Center for Disability & Accommodations

• Students choose whether to disclose a disability and request accommodations
• Students participate directly in the interactive process with the CDA
• Accommodations are determined individually based on disability-related barriers and are designed to provide equitable access, not to change essential academic or program requirements.
•  Students are responsible for communicating directly with the CDA and remaining engaged throughout their time at Western.

Your support continues to play an important role in your student’s experience. We encourage families to:

• Encourage your student to communicate directly with the CDA and their instructors
• Support your student in developing self-advocacy and problem-solving skills
• Remind your student to request accommodations and review as needed
• Encourage your student to seek help early if they experience disability-related barriers.
• Celebrate progress while allowing your student to take ownership of their university experience.

The CDA works directly with students throughout the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations based on documented disability-related needs. We encourage parents and families to support their student’s independence by encouraging them to communicate directly with our office and develop self-advocacy skills.

Housing accommodations are intended to address disability-related barriers and are not used to secure preferred residence halls, roommates, room types, or meal plans. While the CDA determines appropriate housing accommodations, Residence Life is responsible for making housing assignments based on approved accommodations and available housing resources. Approval of a housing accommodation does

The Center for Disability and Accommodations is committed to fostering student independence and self-advocacy. As a matter of departmental practice, the CDA communicates directly with students regarding disability-related services and accommodations. Parents and family members are encouraged to have their student contact the CDA directly so we can work collaboratively with them throughout the interactive process.