Faculty Information
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
Students with disabilities at Wheaton College may experience challenges that call for appropriate accommodations to ensure equitable access to programs and services, and to foster success in and out of the classroom. Each student’s abilities and skills may be very different even if they have similar disabilities or learning profiles. Working with students individually to talk about their learning needs while considering the potential impact of a disability promotes an effective learning environment and results in greater academic achievement for all students.
To ensure access to students’ classes and programs, students seeking disability accommodations and supports should be referred to the Accessibility Services team in the Filene Center to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting accommodations in the classroom and other settings, as well as leveraging those supports and accessing other critical programs/services. Accessibility Services follows strict confidentiality protocols. Your discretion in protecting student’s personal information and rights to privacy is greatly appreciated.
Wheaton College adheres to the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and affirmatively provides appropriate accommodations to students who submit the necessary documentation and qualify for individualized disability support. Students with disabilities are protected from the discrimination that may happen as a result of misconceptions, misinformation, attitudinal barriers, and/or failure of the institution to provide appropriate accommodations, services or auxiliary aids. Equal access to academics sometimes requires the provision of appropriate classroom accommodations, assistive technology, and support services in order to ensure equal opportunities for all students regardless of disability.
The Accessibility Services team is available to support faculty and students by providing assistance with appropriate accommodations, such as providing a quiet testing space for students who may benefit from extended time and/or testing in an environment with fewer distractions, creating/accessing alternate text formats (e.g. audiobooks, text enlargements, .pdf), providing and supporting the use of assistive technologies (e.g. Kurzweil, Zoom video conferencing, FM Speaker Systems), and helping to coordinate students’ access to lecture notes. We are available to meet with you throughout the semester to talk further and more specifically about supporting all students, including individuals with disabilities. In discussing how accommodations could be coordinated and implemented within your course(s), you might also consider additional options that encourage meaningful participation in related course requirements for all students. If you have a question about an accommodation listed on a student’s letter or how to implement an accommodation, you are welcome to reach out to Accessibility Services. For certain accommodations, Accessibility Services may need to reach out to collaborate directly with faculty. Students are also encouraged to check-in with faculty about their accommodations, if they choose.
Syllabus Statement Guide:
Including a disability statement on course syllabi is an effective way to communicate that our institution welcomes and encourages all students, including those who have disabilities, to participate in our programs, services and activities.
The following sample statement suggests that we have a welcoming educational environment at Wheaton, and indicates that there is a process to follow before accommodations can be made. Including contact information is also a good way to make sure that students have the right information to quickly access resources that can support their needs:
“Wheaton College is committed to providing equal access to learning opportunities for students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, the Accessibility Services team is available to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting accommodations in the classroom and other settings, as well as accessing academic support services. Please schedule an appointment by sending an email to: [email protected], or drop by the Filene Center.
Appointments and disability documentation must be completed and submitted at the beginning of the semester; accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students seeking disability supports are encouraged to register with Accessibility Services as soon as they begin their program of study. Upon review and determination of appropriate accommodations, students are responsible for follow-up with their individual faculty. Wheaton College encourages students to access all resources available for consistent and ongoing support.”
Faculty Resources:
Creating Accessible Documents PDF
Alternative Text PDF
Accessibility in Canvas PDF
Presentations PDF
Universal Design PDF