Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Students with Disabilities at UMW
1. 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.
2. What kind of documentation do I need to provide in order to receive accommodations?
UMW has guidelines for each type of disability. Please see guidelines for: attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder , chronic health, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, traumatic brain injury and visual impairment.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. How do I get extra time on my exams?
You must provide documentation to the Office of Disability Services that demonstrates that this accommodation is appropriate for you. Please see "Documentation Guidelines" on our Web site.
9. How do I get a note-taker?
You must provide documentation to the Office of Disability Services that demonstrates that this accommodation is appropriate for you. Please see "Documentation Guidelines" on our web site.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Do you supply personal assistants to students with mobility impairment?
No. Students must hire and supervise their own personal assistants.