DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Hello everyone, and welcome to Wingate University. Today we're talking about Disability Support Services, or D-S-S--. Whether you have a disability, know someone who does, or simply want to understand the resources available on campus, this information is important for every student. Our goal is to help you understand how accommodations work in college, how to access support, and how to advocate for yourself throughout your time at Wingate..

Today we'll cover several key topics. We'll talk about disability in higher education, explain the major differences between high school and college disability support, review how to request accommodations, discuss common accommodation types, introduce Ally and alternative formats, explore self advocacy skills, and finish with support resources and questions..

[Audio] Before we begin, we'd like to introduce Disability Support Services. Our team is here to help students access their education by removing barriers and creating equitable opportunities for learning and participation. Our team has more than 20 years of accessibility experience..

[Audio] When we talk about accommodations, we're really talking about access. Not every student starts from the same place or experiences the same barriers, including people who might have the same diagnosis. Every student goes through an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations. Accommodations are not advantages. They are tools that help create equitable access to learning environments and educational opportunities. The goal is to remove disability related barriers so students can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities..

[Audio] Disability resource professionals have three major responsibilities. First, we help uphold disability laws and ensure equal access. Second, we support students through accommodations, problem solving, and guidance. Third, we help raise awareness about disability and accessibility across campus. Our work focuses on helping students access opportunities while maintaining academic standards..

[Audio] One of the most important messages today is this: you are not alone. Disability is common on college campuses. Many disabilities are not immediately visible, including A-D-H-D-, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. Some students may even need short term accommodations related to an injury or accident. Some students arrive with years of documentation, while others are seeking support for the first time. Whatever your situation, support may be available, and D-S-S can help you understand your options..

[Audio] There is no single disability experience. Two students with the same diagnosis may have very different needs and use very different accommodations. That's why D-S-S works with students individually. We focus on understanding functional impacts and identifying appropriate supports rather than assuming everyone's experience is the same..

[Audio] Many students are surprised to learn that disability support works differently in college. In high school, schools often take the lead in identifying students and coordinating support. Students may have an I-E-P or a 504 Plan, and parents are heavily involved in the process. In college, the responsibility shifts to the student. Under the A-D-A and Section 504, students must self identify, request accommodations, and participate actively in the process. Parents do not automatically have access to educational information because of ferpa privacy protections. The key takeaway is that college accommodation systems are built around student self advocacy and personal responsibility..

[Audio] Let's put it side by side. Who leads the process, the plan, parent role, the goal, and documentation. None of this is designed to make things harder — it's a different system built around treating you as the adult in charge of your own education. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Applies to public K-12 schools The school is responsible for finding, evaluating, and identifying you Goal: fape — a Free Appropriate Public Education, designed around your success Produces an I-E-P or a Section 504 Plan Built as a team process — parents/guardians are central and often lead communication Americans with Disabilities Act plus Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Applies to Wingate as an institution receiving federal funding Goal: equal access to your education — not guaranteed success or outcomes You must self identify and request accommodations; the university does not go looking for you Parents/guardians are not automatically involved — ferpa means you are now the primary contact Accommodations must be reasonable — individualized to you, not automatic.

[Audio] Let's consider Brandon's situation. Brandon had a 504 Plan in high school and benefited from testing accommodations. Now he's struggling with timed quizzes in college, but nobody at Wingate knows he previously received accommodations because he has not contacted D-S-S-. The important lesson is that the first step must come from Brandon. Colleges generally do not receive accommodation information automatically, and faculty cannot provide official accommodations unless the student has completed the accommodation process. If you see yourself in Brandon's story, remember that reaching out is not bothering anyone. Asking for support is a normal and expected part of being a successful college student..

[Audio] Your high school I-E-P or 504 Plan does not automatically transfer to Wingate. You must register with D-S-S and discuss your needs directly with our office. Even if you have spoken with a coach, trainer, or healthcare provider, D-S-S cannot arrange accommodations until you self disclose and begin the process. This may feel like a new responsibility, and that's completely normal. The good news is that once you connect with us, we will guide you through every step..

[Audio] The accommodation process begins through the university's accommodation system. Students submit information and documentation, then meet with D-S-S staff to discuss their needs. Accommodations vary depending on the individual. Examples may include testing accommodations, note taking supports, accessible materials, classroom accommodations, housing accommodations, and other disability related supports. The most important thing to remember is that accommodations are individualized. What works for one student may not be appropriate for another. Log into MyGate and Select the Disability Support Services tab to begin.

[Audio] Select the Accommodations tab and select the type of accommodation you wish to request..

[Audio] Follow the three step process by completing the Academic Accommodations, Request, uploading your documentation, then schedule an appointment for an intake..

[Audio] Disability accommodations are not limited to academics. Students may receive support related to housing, dining, mobility and campus access, or communication access services such as interpreters and captioning when appropriate. These supports help ensure students can fully participate in campus life programs and services, not just classroom activities..

[Audio] It's important to understand the difference between service animals and emotional support animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific disability related tasks and are generally permitted in public areas where others are allowed. It is illegal to misrepresent a service animal. Emotional support animals provide comfort through their presence and are typically approved through a housing accommodation process. If you have questions about animal related accommodations, D-S-S can help explain the requirements and procedures..

[Audio] One resource available to every Wingate student is Ally. Ally is built directly into Canvas and offers alternative formats for course materials. Students can access features such as different reading formats and other accessibility options without registering with D-S-S-. Even students without disabilities may find Ally helpful because it provides additional ways to interact with course content..

[Audio] Each semester, students who are approved for accommodations have important responsibilities. Request your Faculty Notification Letters for every class. Remember that these letters do not automatically carry over from term to term. Communicate with professors, arrange testing accommodations when needed, and let D-S-S know if circumstances change. Staying proactive throughout the semester helps ensure accommodations are available when you need them..

[Audio] D-S-S is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help students navigate challenges. You can visit our offices, call, email, or access the accommodation portal through MyGate. We encourage students to reach out early, even if they're unsure whether they need accommodations. You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to contact us. Sometimes a simple conversation is the best first step..

SPACES & PLACES. Photos of DSS Spaces. [image] Mrs Webb s office is in room 214.

[Audio] As we wrap up, remember three key ideas. First, students in college are responsible for taking the first step by self disclosing and requesting accommodations. Second, D-S-S is here to provide support, guidance, and partnership throughout your college journey. Third, accessibility tools such as Ally can help many students succeed, whether or not they have accommodations. Thank you for your time today. We look forward to working with you and helping you make the most of your Wingate experience. Questions are always welcome..