{"id":832,"date":"2015-05-13T17:18:00","date_gmt":"2015-05-14T00:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/?page_id=832"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:35:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T18:35:31","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/home\/student-resources\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/files\/2022\/08\/redBG.gif” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”60px||43px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||25px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”46px” header_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||33px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_padding=”40px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Where is Disability Access Services located?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Disability Access Services\u00a0 –\u00a0 our office is in the Student Success Center, room 105.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
$\"\"$ <\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a Disability?” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
A disability includes any long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impact(s) which, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, hinders a person\u2019s equal and effective participation in <\/span>one or more major life activities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Do I Need to Disclose My Disability?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
It is your choice whether or not you disclose your disability to anyone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Generally, in order to receive accommodations, you must both disclose and provide documentation of your disability to DAS. Students who register with DAS have <\/span>Rights and Responsibilities<\/span><\/a> in relation to their accommodations.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a Release of Information (ROI) Form?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
A completed Release of Information (ROI) form allows DAS to share specified information with a designated entity, person, or persons. Although the ROI allows DAS to include other parties in accommodation conversations, the student is still expected to be present during these meetings. For more information and our ROI form, please visit our <\/span>Home Page<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Things to note:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
DAS records are confidential, we will not disclose any information without a current ROI<\/span><\/li>\n
ROIs stand for one year after signature date<\/span><\/li>\n
Note that records requests can take up to two weeks for processing<\/span><\/li>\n
Each department or area on campus may have their own unique Release of Information form<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What Documentation Do I Need to Receive Accommodations?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
For academic and classroom requests, we have two options for documentation:<\/span><\/p>\n
Option 1-<\/b> provide disability documentation or a letter on official letterhead from your *Qualified Licensed Provider specializing in your disability area that clearly states the following:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
A specific diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n
Functional Limitations in an academic setting<\/span><\/li>\n
Suggested recommendations for accommodations in an academic setting to minimize the functional limitations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
**Option 2-<\/b> Bring the form below to your *Qualified Licensed Professional to complete (make sure you give them your V-number):<\/span><\/p>\n**
\n
Disability Verification Form<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Documentation may be uploaded to the application, faxed, mailed, or submitted in person during office hours.<\/span><\/p>\n
*A Qualified Licensed Professional must have expertise in the disability diagnosis and follow established best practices in the field.<\/span><\/p>\n
For more information about applying for accommodations, please visit our <\/span>Apply page<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”May I Submit My IEP or 504 Plan as Documentation of my Disability?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Yes, IEPs and 504 Plans often meet our documentation requirements. If we need more information, we will reach out.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When Will My Accommodations Take Effect? ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
We encourage you to apply for and\/or implement accommodations before you begin the term since accommodations are not retroactive. Once you are approved for accommodations, you will log into our system (AIM) to request accommodations for your individual classes. Once submitted, DAS will send your instructors a Faculty Notification Letter (FNL) outlining your requested accommodations. The FNL is generated within one business day of your request in AIM and begins your accommodations for that term.<\/span><\/p>\n
Note that some accommodations require additional steps to implement. Please contact our office with any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I request an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in University Housing?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
For information about accommodations such as Emotional Support Animals in University Housing, please visit our <\/span>University Housing Accommodations<\/span><\/a> page. <\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Where is my Documentation Stored?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
In accordance with state and federal law, documentation regarding your disability is kept in a separate, confidential database (AIM) and is only accessible by DAS staff members. Services with DAS are not a part of your academic record. <\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How Does Disability Access Services Use My Disability Information?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
DAS needs sufficient information in order to determine eligibility and effective accommodations for each student.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
We may use non-identifying information about your disability to gather statistical information for planning and allocation of resources.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How can I Add or Alter my Accommodations?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
To request to add or alter your currently approved accommodations, follow these steps:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
Log in to your AIM profile<\/span><\/li>\n
On the right side, under the “Home” tab, click on “Submit Additional Documentation” (Documentation may not be needed, DAS will review your request and let you know the next steps.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
Fill in this form as if it were asking about submitting a request for additional accommodation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
Submit the form<\/span><\/li>\n
The system will give you the opportunity to upload additional documentation at this time, if you do not have documentation to submit, you can disregard this step<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To modify an existing request for the term, follow these steps:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
\n
Log in to your AIM profile<\/span><\/li>\n
