The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities has created a handbook for reasonable accommodations in the college classroom as a comprehensive resource that supports both faculty and students throughout the reasonable accommodations process.

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications that remove barriers and enable students with disabilities to have equal access to education. Examples include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, accessible classroom locations and the use of assistive technologies.

For students, the guide helps them understand their rights, identify their needs and learn how to request accommodations.

For faculty, the guide helps them understand their responsibilities while learning how to receive accommodation requests, discuss them with students and implement them into their classroom.

The handbook was created by a team of nationally represented field professionals and students within the network of centers for excellence in disabilities and led by WVU CED director Dr. Lesley Cottrell. “Success in college happens when students and faculty work together in the accommodation process, creating a supportive environment where everyone gets the chance to succeed,” said Cottrell.

This 50-plus page document covers everything from the legal framework that shapes student accommodations rights to example scenarios between faculty and students that show how conversations might unfold. The document was developed so it could be applied to many higher education environments. Explanations and criteria for different types of accommodations are also outlined, along with practical tips, resources and support.

“Open communication is key in the accommodation process: it ensures that students feel heard and supported, while allowing faculty to provide the resources needed for everyone to succeed together,” said Cottrell.

To begin the process of requesting accommodations, students can contact their university or college’s disability services office (sometimes called office of accessibility or student accommodations). WVU students should start by reaching out to the Office of Student Accommodations (OSA).

The handbook is available as both an accessible web-based resource and a downloadable pdf document.