
jwice@wellesley.edu
Table of
Contents
Disability Services
. 5
Common Questions
8
II. Campus Access Programs and Resources
Accessible Routes Map
.
. 10
Accessible Transportation Service
10
Disability Services Providers Committee
.. 10
Health Service and Simpson
Infirmary
.. 11
Pforzheimer Learning and
Power Doors
..
. 11
Residence Halls
..
12
Accessible Parking
.
13
Architectural Access
..
13
Assistance-Client Assistance Program
.. 13
Assistive Technology
. 13
Communications with Individuals who are Deaf
...
14
Employment/Accommodations Advice
...
.. 14
Health Resources
..
. 14
Higher Education and Disability
14
Independent Living Services
.
. 15
Legal Advice
..
15
Transportation
...
. 15
Vocational Rehabilitation
..
16
Appendix
Page
For All
18
Accessibility Map--Accessible Routes and
Buildings
Accommodation Request Process
Commencement
Parking
Transportation--Bus
Transportation--MBTA
Web Page for Disability Services
Wheelchair Rental
For Students and Applicants for
Admission
.18, 19
Admissions
Attention Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Medical Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
Psychiatric and Emotional Disabilities
Transportation--Van
For Applicants for Employment, Faculty,
and Staff
.
.
19
Faculty
Human Resources
Staff
For
Alumnae
.. 20
Alumnae Association
Alumnae
Leadership Council
Summer Symposium
For Guests
Public Events
Accessible Routes Map
.. 21
At
Disability
Services
Disability Services at
The Office of Disability Services is headed by Director of
Disability Services, Jim Wice. The
Director of Disability Services is
responsible for the coordination of disability services on campus. He coordinates the efforts of
Accommodation
Request Process
The accommodation request process is designed to be easy to
follow. First an individual must meet
with an appropriate Disability Services Provider to discuss her disability and
needs. The individual will be asked to
complete an accommodation request form.
The Disability Services Provider will specify what type of disability
documentation must be provided to be considered for an accommodation. The accommodation request review will proceed
once documentation is received. In some
cases additional documentation will be required before a decision can be
reached.
Disabilities accommodation at
Students
Students
with Medical Disabilities[1]
Students
with Psychiatric Disabilities
Students
with Physical Disabilities
Faculty
·
Andrew Shennan, Ph.D, Dean of the College, (781) 283-3583
·
Adele J. Wolfson,
Ph.D., Associate Dean, (781) 283-3583
Upon receipt of the documentation, the appropriate Disability
Services Provider will determine 1) if the individual has a disability as
defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and 2) if the accommodations request is
reasonable. In some cases, additional
documentation will be required. In other
cases the Disability Services Provider, upon examination of available
information, may decide that an alternative accommodation meets the needs of
the individual requesting accommodation.
The Disability Services Provider will make every effort to quickly
provide accommodations that have been deemed appropriate. If an accommodation is not granted and you
disagree, you may appeal the decisionfor students to the Dean of Students, for
staff to the Director of Human Resources, for faculty to the Dean of the
College.
The accommodation request process is summarized as follows:[2]
Accommodation
Request Process
1. Meet with a
Disability Services Provider to discuss the disability and resulting needs.
2. Complete an
accommodation request form and submit it to the Disability Services Provider.
3. Submit
appropriate and timely medical documentation or other documentation from a
professional qualified to make an assessment of your condition.
4. The Disability
Services Provider will determine if a disability exists as defined under the
5. If a disability
exists, the Disability Services Provider will gather additional information as
needed to determine if the request is reasonable.
6. The Disability
Services Provider will communicate the results of the inquiry to the requesting
individual.
7. If an
accommodation is determined reasonable and necessary, the Disability Services Provider
assists in either providing the requested accommodation or an appropriate
alternative.
In the event there is a dispute concerning the disposition of the
requested accommodation, the individual may appeal the decision-- for students
to the Dean of Students, for staff to the Director of Human Resources, for
faculty to the Dean of the College.
To receive accommodations, individuals with disabilities are
responsible for:
·
Disclosing her/his disability to the appropriate Disability
Services Provider by providing medical or other appropriate documentation if
requesting an accommodation. In the
event an individual is uncertain about whom to contact s/he should contact the
Director of Disability Services.
·
Making a request with all necessary information provided in
the timelines created to ensure proper review and provision.
·
Notifying the Disability Services Provider of any
cancellations or changes in requests or scheduled accommodations.
Disability Services can not provide an accommodation if an individual
with a disability does not disclose and provide documentation of a disability
and/or does not make a request with enough time to provide the
accommodation. Every effort will be made
to provide for requests determined reasonable but an alternative may also be
provided.
