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Disability FAQ
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Will I receive the same accommodations at
the college level that I received in high
school?
Reasonable accommodations at Wentworth are
arranged through the Coordinator of Disability
Services. Eligibility for accommodations is
based upon a comprehensive interview with the
student and submission of appropriate
documentation (see guidelines for specific
disabilities) provided to the Institute by the
student. Having had disability support services
in high school or at another post-secondary
institution does not automatically mean you will
have the same accommodations at Wentworth. It is
important to remember that the federal laws
governing accommodations for college students with
disabilities are different from those that apply
to high school students(link).
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Will a high school Individualized
Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan provide
sufficient documentation of a disability?
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No.
Please see guidelines under specific
disabilities for appropriate documentation
criteria.
How do I communicate my
accommodation needs to my instructors?
If you are eligible for accommodations, the
Coordinator of Disability Services will send
letters to each of your professors
establishing the need for accommodations. After
the letters are sent, it is your
responsibility to talk with each professor about
your disability and any logistical issues.
Instructors are not obligated to provide
accommodations to any student who does not
qualify for or has not met with the Coordinator
of Disability Services.
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Do I have to take 12 semester
credits to qualify as a full-time student?
Depending on the specific needs of the
individual student, taking fewer than 12
semester hours may be determined as an
appropriate and reasonable accommodation.
However, by taking fewer than 12 semester hours
the student may jeopardize his/her financial aid, personal health insurance coverage,
academic progress, and the ability to live on
campus.
Therefore, the student should contact the
Coordinator of Disability Services for a reduced course load
request.
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Who should use Disability Services?
Students with:
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learning disabilities
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ADD or ADHD
-
chronic health issues
-
physical and mobility
limitations
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mental health related issues
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hearing impairments
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visual
impairments
-
speech or communication
related issues
-
temporary
disabilities such as orthopedic injuries
Faculty members and/or Staff:
-
teaching students with
disabilities
-
suspecting a student may
have a disability
-
with
questions regarding equal access to
educational opportunities
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What role do my
parents play in the process?
While parents can be of assistance, you are responsible for working with the Coordinator
of Disability Services. If you are 18 years old or
older you are legally recognized as an adult and
are responsible for your accommodation
requests and disability-related decisions. All
communication is between you and the
Coordinator of Disability Services
unless you sign a release of information form.
Parental involvement is contingent upon student
consent. However, you are encouraged to maintain
an open dialog with your parents as
they can be a great source of support.
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Am I obligated to disclose my disability to my
professors?
No. The accommodation letter is all your
professors are
entitled to. You will need to speak with your
professor to arrange the actual accommodations,
but you do not need to reveal the specific
disability.
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What is the
admissions process for students with
disabilities or how does the Wentworth
admissions office view students’ disabilities?
When
a student applies to Wentworth, he/she can decide
whether or not to disclose a disability, for
example a
learning disability, during the process.
However, disclosure of a disability does not
play a role in the admissions decision. A
student with a disability still must meet the
admission requirements of both the Institute and
the intended academic program. If the
student is accepted and chooses to enroll at
Wentworth, he/she must follow the procedures
discussed on this website in order to receive
accommodations.
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When do I need to meet with the Coordinator of
Disability Services to have my accommodation letter to
the faculty?
You are
required to meet with the Coordinator of
Disability Services
each semester to arrange for accommodation
letters to be sent to professors.
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Where on campus
can I go to get tested for ADHD?
Wentworth does
not diagnose students for ADHD. However, the
Coordinator of Disability Services can provide a list of
referral sources.
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Can I receive help with time
management and organizational skills through the
Disability Services?
No. To receive non-academic assistance with time
management, prioritizing assignments, organizing
materials, study skills, etc., you must contact the
Coordinator of First Year Experience.(link).
Help is available for first year students
as well as upperclassmen.
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Is
tutoring available?
Tutoring is provided through the Center for
Teaching and Learning (link).Tutoring
services are free for all Wentworth students.
The Coordinator of Disability Services works
with the Director of the Center for Teaching and
Learning to provide assistance for all students.
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How
do I deal with any special housing needs?
Newly admitted and currently
enrolled students seeking housing accommodations
on the basis of disabilities should follow the
procedures outlined on the
Residential Life
and Housing website.
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Should
I send documentation of my disability to the
Admissions Office?
No. All documentation should be
sent directly to the Coordinator of Disability
Services: Wentworth Institute of Technology, 550
Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115. (Please note:
any
documentation sent to the Admissions Office will
not be passed on to the Coordinator of
Disability Services.)
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During my Co-op will I receive the same
accommodations that I receive in the classroom?
Not necessarily. Academic accommodations may
differ from accommodations that a student needs
or is entitled to in the classroom. Any student
who feels in need of a workplace accommodation
must disclose directly to the Human
Resources Department of their employer. The
Wentworth Coordinator of Disability Services is
not part of this accommodation process.
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Is the graduation criteria different for student
with disabilities?
No. All students, regardless of disability
must meet the Institutes graduation requirements
published in the Academic Catalogue. In
addition, students must meet his/her individual
program guidelines, also outlined in the
catalogue.
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If I wait to disclose my disability, will the
accommodations be retroactive?
No. If you are entitled to and wanting an
accommodation, you must request these
accommodations in a timely manner.
Adjustments to academic grades that occurred
prior to the disclosure of the disability are
not possible.
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