, such as the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and the Academic Advising Center, as well as other University offices, including the Writing Center and Residence Life.
Liaison with governmental agencies and private practitioners for provision of services also is available through the OSSD. We recommend that, in order to ensure continuity of services, students pursue such actions prior to enrollment. Students needing financial support for personal services or interpreters should register with the appropriate agency at least six months in advance of matriculation. It is the student's responsibility, however, to provide services of a personal nature (e.g., attendants).
Admissions Process
Admissions decisions are made based on ability, not disability. All students, however, must meet established eligibility criteria. An interview or discussion with the OSSD staff is recommended once the student receives an acceptance letter. At the time of application, students are requested to disclose their disabilities directly to the OSSD, not to the Office of Admissions. To ensure confidentiality, a response card from OSSD is enclosed with the application packet. Upon receipt of the response card, OSSD will send detailed information to the student.
Documentation of the disability must be received before accommodations can be considered. We recommend updating diagnostic reports for students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder to within five years and three years of application, respectively. Reports should include information concerning cognitive, academic, and perceptual processing, and recommendations for classroom accommodations. (Suggested tests include the WAIS-R, Woodcock-Johnson-R, Nelson-Denny Reading Test, and/or Wrat-R.) For complete documentation requirements, see the OSSD Web page, http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/ossd/. We recommend that this be sent in advance of matriculation at the University so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Documentation of disability should be sent to
Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
Room 105 Lawrence Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2564
Services