Individuals also have additional rights specified in detail in the
Rehabilitation Act and the
Common Questions
The following are questions one might ask concerning disability
and accommodation issues at
1. What
is a Disability?
The legal definition of disability is "a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life
activities."
2. What is a reasonable accommodation?
Generally speaking, accommodations are services, resources,
adaptations, and restructuring that allow an individual with a disability to
have equal access to something someone without a disability has access to. The umbrella term accommodation refers to
both auxiliary aids (terminology often used for student accommodations) and
employment-based services, resources and adaptations. An institution is obligated to provide
accommodations and/or auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities as
defined by the
3. What
happens if I have no medical or other appropriate documentation?
Unfortunately, the College will not be able to guarantee either
reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids to anyone who is unable to provide
necessary medical documentation. Please
speak to the Director of Disability Services for advice on acquiring
documentation of your disability.
4. What are my privacy rights regarding my medical information?
Information shared with the Director of Disability Services and/or
any of the Disability Services Providers will be kept confidential to the
greatest extent possible. Only those
individuals with a bona fide need to know (i.e., a Disability Services Provider)
will have access to your medical information.
Information will not be shared with others (including professors,
supervisors, and peers) without the explicit permission of the individual.
II. Campus
Access Programs and Resources
While eligible[4] individuals with
disabilities are welcome to use any program the College has to offer, there are
programs that may be of particular interest because of the disability
significant activities provided. The
programs and resources that follow contain brief introductions to the services
viewed as most relevant to the topic of disability and access. For a more complete description of all
services provided contact the program or visit the
http://www.wellesley.edu/CampusMaps/accessmap.pdf
The Accessible Routes Map available on the web and at the end of
this guide identifies access paths, entrances and parking on campus. More information about campus accessibility
is available by contacting Jim Wice, Director of Disability Services.
Jewett Hall
(781) 283-3382
Health Service and Simpson Infirmary
(781) 283-2810
The Health Service serves students and
includes both an outpatient clinic and a state-licensed hospital/infirmary. During clinic hours that are 8:00 A.M. - 4:00
P.M. Monday through Friday, physicians, nurse practitioners and registered
nurses provide primary medical and gynecologic care to all students. After clinic hours, the infirmary is staffed
by registered nurses and on-call physicians. When indicated, consultation with
specialists is available both locally and in
The Health Service can provide information
on ongoing health-related needs and medical resources in the area. Newton-Wellesley and the
The
Pforzheimer
Learning and
The mission of the Learning and
The PLTCs tutoring services are beneficial to all students but
may be of particular interest to students with learning and attention
disabilities. Department Tutors are
selected by faculty for their mastery of specific subject areas and their
ability to communicate information clearly. Tutors are trained to assist
students either individually or in small groups and are available on a drop in
basis or by assignment. The Academic Peer Tutor (APT) Advisor program is a dorm
and community based academic support program. APT Advisors are trained 1) to help
individual students acquire effective study skills, 2) to provide study skills
workshops, 3) to stimulate intellectual life on campus and 4) to refer students
to other campus resources.
(781) 283-2434 voice/tty
Fifteen of the buildings on Campus have power doors that can be
operated by a portable, push button, control device that can be requested
through Jim Wice, Director of Disability Services. Buildings with power doors include:
Bates Hall Beebe
Hall Cazenove Hall Clapp Library
Collins Cafι
Health Service[6] Jewett Hall
Pomeroy Hall Schneider
Tower Court
(781) 283-2434 voice/tty
The residence halls have a variety of access features that are
beneficial to students with physical disabilities. Five residence halls previously mentioned
(Bates Hall, Beebe Hall, Cazenove Hall, Pomeroy Hall, and Shafer Hall) have
power doors. The majority of residence hall laundry rooms have side loading
washers and dryers that provide greater wheelchair accessibility. Some of the residence halls also have
wheel-in showers (Beebe Hall, Claflin Hall, Freeman Hall, and Munger Hall).
Students with disability related needs for single room
accommodations or adaptive equipment not listed may request this through their
Disability Services Professional.
Physical Plant
(781) 283-3433
Shuttle Bus information can be found online at http://www.wellesley.edu/Transportation/.
To request a lift-equipped bus, please contact Peter Eastment,
Director of Housing and Transportation.
(781) 283-2839
Counseling Services is the clinical wing of the
The Stone Center Counseling Services staff can provide additional
information on services they provide, local mental health resources, and
referrals to off-campus professionals. Some of the support groups provided by
Counseling Services staff include General Therapy Support and Eating Disorders
Support Group.
