What is a Disability?

An individual is considered to have a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activity, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008)

Examples of Disabilities Served through the Disability Services Office

• Attention deficit disorders
• Autism/Asperger's disorder
• Chronic illness
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Learning disabilities
• Medical/physical disabilities
• Mobility impairments
• Psychological disorders
• Speech disorders
• Traumatic brain injury
• Vision impairments

I think I may have a disability.  What do I need to do to receive services?

Step 1. Apply for Admission, Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Apply ONLINE for admissions to WCC at https://apply.vccs.edu/oa/launch.action
• It is suggested that you apply for student financial aid (grants, loans, work-study) by completing the FAFSA form at studentaid.gov.
• If you wish to apply for WCC Scholarships complete the scholarship application here. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA application even if you do not think you will qualify for financial aid as the FAFSA application is required as part of the application process to determine eligibility for many of WCC's scholarships.

Step 2. Determine math and English placement by completing the VCCS Enrollment Survey.

Step 3. Schedule an appointment with the Disability Counselor and provide documentation.

Please bring the following to your appointment or provide in advance if possible:

• Any documentation you have of your disability (if not previously sent)
  WCC'S Disability Documentation Guidelines

To schedule an appointment with the Disability Counselor:

(276) 223-4825 
Office Location: Main Campus
Bland Hall inside the 1Stop Student Services 
1000 East Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

What should I expect during this meeting?

• Documentation will be reviewed for eligibility for services (sometimes additional forms may be required and/or further documentation may be required to determine eligibility).
• Releases will be signed as needed (tape recording agreement, FERPA, Email notification, etc.).
• You will be offered the opportunity for assistance to register to vote if you so need or desire.
• If course registration for the upcoming semester is occurring at the time of your appointment, then the disability counselor may also help you register for courses.
• Accommodation Forms will be developed for the courses you are registered for based on your disability and needs for the course.

Can someone attend the meeting with me?

• If you would like to have someone attend the meeting with you then you can do so (sometimes a family member or friend who knows a lot about your disability can be beneficial in helping the Disability Counselor learn more about your disability).
• If you will require personal assistance to attend the meeting then someone will need to attend the meeting with you. 
• Please keep in mind that you will be only person who can make decisions about your educational choices and you should be taking the active role during this meeting.

Step 4. Provide a copy of your Accommodation Form(s) to your instructors.

• If you qualify for services, accommodations will be developed on an individual basis related to your needs and the nature of the course.
• It is your responsibility to provide your Accommodation Forms to your instructors and to discuss your accommodation needs with them.
• It is suggested that you make an appointment with your instructor(s) to discuss your needs privately.

Americans with Disabilities Act Complaint Procedure

Wytheville Community College has adopted an internal procedure which provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Americans with Disabilities Act states, in part, that "no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall, solely by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits, of, or be subjected to discrimination" in programs or activities sponsored by a public entity.

Complaints should be addressed to the Dean of Student Services.

• A complaint should be filed in writing, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.
• A complaint should be filed within 10 calendar days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.
• An investigation, as may be appropriate, shall follow the filing of a complaint. The investigation shall be informal but thorough and afford all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
• A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued and forwarded to the complainant no later than 10 calendar days after its filing.
• The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances of dissatisfaction with the resolution. The request for reconsideration should be made to the Dean of Student Services within 10 calendar days.
• The ADA coordinator shall maintain the files and records relating to the complaints filed.
• The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by nor shall the use of this procedure be a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

Other remedies include the filing of an ADA complaint with the federal EEOC, or other responsible federal agency.