Short-Cut Steps for Students Registering with ODS
Incoming students are advised to complete this process at least one month in advance of the beginning of the semester
Individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination and may be entitled to reasonable accommodations. To establish that an individual is covered under the law, documentation must indicate that a specific disability exists and that the identified disability limits one or more major life activities. A diagnosis of a disorder in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations. The documentation must also support the request for accommodations and academic adjustments. *
* Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008
Read the information on the following ODS webpage:
Accommodation Process, Student’s Rights and Responsibilities and Grievance Procedure
1. Complete the Student Application
- Go to New ODS Student Application and complete the application for requesting academic accommodations. If you are requesting accommodations related to housing or dining, please navigate to the appropriate page under the Accommodations heading in the left-hand menu for directions. (Enter your Westmont email address in the required field on the application.)
- When your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an email receipt. If you do not receive this, please complete the application again.
- Upload documentation (see information below) at this time or later by using the documentation link provided on the application page, response email, or by faxing 805-565-7244.
2. Provide Documentation: Disability documentation from licensed professionals needs to be received by our office in advance for proper review. Documentation must be current and comprehensive. Please read the established guidelines for documenting a disability for the post-secondary institutions (they are different from high school requirements). Refer to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) Documentation Guidelines. You may upload using the link provided with the application or FAX to 805-565-7244. You may also send a scanned version (no photos please) via email to ODS@westmont.edu. Please ensure all disability documentation includes the professional's signature, date and license number.
After all supporting documentation and intake information is received by ODS, your file will be considered complete. Only completed files will be reviewed by the Director. This review period can take up to ten business days or longer during our higher impact times, such as the beginning of a semester.
3. Meet with the Director: Once your file is complete and reviewed, you will be emailed directions for scheduling an intake appointment with Sheri Noble, Director of Disability Services, to discuss reasonable accommodations. This interactive 30 to 40-minute meeting will most likely take place via Zoom prior to classes beginning assuming your application and documentation were received in a timely manner.. At this time, a determination of eligible accommodations will be made and, if applicable, you will learn how to send Faculty Notification Letters with approved accommodations for your courses.
The ODS Administrative Assistant(s) and Director are also available to answer questions and set up appointments. Please contact us at ODS@westmont.edu.