Students who are new to Accessibility Services at Wheaton are welcomed by our Accessibility Services team, available to meet with students via drop-in or appointment upon acceptance and enrollment as a Wheaton college student. Schedule an appointment with Frannie Palmer, Accommodations Specialist, email [email protected], or stop by the Filene Center in the Discovery Center/Kollett Hall.
Prospective applicants interested in learning more about Wheaton’s Accessibility Services are invited to review our web pages, and schedule a phone call to discuss general questions and get information about our support services. Students and their families are also invited to schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services when they are on campus to interview with the Office of Admission or during Visiting Days for a general overview of Accessibility Services.
Specific accommodations for enrolled students are determined on an individual basis ahead of each semester, once a student has registered with Accessibility Services and has registered for classes.
Registering with Accessibility Services
Students wishing to access disability accommodations offered through the Accessibility Services office, must complete the following steps:
1. Complete our Accessibility Services Registration Form:
Once enrolled at Wheaton, students begin their registration with Accessibility Services by completing the Accessibility Services Registration form, and submitting the form to [email protected].
2. Submit your Comprehensive Disability Documentation.
Please refer to the relevant documentation guidelines for assistance in providing documentation that is appropriate to verify eligibility and support accommodation requests. Please submit a copy of your documentation, and be sure to retain the original.
Learning Disability Documentation Guidelines
Medical Provider Form (pdf)
Mental Health Provider Form (pdf)
While most documentation can support academic accommodations for a student’s entire enrollment period at Wheaton, please note that students must submit updated documentation for disabling conditions of a changing or episodic nature. Students must submit a Housing Accommodation Request each year by the stated deadline.
3. Schedule a Meeting with our Accessibility Services team.
Please email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. During the meeting, students will provide information about their disability and how it may have an impact on the student in our college environment. This is also an opportunity for students to become acquainted with other services and supports that are offered at Wheaton. Related policies and procedures will be reviewed, along with the rights and responsibilities of students, faculty, and Accessibility Services.
4. Communicate with your Faculty.
After submitting the Semester Request Form and meeting with the Accessibility Services team to discuss individual needs for the semester, students will receive an Accommodation Letter via Wheaton email. Students can print the letter and meet with each faculty member during their scheduled office hours in order to have a confidential conversation regarding needs, and to submit the accommodation letter.
Accommodation letters must be submitted to faculty at the start of the semester, and always well in advance of the need for accommodations which often require prior planning by faculty and staff. It’s important to note that accommodations are not active until the student delivers the Accommodation Letter to each faculty member and meets with each professor to make the practical arrangements for each accommodation.
Please note: students must meet with the Accessibility Services team prior to the start of each term to access approved accommodations and updated letters for each semester.
Emergency Evacuation Needs
Students who may require assistance in an emergency evacuation are urged to identify themselves directly to the Campus Safety Department.
Important Links: