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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a disability?

A disability is any impairment that substantially limits any major life activities (examples: walking, seeing, breathing, focusing, sitting, hearing, self-care, etc.). This includes but is not limited to physical impairments, chronic medical conditions, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD. A disability can be temporary or permanent. Within the context of an academic semester, we consider any impairment that will substantially limit major life activities for two weeks or more to warrant consideration of temporary ADA accommodations.

I have a disability, how do I receive accommodations at Wheaton College?

In order to request accommodations, you can fill out the brief form here and we will reach out to prompt you to schedule a Welcome Meeting with us.

Do I need to renew my accommodations?

Students who already have approved accommodations with LAS will need to renew their approved accommodations at the start of each new semester and/or B-quad (if enrolled for B-quad courses) in order for us to be able to send the accommodations letter out to your new professors. Renewal is done by submitting a Semster/Quad Request.

Are my disabilities confidential?

Information shared when requesting accommodations and meeting with us will remain confidential. Faculty and staff may be informed of a student’s accommodation but no details of the disability will be shared without expressed or written request on behalf of the student.

I do not have a documented disability, but I would like academic support. Can LAS help me?

Yes! LAS supports ALL students by providing the following: 

  • Peer coaching
  • Learning/study strategies
  • Time management skills
  • Motivation/academic accountability
  • Academic Life Coaching

Can I seek accommodations if I haven’t had them before?

Of course! You can request accommodations for the first time by filling out the request form to begin the accommodations process.

What academic support is available through the LAS office?

LAS provides all students with academic support which includes the following:

  • Academic planning 
  • Learning strategies
  • Time management skills
  • Academic Life Coaching

Does LAS provide resources for text to speech conversions or audio versions of documents?

We provide access to alternative texts for students that have a documented disability that impairs their ability to read the written word. We also direct students to Sensus Access, a free online document conversion service.

Does LAS provide services for graduate students?

LAS provides services for graduate students as well as undergraduate students. Grad students at Wheaton College can register with LAS to receive accommodations and can also access all services.

Will LAS accept my IEP/504 plan from high school?

In most cases, yes. If the accommodations you are requesting in college are the same as you are requesting in high school and are relevant to the college setting, we do accept IEPs and 504 plans as acceptable documentation.  If you are requesting an accommodation that is not clearly recommended in your IEP/504 plan or there is not a direct link between what is being requested and the disability, additional evaluation and documentation may be requested.

What documentation do I need to receive accommodations?

See our Documentation Guidelines.

How recent does documentation need to be?

It depends on the disability. For mental health conditions, documentation should be within the past 3 years at the time you request accommodations. We are primarily seeking documentation that will help su determine what barriers you may experience in the college setting.

How can LAS help me transition into college successfully?

LAS can:

  • Help you register for and receive accommodations.
  • Provide academic counseling and support to encourage effective learning strategies, planning and time- management which may require a different approach than in high school.
  • Act as a liaison with faculty and staff if you have issues with accommodations.
  • Provide direction and support so you can communicate effectively with faculty and self-advocate.
  • Provide access to an Academic Life Coach who can help you clarify goals, create action steps and stay accountable.
  • Refer you to other helpful on and off-campus resources.

What will my high school accommodations look like in college?

Certain accommodations that you received in high school may look different in college. Our staff would be happy to discuss these changes with you and help navigate these differences. In college, you are required to initiate the request for accommodations, communicate with professors, and initiate with our office when you have concerns. Self-advocacy is an important part of a smooth accommodations process in college.

Can I receive accommodations for a diagnosed mental health condition?

Yes, if your mental health condition meets the criteria for a disability under the ADA, you are eligible to receive accommodations for a diagnosed mental health condition. The accommodations you can receive will depend on the recommendation of a qualified mental health provider with whom you have an established relationship.

How do I submit a grievance?

Wheaton College is fully committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 (ADA and ADAAA) as well as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ensuring that all qualified students with disabilities have access to Wheaton’s programs, activities, and services and are provided reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services to ensure access. Wheaton students who believe they have been denied access to reasonable accommodations or that the approved accommodations have not been implemented properly may invoke the ADA Grievance Procedure.

What other resources are available to help students thrive on campus?

  • Academic Advising Office
  • Wheaton College Library
  • Chaplain’s Office
  • Graduate Student Life
  • International Student Programs
  • Residence Life
  • Student Health Services
  • Student Care Services
  • Wheaton College Counseling Center
  • Writing Center