Scroll down to locate the course in which you\u2019d like to add\/modify your accommodation(s)<\/span><\/li>\n
Click \u201cModify Request\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
On the next page, select or deselect the accommodations you\u2019d like to add or remove<\/span><\/li>\n
Select \u201cUpdate Request\u201d to notify DAS of the change(s)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Do I Need to Apply Each Term to Use Accommodations Through Disability Services?” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
No, you only need to apply with our office once. Your approved accommodations are available to you throughout your time at WOU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, each term you need to select accommodations for your individual classes <\/span>by logging into our system (AIM) and following the prompts. <\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why Can\u2019t I Schedule My Test in AIM?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
If you have already requested your alternative testing accommodations but are still unable to schedule an exam, this is most likely because your instructor has not submitted an alternative testing agreement. If you feel comfortable reaching out to your instructor to remind them to fill this out, feel free to do so. Otherwise, contact DAS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
If you are ready to schedule an exam and the instructor has a testing agreement on file, please find a PDF of the <\/span>DAS exam scheduling process here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does Disability Access Services Provide Study Skills Support or Academic Tutoring?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Disability Access Services can provide disability management coaching appointments upon request. If you are looking for subject-specific tutoring, explore WOU\u2019s <\/span>Free Tutoring Services<\/a>. Additionally, <\/span>Student Success and Advising<\/span><\/a> provides study skills tutoring and Peer Academic Coaching. <\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#1e1e1e” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”15px||0px|||” global_module=”22344″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”2560px” custom_margin=”35px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/cdn.wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/files\/2024\/10\/DAS_WOU_circle.png” alt=”Disability Access Services | �ֲ��Ƶ Logo” title_text=”DAS_WOU_circle” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” width=”100%” custom_margin=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” background_color=”#ffffff” background_layout=”dark” width=”69.9%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”95px” custom_margin=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” link_option_url=”https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSd0Bo9tlQwET-zGIVx-MNY6tIw5JqN6UKj96b7H6M5DluF_1w\/viewform” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#E02B20″ box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_color=”#6b6b6b” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Request ASL Interpreting,\u00a0 Captioning, and\/or TypeWell Transcribing Services Here<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_text_color=”#db0a29″ header_3_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”10%|10%|10%|10%|false|false” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” border_width_top=”6px” border_color_top=”#db0a29″ border_width_bottom=”7px” border_color_bottom=”#db0a29″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Contact Disability Access Services (DAS)<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n
Email:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> das@wou.edu<\/a><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
Phone: <\/span>503-838-8250<\/span>
<\/span><\/li>\n
Fax: 503-838-8721<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”236.5px” custom_margin=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” custom_padding=”5%|5%|5%|5%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
DAS Quicklinks<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n
Accommodations<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
Apply for Services<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
Student Resources<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
Faculty & Staff Resources<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
FAQ<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions Where is Disability Access…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":22444,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"splash-page.php","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%% | %%sitetitle%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
<\/a>What is a disability?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
A disability is an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Examples of major life activities include walking, listening, reading, and learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do I need to tell anyone about my disability?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
It is your choice whether or not you disclose your disability, even to your professors. If you want to receive accommodations, you must provide documentation of your disability to the Office of Disability Services (ODS).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How do I document my disability?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
You need to provide a statement from a competent medical professional (a doctor, psychiatrist, or other medical professional), that verifies the functional limitations caused by your disability. For example, a student that has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy may have difficulty writing. The functional limitations may include lack of fine motor control. Recommended accommodations may include a scribe or the use of voice activation software during exams and a note taker for classes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When should I provide documentation?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
You are strongly encouraged to complete an application and provide medical documentation before the term in which you are needing the services starts. We need to have these materials before you can receive accommodations and services through the Office of Disability Services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Where is my documentation kept?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
In accordance with state and federal law, documentation regarding your disability is kept in a separate, confidential file at ODS and will not be part of your academic record.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How does Western use information about my disability?<\/h2>\n
\n \t
The Office of Disability Services needs sufficient information in order to determine eligibility and effective accommodations for each student. We may use non-identifying information about your disability to gather statistical information for planning and allocation of resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-832","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=832"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/832\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23748,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/832\/revisions\/23748"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22444"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/disabilityservices\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}