Welcome from the Director, Malissa Larson
Welcome to Western Oregon University, it is truly a pleasure to welcome you to our campus! The decision to pursue a degree, whether it is a Bachelor or Graduate degree, is a life changing event, and the transition from high school, community college or the workforce, can be an overwhelming and intimidating task. The staff at the Office of Disability Services is dedicated to helping the transition to Western Oregon University be as straightforward as possible.
As part of the Student Affairs division at Western, the Office of Disability Services provides reasonable accommodations to students and community members with documented disabilities in order to access Western Oregon University and its' programs. Western Oregon University and the Office of Disability Services is committed to fostering students' academic, personal and professional growth; educating students to respect and appreciate diversity; and prepare students to be responsible and engaged citizens in a global community.
Students seeking accommodations, auxiliary aids or academic adjustments are required to provide documentation from a qualified professional detailing his or her disability. Documentation should be no more than three years old, and be on letterhead from the provider. The documentation should include the following information:
- Diagnosis
- Functional limitations in an academic environment
- Tests administered (if any)
- Medications (if any)
-
Recommendations for accommodations, auxiliary aids or academic adjustments
Once a student has been approved for accommodations, a letter detailing the approved accommodations will be sent to the student. Upon approval for services, students utilizing Interpreters should contact Susie Friberg to set up an appointment for orientation to the Office of Disability Services. Students utilizing all other accommodations should contact Earlee Kerekes-Mishra for an orientation to the Office of Disability Services. Students interested in a modification to the approved accommodations should fill out the Request to Add or Alter Approved Accommodations form. I am always happy to meet with students regarding their needs, and appointments can be made by contacting Mollie at 503-838-8250.
Just as we want you to have a valuable and meaningful experience at Western Oregon University and working with the Office of DIsability Services, we aim to provide a website that is accessible, helpful, and easy-to-navigate. If you have any questions or comments regarding the website, please contact Earlee Kerekes-Mishra.
Welcome to Western!
Malissa B. Larson
Director
Mission statement
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides reasonable accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities have access to Western Oregon University (WOU) and its programs; through intentional interventions, programs, and services in order that WOU will meet federal requirements, encourage personal growth, and increase effective communication for our students.
Federal compliance statement
This office is the official University department to review and house disability documentation as designated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Upcoming events
- October is Disability Awareness Month
- Tuesday, Sept. 29: Experiential Center @ WUC 11a.m. to 1p.m. - come and experience what it is like to have Dyslexia or Schizophrenia
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: Experiential Center @ WUC Plaza 11a.m. to 1p.m. - experience what it is like to be Blind or Deaf
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: Information Table @ WUC 11a.m. to 1p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 14: Information Table @ WUC 11a.m. to 1p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Out of Sight Dinner @ Pacific Room 6 p.m. - Enjoy Dinner and an Experience for only $1!