III. Local and National Disability Access
Resources
There are many useful resources
in the
Local
and National Disability Access Resources
|
||
|
Resource |
Organization/Contact Info |
Details[7] |
|
Accessible
Parking |
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles http://www.mass.gov/rmv/medical/index.htm within (617) area code at (617) 351-4500 &
outside the (617) area 1-800-858-3926 |
Each State has a Registry of Motor Vehicles that determines the
eligibility criteria for granting accessible parking access. Generally, the criteria
are based on an inability to walk 200 feet without resting. In |
Architectural Access
|
|
The Access Boards website contains architectural access
codes. Their staff is available to
provide technical assistance. Both
State and federal code must be reviewed when considering access. |
|
(800) 949-4232 voice/tty |
The |
|
AssistanceClient Assistance Program
|
(800) 322-2020 voice/tty http://www.state.ma.us/mod/ |
Information, Referral and Advocacy are available in areas such
as: Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, Accessible
Housing, Transportation, Architectural and Communications Access, Education,
Employment |
Assistive Technology
|
Technology
Partnership (617) 355-7820 voice; (617) 355-7301 tty http://www.matp.org/ |
The |
Abledata.com
http://www.Abledata.com/ |
Clearinghouse website for assistive technology products and
vendor information. |
|
|
Communications
with Individuals who are Deaf |
MassRelay
(800) 439-0183 voice (800) 439-2370 tty http://www.massrelay.org/ |
MassRelay is a 24/7 service enabling hearing people or people
who do not use a text telephone (tty) to communicate over regular telephone
lines with people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late deafened, or speech
disabled. A Relay Operator will complete your call, dialing the party you
wish to contact and then stay on the line to relay messages electronically
via a tty or verbally to people who can hear. |
|
(800) 882 1155 voice (800) 530 7570 tty http://www.state.ma.us/mcdhh/ |
The Department of Interpreter Services maintains and coordinates
a statewide interpreter referral service for deaf, late deafened and hard of
hearing persons, and also referrals for Computer Aided Real-time Translation
(CART) Services. The Commission was established to advocate for, provide and
coordinate public policies, regulations and programs to provide full and
equal opportunity for deaf, late deafened and hard of hearing people in
Massachusetts. |
|
|
Employment/ Accommodations
Advice |
Job
Accommodation Network (JAN) (800) 526-7234 voice/tty http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/ |
JAN is an international, toll-free, consulting service that
provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people
with disabilities. JAN also provides information regarding the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). |
|
The (508) 651-7531, (617) 727-6208 http://www.state.ma.us/mrc/ |
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission specializes in
disability and employment issues. (See
the section on Vocational Rehabilitation for more details). |
|
|
Health
Resources |
MassHealth
1-888-665-9993 voice 1-888-665-9997 tty http://www.state.ma.us/dma/ |
MassHealth pays for health care for certain low- and
medium-income people living in |
CommonHealth
(800) 841-2900 voice (800) 497-4648 tty http://www.state.ma.us/dma/ And search commonhealth |
CommonHealth is a health plan for |
|
|
Higher
Education and Disability |
Association of
Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) (617) 287-3880 voice/tty http://www.ahead.org/ |
AHEAD is an international, multicultural organization of professionals
committed to full participation in higher education for persons with
disabilities. The Association offers numerous training programs, workshops,
publications, and conferences. |
(800) 544-3284 voice/tty http://www.heath.gwu.edu/ |
The |
|
|
Independent
Living Services |
(508) 875-7853 |
Metro West provides advocacy, information and referral, peer
support, and independent living skills training |
|
http://www.bostoncil.org/ (617) 338-6665 voice (617) 338-6662 tty |
Beyond standard independent living services such as advocacy,
peer support and training, BCIL assesses individuals for personal care
attendant services. |
|
|
Legal Advice |
(800) 949-4232
voice/tty |
The |
|
(800) 872-9992 voice (800) 381-0577 tty http://www.dlc-ma.org/ |
DLC represents clients with disabilities that have been
discriminated against because of their disability. Priority issues include
discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, childcare
facilities, and transportation. |
|
|
Transportation |
MBTA--The Ride
10 Park Plaza (617) 222-5123 voice (617) 222-5415 tty http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/accessible_services/ |
The Ride is the MBTA's paratransit program that provides
transportation to people who cannot use general public transportation because
of a physical or mental disability. Lift equipped vans are used to serve
persons with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. The Ride now
operates in 62 cities and towns. In order to use The Ride you must complete
an application and become eligible. |
|
MBTA Lift Bus
Program Call-A-Lift
Service 1-800 LIFT BUS ((800) 543-8287) |
Wheelchair lift-equipped buses may be requested on any MBTA bus
route. Call 1-800 LIFT BUS ((800) 543-8287) by 1:00 PM the day before you
