Disability Services

1. Apply to WWCC and set up your NET ID account.
   • If you need assistance accessing your student email account please contact IT for support.
   • If you would like assistance completing the application, please contact the DSS office for support.
2. Register for classes.
3. Complete the online application for Disability Support Services. You will be asked to log into your NET ID account in order to access the application.
4. TIP: If you are on a PC the application may be 3 columns wide. To reduce that to 1 column you can make the browser window have sized. The column itself will be the same size but the questions will be easier to follow.
5. Be sure to read all information before submitting the application.
6. Completely fill out the application. Please note that completing the application does not mean you’ve been approved to receive accommodations you will need to engage in the interactive process.
7. If you have documentation you would like to share with DSS to support your application, you may upload it when you complete the DSS Application or bring it to your Access Planning Meeting.
   1. IMPORTANT: Every individual situation is unique; regardless of what medical documentation you may or may not have, please contact our office to have a discussion about how we may be able to work together. We understand obtaining documentation may be difficult and we want to partner with you to address any academic barriers you may be experiencing.
8. If you use a screen reader please contact kristen.duede@wwcc.edu to receive a copy of the AIM Screen Reader Guide for Students

1. You will be invited to an Access Planning Meeting by email where you will have the opportunity to discuss your history of disability, understand the purpose of academic accommodations in the college setting, learn what type of documentation works for college-level accommodations, and discuss the barriers you experience or may experience in the college classroom.
2. Based on your discussion, there will be a determination of college-level accommodations based on your specific disability(ies). These accommodations are determined by a combination of (a) your self-report in your DSS Application, (b) information obtained through your Access Planning Meeting, and (c) your disability documentation.
3. You will have access to myDSS where you will be able to interact with DSS staff, renew accommodations, and manage your DSS requests.

• Documentation is one tool DSS uses to verify that a student meets the definition of having a qualifying disability and to determine a student’s eligibility to receive accommodations in the educational setting.
• Ideal documentation should include:
  • A diagnosis of the disability/health condition by a medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or other qualified provider trained to diagnose disabilities.
  • A description of the current impact/limitations of the disability/health condition with specific focus on barriers to the education environment.
  • A discussion of whether the disability/health condition is permanent or temporary. If temporary, please provide information on the expected duration of the disability/health condition and timeline for reevaluation.
  • Contact information of the provider, date(s) of testing/evaluation, and signature
  • A generic statement such as: “the patient has a disability” or “the patient struggles with test anxiety”, don’t typically provide the DSS office with enough information to determine if a student meets the definition of having a disability. Please ask your medical provider to be specific when sharing what your diagnosis is.
• IMPORTANT: Every individual situation is unique; regardless of what medical documentation you may or may not have, please contact our office to have a discussion about how we may be able to work together. We understand obtaining documentation may be difficult and we want to partner with you to address any academic barriers you may be experiencing.

• While Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans may provide some useful information when determining college accommodations, students may be asked to obtain more detailed documentation from a qualified diagnostician to support their accommodation request.
• This includes students enrolled in Running Start. If you have a 504 or IEP, you will still need to engage in the interactive process to receive accommodations at WWCC.

• FERPA pertains to the release of records only. It does not give others the right to act on the student’s behalf or to change their records.
• If the student DOES sign a Student Release of Records form:
  • College staff and faculty are not required to provide information on student progress, attendance, grades, or accommodations directly to third parties, including vocational counselors and parents.
  • FERPA pertains to the release of student educational records only. It does not give others the right to act on a student’s behalf, change their records, or individually meet or contact college staff without the student present.
  • A third party who logs into the website or identifies themselves with someone else’s student identification constitutes improper use and violates State and Federal privacy laws.

Please contact your campus’ DSS staff to help you complete the application.  

1. While illness, surgery, injuries are not covered disabilities under the American with Disabilities Act here at WWCC we are here to support the health and well-being of our students. For students needing support after an illness, surgery, or injury including concussions we may be able to provide reasonable accommodations on a temporary basis. 
2. Please complete the DSS application and attend an Access Planning Meeting. 
3. If you know you will have a need for temporary accommodations please start the process as early as possible. 
4. In the case on an accident or illness please contact the DSS office as soon as you can. Accommodations can’t be applied retroactively so we want to be able to support you as soon as possible. 

1. If the concern is related to your accommodation, DSS can assist in facilitating communication between the student and faculty, staff, or department. DSS may contact the appropriate dean to help clarify and resolve the situation. 
2. For any concerns that can’t be resolved through this process will be brought to the attention of the VP of Instruction and/or the VP of Student Services, or a designee. This will continue the informal process.
3. If there is still no resolution through the informal process, a student will be referred to the formal process outlined in the Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Administrative Procedure. 

1. If you don’t agree with a denial of an accommodation, your first step is to request that your request be reconsidered. DSS staff may request additional documentation, and/or consult with internal or external staff. 
2. If the complaint isn’t resolved through the informal process, or the informal process is waived, then the student shall submit a written request for a meeting with the VP of Student Services. 
3. If the case isn’t resolved through the meeting conducted by the VPSS then the student may request an appeal to the college president or their designee. 

1. While DSS staff would love to work through any concerns you may have with them we understand that students may not always feel comfortable. If this is the case, you can contact the VP of Students Services at 509.527.1879 or colleen.vandenboom@wwcc.edu  

1. Students are encouraged to work through the WWCC internal process, but retain the right to file an external complaint of disability discrimination with the U.S. Department of Educations’ Office for Civil Rights

Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights 

810 3rd Avenue, Suite 750 

Seattle, WA 98104-1627 

Phone: 206-684-4500

TTY: 206-684-4503