Webster Accommodations Podcasts & Contact Information
To learn more about accommodations at Webster, how to effectively self-advocate, and which departments can assist you, listen to the following podcast on student self-advocacy.
To find out more about accommodations, please contact our Academic ADA Coordinator at disability@webster.edu | 314-246-7700
Accommodations for Prospective/Current Students, Families and Visitors
Each year, students with disabilities pursue degrees in higher education. During their high school careers, some students choose to use accommodations that help them reach their educational goals. However, IEPs and 504 plans don't follow students to college. So, what happens?
High School | College |
Applicable Laws:
IDEA is about success. |
Applicable Laws:
ADA is about access. |
Student Responsibilities in High School:
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Student Responsibilities in College:
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Instruction in High School:
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Instruction in College:
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Grades and Tests in High School:
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Grades and Tests in College:
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Study Responsibilities in High School:
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Study Responsibilities in College:
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Temporary accommodations are typically provided for students experiencing a short-term physical injury (e.g., torn ACL or broken bone). Students who require temporary accommodations should contact the Academic ADA Coordinator to discuss their needs and accommodations.
Applicable disability law permits campuses to fulfill their accessibility obligations in one of two ways:
- by rendering all buildings accessible, or
- by scheduling classes for those students who require accessible classrooms only in accessible buildings. Webster University fulfills its obligation via the second option.
If you feel your accommodations have not been met, please discuss the concern with your instructor. If no resolution is reached, or if you do not feel comfortable speaking with your instructor, please reach out to the Academic ADA Coordinator for support.
In the event that you wish to file a grievance, please refer to the Grievance Policy in the Student Handbook.
Steps to Receive ADA Accommodations
After you enroll at Webster and decide you would like to affiliate with the Academic Resource Center (ARC) to implement accommodations, you will follow the steps provided below to ensure your disability-related needs are met in your classes. It is always suggested that students affiliate prior to the beginning of a semester or term; however, you are welcome to affiliate with the ARC to determine appropriate accommodations at any point in during your enrollment with the University.
1. Contact the Academic ADA Coordinator
Contact the Academic ADA Coordinator at 314-246-7700 or disability@webster.edu to set up an initial meeting. It is ideal to set up a meeting before the semester starts but accommodations may be requested at any time, so you may request a meeting at any point in time that you are enrolled at Webster.
2. Prepare for Your Meeting
Fill out the online Request for Accommodations form. Submit documentation to the Academic ADA Coordinator verifying your disability, diagnosis,
or condition. This documentation may consist of any of the following items:
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An IEP or 504 plan.
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A diagnostic evaluation.
- A letter from a qualified health professional who can explain your disability and how these challenges may impact your participation and performance in an academic setting.
3. Meet with the Academic ADA Coordinator
Although your disability information will be kept confidential when communicating with your instructors, your personal experiences with your disability are an important part of determining what accommodations are appropriate to support your needs. We will discuss what has and has not worked for you in the past in meeting these needs. We will also discuss your past needs and how your present needs may be different from what you have experienced in the past, in relation to your disability. Then, we will determine appropriate accommodations, and you will sign a Release of Information form enabling the University to send an ADA accommodations letter to your professors.
4. Next Steps
Following your meeting with the Academic ADA Coordinator, a designee from the ARC
will send an ADA accommodations letter to you and your instructors. Once you receive
your letter, talk to your instructors. It is important to communicate with your instructors
to ensure your letter of ADA accommodations was received and to have a conversation
about your needs in each of your classes. If you need help in speaking with your instructors
about your accommodations, reach out to the Academic ADA Coordinator for support.
Once you affiliate with the ARC to implement accommodations, your letter of ADA accommodations
will be sent to you and your instructors at the beginning of every term and/or semester
in which you are enrolled at Webster. At any point in time you are welcome to reach
out the Academic ADA Coordinator to make adjustments to your letter of ADA accommodations.
If/once adjustments are made, a new letter of ADA accommodations will be sent to you
and your instructors.
If you are a student seeking disability accommodations at an extended US or international campus, please contact the site director (or designee) at your site for information about how to affiliate with their offices to receive ADA accommodations. It is always suggested that students affiliate prior to the beginning of a semester or term; however, you are welcome to affiliate with your site's office to determine appropriate accommodations at any point in during your enrollment with the University.
The ARC on the Webster Groves Campus is available to advise on disability accommodations and implementation at any Webster University campus. Please contact the Academic ADA Coordinator at 314-246-7700 or disability@webster.edu for more information.