Student Life

Students

Accommodation Process

The accommodation process starts when students self-identify to Student Development and Success Center's Disability Resources. Students can call 309-298-1884 or email disability@wiu.edu to set up a Welcome appointment. We ask that you complete an Accommodation Request form, complete with uploaded documentation (IEP, 504, etc.) prior to your meeting. During this initial appointment, you will answer questions about the barriers you have experienced or anticipate experiencing at WIU, discuss modifications that may provide you with greater access, and learn about SDSC procedures for arranging accommodations. If any additional documentation is needed, this will also be discussed during your welcome appointment. Welcome appointments may be done in person, on the phone, or virtually. 

Once accommodations have been determined, students will complete a training on how to notify faculty of their accommodations and how to utilize Exam Scheduling if taking exams in the SDSC. 

Requesting Accommodations for Residence Halls

Western Illinois University views living on-campus as integral to a liberal arts education and the WIU experience. As such, we have a wide variety of housing and dining options on campus which can accommodate the vast majority of medical issues. In order for WIU to meet the needs of students on-campus and provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations, students who have a documented disability(s) that requires accessible on-campus housing or dining must complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the  Housing Application online  as soon as possible.
  2. Check the box that says, "Click here if health or disability requires special consideration."
  3. Complete the  SDSC Accommodation Request Form  and submit disability documentation to the Student Development and Success Center (SDSC).
  4. If applicable, use the Roommate Matching system to identify and request compatible roommates.  Access the Roommate Matching Systems on STARS by selecting the "UHDS Housing Information Menu"

Requests for accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and receipt of the necessary documentation does not guarantee that the accommodations will be granted.

To ensure timely accommodations, it is recommended that you place requests according to the following timeline:

  • the Fall term, current students should provide complete documentation for consideration by March 1 and incoming students by June 15
  • the Spring term, current students should provide complete documentation for consideration by November 1 and incoming students by December 1 or immediately upon enrollment

Residence Hall Accommodations include, but are not limited to wheelchair accessible rooms, card swipe entry, lever handle entry, automatic door openers, room on lower level, private room, additional storage for assistive equipment, strobe light alarm systems, room in close proximity to restroom, mobility/wheelchair access to the laundry facility, early move in date, private or semi-private restroom, roll in shower, reserved handicapped parking, allergen free meals, modification of the meal plan. Accommodation requests are only for your living space and requests based on studying issues will not be considered.

Residence Hall Access Features

All residence halls at WIU are air-conditioned, are non-smoking, and use environmentally friendly, green cleaning supplies. Allergic rhinitis does not usually merit special housing considerations (such as a single room).

Halls with wheelchair-accessible community bathrooms include Thompson Hall, Corbin/Olson, and Washington Hall.

Halls with wheelchair accessible suite/attached bathrooms include Grote Hall.

Halls with attached Dining Centers include Thompson Hall and Corbin/Olson Halls.

Halls with fire alarm strobes in student rooms Thompson, Grote, Corbin/Olson, and Lincoln/Washington.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animal guidelines explain the specific requirements applicable to an individual's use of an ESA in University housing. The University's Emotional Support Animal policy can be found here.

Disability Resources collaborates with students with disabilities and University Housing and Dining Services to determine appropriate accommodations in the residence halls, including emotional support animals. All questions regarding or requests for ESAs in the residence halls should be directed to the Disability Resources in the Student Development and Success Center, 125 Memorial Hall, 309-298-1884,  disability@wiu.edu .

Technology

JAWS Screen Reading   (http://www.freedomscientific.com/) which is a powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech and gives the student a unique set of intelligent tools for navigating and accesses Web pages and all screen content. Available in the SDSC, Stipes 307, Morgan 124, Horrabin 77, Olson 110, Grote 109, and Memorial 046.

ONYX Desktop Magnification Camera   (http://www.freedomscientific.com/) rotates smoothly in all directions to allow you to look in any direction - near, far, even mirror-image self-view with magnification up to 105x. Document view gives the student an ability to magnify items such as reading materials, classroom assignments, and exams. Available in the SDSC.

TOPAZ Desktop Video Magnifier has moveable reading table slides for continuous reading and magnification up to 77x. Available in the SDSC.

If you would like to request assistive technology elsewhere on campus, please contact the SDSC at 309-298-1884.

Technology Available for Loan from the SDSC

Technology is for loan for students registered with the SDSC Disability Resources. Quantities of items available for loan are limited and issued on a "*first come, first served*" basis. All students must return equipment within the agreed upon lending period and in good condition (showing no signs of misuse or parts missing).

Livescribe Smartpens   (http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/) record everything you hear, say and write, while linking your audio recordings to your notes. It replays audio directly from paper by tapping on your notes and software allows you to save, organize and play back interactive notes from your Mac or Windows computer.

Williams Sound FM Assistive Systems   (http://www.freedomscientific.com/) deliver superior audio directly to the ear, enhancing sound in classrooms by wirelessly broadcasts a speaker's voice directly to the listener via transmitter, mic, receiver, and ear buds. It reduces background noise and maximizes listening.

Temporary Injuries/Conditions

The SDSC works with students experiencing temporary injuries to facilitate continued participation in courses. To access disability resources at the SDSC, please complete an  Accommodation Request Form  and submit any documentation of your temporary condition that is readily available to you to the SDSC in 125 Memorial Hall, email disability@wiu.edu, or fax to 309-298-2361. Upon receiving the Accommodation Request Form,  SDSC staff will contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss and arrange services. If more information is needed, staff will work with you to get additional documentation.

Transportation

Western Illinois University is served by a comprehensive public transportation system through McDonough County Public Transportation (MCPT). This system includes the GoWest bus service and ADA Paratransit Service for individuals who are unable to use the GoWest busses due to a disability. All GoWest busses are equipped with a lift and are wheelchair accessible. For more information on bus routes, please visit  GoWest. If you are unable to use the GoWest busses, either permanently or on a conditional basis, such as during inclement weather, you may apply for ADA Paratransit Service. The  ADA Paratransit Service Application  requires Adobe Reader. 

Upon approval of your application, please take the following steps to use services:

  1. Obtain your MCPT identification card at the University Housing & Dining administrative offices at Western Illinois University located in the main lobby of Seal Hall. Present them with your approval letter and tell them that you need to get your identification card.
  2. Initiate Services before scheduling your first ride by calling Central Dispatch at 309-837-7433 and introduce yourself as a new ADA paratransit passenger.
  3. Schedule your rides as early as possible. When scheduling a ride, you must call during hours of operation. You may start scheduling rides as early as 6:00 am Monday through Friday, 7:00 am on Saturday and 12:00 pm on Sunday. Please note that paratransit services are only available during the fixed route bus service hours, which may be different from general operating hours. You can find  Fixed Route Bus Hours of Operation. Please be advised that the fixed route bus service hours change during the summer and University breaks.