Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of accommodations do you offer for students with disabilities?
Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis and are determined by demonstrated need.
How do I get tested for a learning disability?
Professionals who are qualified to evaluate you for a learning disability include clinical or educational psychologists, school psychologists, and learning disabilities specialists. The Office of Disability Services may be able to direct you to a local practitioner, if your area is not included on this list of Learning Disability Evaluators. It is the student's responsibility to arrange and pay for the evaluation.
Is my 504 Plan or IEP enough documentation to get accommodations?
They are not considered adequate documentation, although they are useful in understanding the prior academic experiences of the student. Please see "Documentation Guidelines" for specific disabilities.
Will I get the same I services I received in high school?
Not necessarily. The laws governing postsecondary schools and high schools are different. See "Comparison of ADA, 504, and IDEA." Accommodations must be consistent with the University's academic standards and are determined by demonstrated need.
How do I get air conditioning or other accommodations in my residence hall?
You must send a completed application to the Office of Disability Services which includes specific information from your physician or other diagnosing professional. Please see "Housing Accommodations" for complete instructions.
How do I get a handicapped-parking permit?
You must complete a "Campus Accommodations Request Form," submit appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services and make an appointment with the director who decides whether your request will be granted.
How can I get foreign language course substitution?
Once a student has presented appropriate documentation of a disability, (usually learning disability or hearing disability) impacting foreign language learning, he/she may choose to follow the procedure for substituting an approved alternate course.
To request an accommodation, the student must complete a "Foreign Language Course Substitution Form," submit it to the Office of Disability Services, and make an appointment with the director.
Do you offer tutoring?
The University of Mary Washington offers free tutoring to all undergraduate students, not just those with disabilities. Contact the Office of Academic Services at 540-654-1010 to schedule a tutoring session or go to their Web site to sign up online.
Do you supply personal assistants to students with mobility impairment?
No. Students must hire and supervise their own personal assistants.
Housing Accommodations Questions
How do I request special housing consideration?
Students with disabilities needing housing accommodations must complete the application form for disability-related accommodations including supporting documentation. The application consists of four parts: the two student-completed forms, the disability documentation form to be completed by an appropriate private practitioner and his/her letter on letterhead stating date of last visit, professional credentials and signature. Students who do not have disabilities but have special requests, such as same-sex housing and non-smoking roommate should state these preferences on the housing questionnaire provided by the Office of Residence Life.
Will the committee consider the application if it is not fully completed?
The application may not be acted upon if it is not completed in full. Doctor's notes are not accepted unless all questions asked on the application are addressed.
Who receives the application?
Completed application forms may be delivered to the Office of Disability Services or mailed or faxed: Office of Disability Services, Lee Hall 401, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, fax: 540-654-2155.
How do I receive approval to bring my own air conditioner to install in my room?
Typically, students are not allowed to bring their own air conditioning units. If the student has a disability related to air-conditioned housing, he/she must complete the application for disability-related housing before housing assignments are made. The committee will attempt to assign the student air-conditioned housing. In the event this is not possible, the use of a personal air conditioning unit will be considered.
How do I get the application for disability-related housing accommodations?
Forms are available at the Office of Disability Services, Lee Hall, Room 401 or downloadable from the Forms section.
Is there a deadline for requesting disability-related housing accommodations?
Yes, although exceptions are made due to extenuating circumstances, such as late admission decisions. No guarantee can be made, if the application is received after the deadline. For returning students, the deadline February 15th. For new or transfer students, the deadline is June 15th.
How do I know if an appropriate practitioner has completed the medical documentation form?
The practitioner required is determined by the documentation guidelines for the specific disability.
What types of housing accommodations are considered?
Typical requests include, but are not limited to, double room, air-conditioned residence hall, central location, first floor room and residence halls with elevator. There must be disability documentation and justification for each individual request. Each accommodation request must relate to the nature of the disability.
Are students with allergies typically considered disabled and receive housing accommodations?
No; only if documentation is provided of a substantially limiting condition. Sometimes respiratory functioning is so severely affected that a student will satisfy the requirement to be considered disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In other cases, students may be sensitive to environmental elements but their sensitivity will not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability. Their major life activity of breathing may be somewhat, but not substantially limited.
How are decisions made?
A committee of professionals determines whether or not the student has provided sufficient documentation of a condition that is substantially limiting of a major life activity. Students are encouraged to print a copy of "Documentation Guidelines" found on the website to give to the appropriate diagnosing/treating practitioner in order to ensure that adequate documentation of a disabling condition is provided.
How will I be notified of the decision of the committee?
Letter and e-mail will give notice to the student. No decisions will be given by phone.
If denied a request, is there an appeal process?
Yes. If you believe that the Committee was in error you may initiate an appeal, in writing and addressed to the Committee. Appeals must include reasons you believe the Committee was in error and give supporting documentation.
How may parents participate in the process?
Completion of the application is the student's responsibility. If the parent would like to submit a letter of explanation/support, however, the Committee will review the letter. If the student is denied the requested accommodation and wants to appeal the Committee's decision, the student must write a letter of appeal. In addition, if a parent would like to contribute to the appeal process, he/she may send a letter.
If I receive approval for a housing accommodation one year, will I automatically be approved for the following academic years without having to reapply?
No. You must submit the complete application packet, annually, in order to be considered for housing accommodations for other academic years.