Our Commitment
Walla Walla Community College is a community of diverse learners. WWCC is committed to provide access and promote an atmosphere conducive to academic success for all who can benefit from post-secondary education. This includes providing accommodations to WWCC students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to enroll in courses.
WWCC complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disability Act and the ADA Amendment Act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability.
An interactive and collaborative process is initiated when the student contacts the Coordinator of Disability Support Services and requests an accommodation.
To learn about our services contact:
Walla Walla Campus
Kristen Duede, LICSW
Disability Support Services Coordinator
Phone: (509)527-4543
TTY: (509)527-4412
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment Online
Clarkston Campus
Heather Markwalter
Student Affairs Coordinator/Retention Specialist
Phone: (509) 758-1721
TTY: (509) 527-4412
Email: [email protected]
Accommodations for online courses can be arranged by contacting the Coordinator of DSS by phone or email.
What are your Responsibilities?
- You are responsible for your own success in higher education.
- You are expected to meet the academic standards required of all students.
- You must identify yourself as a student with a disability to the Coordinator of Disability Support Services and provide information regarding the functional limitation of your disability in regard to the educational setting.
- Complete an accommodations request form.
- Be an active participant in the accommodation process.
- It is helpful to request services early. We recommend at least six weeks prior to entering the college.
What services may be provided?
Accommodations are individually determined through a collaborative process and based on your unique needs, program of study and course requirements.
Examples of services are:
- Accessible facilities/disability parking
- Materials in alternate format, such as braille, enlarged print, and audio
- Testing and classroom accommodations
- Sign language interpreters
- Priority registration
- Adaptive furniture
- Specialized equipment and software for classroom use
Dispute Resolution
Students are encouraged to resolve concerns by first contacting the Coordinator of Disability Support Services. It is in everyone’s best interest that disputes be settled as quickly and informally as possible. Walla Walla Community College also offers a formal procedure for students who have a complaint or grievance with the institution.
Grievance Process
Students are made aware of the established grievance policy early in the accommodation process. The grievance policy and grievance form were updated in 2020 and can be reviewed at the following links:
Students are encouraged to resolve concerns by first contacting the Coordinator. In addition to information about the grievance policy. The policy includes contact information for the Office of Civil Rights and the Human Rights Commissions. Both resources are available for persons who want to file a complaint that involves discrimination.
The Vice Present of Human Resources serves as the College’s 504 Compliance Officer. The Vice President is available to review and advise the Coordinator about circumstances involving discrimination due to a disability. Title IX complaints that involve pregnancy and disability are also handled by the Vice President of Human Resources, who serves as the College’s Title IX Officer.
Confidentiality and Release of Information
The Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) is committed to ensuring that all information and communication pertaining to a student’s disability is maintained as confidential as required or permitted by law.
The following guidelines about the treatment of such information have been adopted by DSS and will be shared with students. These guidelines incorporate relevant state and federal regulations.
No one will have immediate access to student files stored in the DSS office except appropriate staff. Any information regarding a disability is considered confidential and will be shared only with others within the college who have a legitimate educational interest.
This information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). See: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html?
Sensitive information in the DSS student files will not be released except in accordance with federal and state laws.
A student’s file may be released pursuant to a court order or subpoena.
If a student wishes to have information about a disability shared with others, the student must provide written authorization to the Coordinator of DSS to release the information. Before giving such authorization, the student should understand the purpose of the release and to whom the information is being released. The student should also understand that there may be occasions when the Coordinator will share information regarding a student’s disability at his/her discretion if circumstances necessitate the sharing of information and the Coordinator has determined that there is an appropriate legitimate educational interest involved.
A student has the right to review his/her own file.
Records Retention Policy
Student records are retained in locked files for six years. When the last point of contact has exceeded six years, the file is placed in the confidential shred container. The FERPA law applies to all student records and communications. Refer to CT0401.002