Accessibility and Disability Services
What are academic accommodations?
Academic accommodations are changes that help students with disabilities have equal access to learning and college activities at Minnesota West. These changes help remove barriers and give students the opportunity to succeed.
Examples of accommodations may include:
- Testing in a quiet, private room
- Extra time for quizzes, tests, or exams
- Alternative formats for tests and exams
- Textbooks in accessible formats
- Sign language interpreters
- Adjustments to certain policies or procedures
- Removal of physical barriers
- Access to adaptive equipment and technology
Accommodations change how a student accesses learning. They do not change what a student is expected to learn.
Accommodations vs. Modifications
Unlike accommodations, modifications change course requirements, assignments, or learning
outcomes. Colleges do not make modifications that alter the essential requirements
of a program.
For example, students cannot:
- Complete a simpler version of an exam
- Have course requirements reduced
- Complete different program outcomes than other students
All Minnesota West students, including students with disabilities, must meet the same academic standards.
Minnesota West does not provide personal devices such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. The college is also not required to provide services that create an unreasonable administrative or financial burden.
Who is eligible?
Any enrolled student with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations and support services. If documentation is not available, requests may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All reasonable accommodations and support services will be provided.
Disabilities may include:
- Mental Health Disorders (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders)
- Learning and/or Intellectual Disabilities
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Blindness, Limited Vision, Deafness or Impaired Hearing
- Mobility Impairments or Physical Disabilities
- Neurological Disorders (Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Cerebrovascular diseases, Parkinson’s Disease)
- Brain Injury Disability
- Any other documented disability that could limit success in a program or activity without accommodations
- Anxiety disorders, PTSD, and other mental health conditions
Learning or intellectual disabilities
ADD/ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Blindness, low vision, deafness, or hearing loss
Physical or mobility disabilities
Neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or stroke-related conditions
Traumatic brain injuries
Other documented conditions that may affect learning or participation
The college will ensure compliance with the Minnesota State colleges and universities Policy 1B.4.
How do I request accommodations?
- Submit an accommodation(s) request form along with documentation to the Accessibility and Disability Services Coordinator.
Students have the responsibility to submit the form along with documentation, either in person or through email, to the Accessibility & Disability Services Office. All requests are confidential.
Accommodations are arranged each term, and students need to communicate with the Accessibility and Disability Services Coordinator to arrange for academic accommodations before, or at the beginning of, each term.
What documentation is needed?
It is the student's responsibility to provide recent, professional documentation of
their disability.
Documentation substantiating your disability may include:
- Educational records (such as IEP’s, SOP’s, etc.)
- Statement of disability on the letterhead of a qualified professional (such as medical records, evaluation reports, etc.)
- Statement of how the disability functionally limits them in the academic environment
- Recommendations for specific accommodations and rationale for those recommendations
Set up an appointment with the Accessibility and Disability Services Coordinator.
During this meeting, you will:
- Discuss your needs
- Learn about available services
- Develop an accommodation plan
- Build a connection with the Accessibility and Disability Services Office
Under the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a disability is a physical or mental condition that significantly limits one or more major life activities. It may also include a history of such a condition or being regarded as having a disability.
Your Rights
Students have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness
- Have equal access to courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities
- Receive reasonable accommodations when eligible
- Have disability-related information kept confidential, as allowed by law
- Receive quality services and support
Students are responsible for:
- Identifying themselves to the Accessibility and Disability Services Office
- Providing appropriate documentation
- Requesting accommodations each semester
- Requesting accommodations at least two weeks before classes or activities begin whenever possible
- Requesting audiobook or reader services at least six weeks in advance when needed
- Informing the coordinator of schedule changes that affect accommodations
- Following college and program policies
- Meeting the same academic standards as other students
- Following the Student Code of Conduct
- Reporting concerns in a timely manner
- Concerns and Complaints
Concerns
If your accommodations are not meeting your needs, contact the Accessibility and Disability Services Office as soon as possible.
Most concerns can be resolved by:
- Speaking with the Accessibility and Disability Services Coordinator
- Speaking with campus support services staff
- Filing a grievance through Student Information and Policies
- Filing a complaint with: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights or Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment because of a disability, contact College Administration to learn about the formal complaint process under Minnesota State policies.
The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination and ensures equal access to programs, services, and activities.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 508 requires electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Minnesota West is committed to providing accessible learning environments and reasonable accommodations that support student success.
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal funding.
Minnesota West is committed to providing equal opportunities for all students.
For questions or concerns regarding Title VI, please contact our College Administration.
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding.
Minnesota West is committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
For Title IX questions or concerns, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA)
The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) is the state law prohibiting discrimination in Minnesota and is enforced by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). It is one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country.