Welcome to Disability and Accessibility Resources, an administrative unit within the Division of Academic Affairs at West Virginia State University. We strive to collaborate with and empower individuals who have disabilities through efforts to eliminate barriers to access and participation within our institution when possible as well as coordinate accessibility, accommodations and related resources that enable equal access to an education, our programs and services and university life. On behalf of the staff of Disability and Accessibility Resource, we look forward to working with you during your time at West Virginia State University.
West Virginia State University recognizes its obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. The President of West Virginia State University has designated the authority for determining the necessary access options for individuals with disabilities, including students, to the staff with the Disability and Accessibility Resources administrative unit. Ensuring equal access is not the sole responsibility of the Disability and Accessibility Resources office, cooperation from the administration, faculty and staff from all departments is essential to ensuring this access is available to individuals with a disability.
If you have a documented physical or mental condition or would like assistance in determining if you are eligible for accessibility resources, please contact our office. You will find links to the various resource pages as well as the forms utilized in reporting access issues and requesting accommodations.
West Virginia State University (WVSU) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.
Employment: WVSU does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with the ADA title I employment regulations.
Effective Communication: WVSU will, upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents in Braille, and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.
Modifications to Policies and Procedures: WVSU will make reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy programs, services, and activities. For example, people with service animals are welcomed in WVSU facilities, even where pets and other animals are prohibited.
Requests: To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures complete the online form available by clicking here. For information about options or the request process contact Michael Casey at ada@wvstateu.edu or 681-533-0850 as soon as possible.
- For an activity or event this should be at least 10 days before the scheduled date.
- For academic courses it should be 2 weeks prior to the start date of the course.
- For housing accommodations, it should be 4 weeks prior to the housing application deadline.
Reporting concerns or issues: Send reports of disability access feedback and concerns to Michael Casey at ada@wvstateu.edu, 681-533-0850, or via the online form by clicking here.
Students or employees who experience issues with implementation of approved accommodations should contact Michael Casey at ada@wvstateu.edu, 681-533-0850, or via the online form by clicking here.
Grievances: Send grievances regarding disability discrimination to Dr Carolyn Stuart, EEO Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator, at carolyn.stuart@wvstateu.edu or 304-204-4018.
A campus that is welcoming and inclusive to all individuals with disabilities.
To lead the campus in creating access and opportunity.
Using the spirit which led to the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act standards as a framework, Disability and Accessibility Resources will lead and collaborate with the institution's diverse community to recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity and to embrace access as a matter of social justice. The administrative unit will -
- ensure all aspects of campus life - learning, working and living - are universally accessible
- make every effort to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access and opportunity to all institutional programs, services and facilities
- determine access options and facilitate access through design and accommodations
- collaborate with all units in designing more welcoming and inclusive environments
- serve as a resource on disability matters for our students, faculty, staff, and community
Two federal statutes govern the provision of disability services in higher education: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which provides a free and appropriate education to individuals with disabilities in the K-12 school system, these statutes are civil rights laws that are intended to provide access and prevent discrimination for individuals with disabilities.
1) Section 504 applies to any institution receiving federal financial assistance.
2) The ADA has three titles that apply to employment opportunities, state and local government and public access. Title II applies to state and local governments, including public colleges and universities such as West Virginia State University.
Both acts allow for the provision of auxiliary aids to grant equal access. The ADA stipulates that reasonable accommodations that do not fundamentally alter the program requirements or standards are to be provided unless they cause an undue burden.
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