The Office of Educational Accessibility provides reasonable accommodations and promotes access for students with disabilities (including student employees) in all aspects of campus life. We are committed to providing equal access to all campus programs and services for Golden Rams with disabilities.
We proudly embrace the values of West Chester University and remain committed to treating all members of our community with respect and dignity. Read the full WCU Values Statement.
In the Office of Educational Accessibility, that respect includes the following:
- We recognize and affirm a student’s right to personal autonomy. This includes their right to choose when, how, and to whom they disclose their disability. The Letter of Accommodation is a tool to communicate a student's accommodations to their faculty and contains no information other than what accommodations the professor is required to make available. The choice to share anything further is entirely up to the student.
- We respect that the student has the right to tell their own story in their own way. OEA will not share anything related to a diagnosis, treatment, or anything else related to a student’s status with OEA without their express permission.
- We recognize that along with the right to self-determination, there comes the responsibility of self-advocacy. OEA will only advocate on a student's behalf at their request and will keep them abreast of any action being taken on their behalf.
- We respect a person’s right to their own language of reference including their language of disability, gender, race, sexuality, etc. OEA recognizes that language has power, and we will honor your language of reference in interactions with you and concerning you.
OEA Mission Statement, Vision Statement & Student Learning Outcomes
How do I schedule an appointment?
NEW OEA Students: Complete the Student Disability Disclosure Form, including any supporting documentation. Once the OEA staff has reviewed the disclosure form, students will be contacted via their WCU email with information about how to schedule an appointment through the RAMS—Accommodate Portal.
STUDENT DISABILITY DISCLOSURE FORM
CURRENT OEA Students: Students who currently have accommodations with the OEA and want to meet with a member of the OEA staff should login to their RAMS-Accommodate portal to request an appointment, or you can call our office at 610.436.2564 and we can assist you in scheduling a meeting. Appointments are available during office hours either on campus or remotely via Zoom or phone.
If you require accommodations to access any part of the disclosure process or any interaction with OEA, please contact us at oea@wcupa.edu or by calling our office at 610.436.2564
Prospective Student OEA Information Sessions
OEA- Information Sessions
Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) Information Sessions are offered via Zoom and are open to incoming students as well as any other interested parties. These one-hour sessions hosted by a member of the OEA Accommodations Team and are designed to include multiple students/family members. Please note that because these sessions are open to the public, we are unable to discuss any personal information.
Individuals need to register for each event they plan to attend. Once registered, they will receive Zoom information.
Dates:
1) February 28th via Zoom 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
2) March 28th via Zoom 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
3) April 25th via Zoom 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
4) May 30th via Zoom 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
5) June 27th via Zoom 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our main office by email: OEA@wcupa.edu.
How do I receive a Letter of Accommodation for the first time? Follow the 2-Step Process!
Step 1: Complete the OEA Student Disability Disclosure Form. You will be required to submit any supporting documentation you may have either from a previous educational institution (e.g., IEP, 504, etc.) or a medical or psychiatric provider. Please refer to the Documentation Guidelines for OEA Disclosure for more information. Generally, documentation must include at least a description of the impact of your disability on you specifically as well as a description of any recommendations for specific accommodations.
Please note that documentation is only accepted through the RAMS - Accommodate portal and never directly from third parties.
STUDENT DISABILITY DISCLOSURE FORM
Once the OEA staff have had a chance to review the disclosure form, students will be contacted via their WCU email with information about how to schedule an appointment through the RAMS - Accommodate system to establish accommodations for the first time.
Step 2: Schedule and attend a one-on-one initial meeting, which will last for approximately 30 minutes and can be scheduled via Zoom or in-person (subject to availability).
Please note that this process may take up to several weeks to complete, and accommodations are not retroactive. Please also note that if you choose not to contact our office, documentation submitted by you or on your behalf will be destroyed no sooner than six months from the date received.
How do I RENEW my Letter of Accommodation?
- Goto Accommodation
- Choose Semester Request
- Choose Add New
- Choose Select Semester
- Submit for all OR Review (to select which courses you want to utilize which accommodations)
Accessibility
The OEA is committed to ensuring that all students and visitors are provided accessibility to our office. If, due to a disability, you require accommodation to access our office, please contact us at oea@wcupa.edu or by phone at 610.436.2564, and let us know how we may be of assistance.
- Accessible Shuttle Bus Transportation Services - specific accommodation required
- Alternate Text Request - available through RAMS - Accommodate
- ADA Furniture Request Form
- CART/ASL/Closed Captioning Requests - available through RAMS - Accommodate (for specific student/course needs) or by email at oeaca@wcupa.edu.
- For information about other accessible software available through Information Services & Technology (IS&T), please refer to the Accessible Software Applications dropdown link on the Information Technology Accessibility webpage.
Location & Parking
Our administrative offices as well as the OEA Proctoring Center, Mindfulness Space, and Academic Coaching Program are located in 107 Wayne Hall at 125 W. Rosedale Avenue on West Chester's main campus.
Traffic and parking are unpredictable for students, staff, faculty and visitors. It is advisable to allow extra time (up to 30 minutes) when you have a meeting scheduled in our offices. Do not park illegally; we cannot reimburse for parking violations.
There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces directly outside of our offices in Wayne Hall.
For an overview of our location, view our campus map.
Please refer to the WCU Parking Services webpage for up to date information.
OEA Mindfulness Program
The OEA Mindfulness Program began in 2017. The mindfulness team works with students to incorporate healthy, mindful habits in their everyday lives through contemplative practice. The Mindfulness Program is free of charge and is open for all OEA students. There is no prior knowledge of mindfulness needed in order to participate! During remote learning, mindfulness sessions are available remotely via Zoom!
Join us in our new suite, which includes a new, improved mindfulness space available during office hours.
If you would like more information about the OEA Mindfulness Program, you may contact OEAGA@wcupa.edu.
new OEA students requesting accommodations for the first time AT WCU
COMPLETE A STUDENT PROCTORING REQUEST through YOUR accommodate PORTAL
Request an Emotional Support Animal in WCU Housing
RENEW YOUR PREVIOUSLY-ISSUED LETTER OF ACCOMMODATION through Your Accommodate PORTAL
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