want to travel to schedule a bus. Many routes have 100% or partial
lift-equipped bus service during all hours of operation. |
|
Tommy's Taxi Inc Veterans Taxi Airport Direct |
Tommys Taxi has one
wheelchair accessible vehicle. |
|
|
Vocational
Rehabilitation |
The (508) 651-7531, (617) 727-6208 http://www.state.ma.us/mrc/ |
Following are many (but not all) of the VR services MRC provides:
College or Vocational Training, Job Placement, Counseling and Guidance,
Supported Work, Interest and Aptitude Testing, Skill Training, Job Coaches
and Tutors, Diagnostic Evaluations, Vehicle Modifications, Housing
Modifications, Injured Worker's Program, Assistive and Rehabilitation
Technology, Programs for Individuals Turning 22 (Ch. 688), Consultation to
Employers |
|
(800) 392-6556 voice (800) 392-6450 tty Http://www.state.ma.us/mcb/ |
Programs serve individual needs and range from vocational and
employment services, independent travel techniques, instruction in the home
and community, medical and financial assistance, tax deductions, advocacy,
information and referral services and much more. |
|
|
Wheelchair
Rental |
Andrews'
Pharmacy Inc. (781) 235-1001 (508) 655-3656 Medi-Rents (617)
247-1000 |
Each of these retailers rent wheelchairs. |
Appendix
|
Disability Services At A Glance |
||
|
Topic |
Information |
Contact |
|
For All: |
||
|
Accessibility Map |
Includes accessible routes, building entrances, and parking. |
http://www.wellesley.edu/CampusMaps/Access_Map.pdf |
|
Accommodation Request Process |
Requests are made through the appropriate Disability Services
professional. |
http://www.wellesley.edu/DisabilityServices/resourceflyer.html |
|
Commencement |
The Director of Disability Services facilitates accommodations. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Parking |
Accessible parking exists in various locations. Campus Police
issues parking assignments based on disability needs once medical
documentation is reviewed by the Director of Disability Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
TransportationBus |
Two shuttle bus services that are lift equipped with at least
24-hour notice. The MIT Exchange Bus provides transportation between
Wellesley and MIT on weekdays for Wellesley and MIT students. From Friday evening through Sunday evening
the Senate Bus runs between |
Peter Eastment, Director of Housing and Transportation, Physical Plant (781) 283-3433 |
|
TransportationMBTA |
MBTA's paratransit program provides transportation to people who
cannot use general public transportation because of a physical or mental
disability. |
MBTA--The Ride (617) 222-5123 voice (617) 222-5415 tty |
|
Web page for Disability Services |
The web page contains updated information and links to
resources. |
http://www.wellesley.edu/DisabilityServices/DShome.html |
|
Wheelchair Rental |
Most pharmacies have rental programs. |
(508) 655-3656 |
|
For Students
and Applicants for Admissions: |
||
Admissions
|
The Admissions Office reviews applications without regard to
disability. Admissions information and application are online at
http://www.wellesley.edu/Admission/ Accommodations for interviews and tours
are made through the Director of Disability Services. |
Admissions Office 2nd floor, Green Hall (781) 283-2270 Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Attention Disorders |
Meet with the Director of Disability Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Disability Services At A Glance |
||
|
Topic |
Information |
Contact |
|
Learning Disabilities |
Meet with the Director of Disability Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Medical Disabilities |
Accommodations facilitated through the Health Service. |
Vanessa Britto, M.D., Director of Health Service,
(781) 283-2810
|
|
Physical Disabilities |
Accommodations facilitated by the Director of Disability
Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Psychiatric and Emotional Disabilities |
Accommodations facilitated through the Stone Center Counseling
Services. |
Robin Cook-Nobles
Director of Counseling Services,
(781) 283-2839
|
|
Transportation--Van |
Accessible van service available for transport to and from
classes as well as other academically related activities. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
For Faculty,
Staff, and Applicants for Employment: |
||
|
Faculty |
Accommodation requests can be made through the Dean of the
College or the Director of Disability Services. |
http://www.wellesley.edu/DisabilityServices/resourceflyer.html |
|
Human Resources |
Employment opportunities and application procedures are posted
on the Human Resources web page http://www.wellesley.edu/HR/
. Faculty and other
teaching positions are filled directly through the academic departments.
Accommodation requests for an interview can be made through the Director of
Disability Services. |
Human Resources 1st floor, Green Hall (781) 283-3202 Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Staff |
Accommodation requests can be made through the Director of
Disability Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Disability Services At A Glance |
||
|
Topic |
Information |
Contact |
|
For Alumnae: |
||
|
Alumnae Association |
The Alumnae Association works closely with the Director of
Disability Services to address the needs of Alumnae with disabilities. |
Alumnae Association Green Hall 781-283-2331 Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
|
Alumnae Leadership Council |
The Alumnae Association coordinates the event. Accommodation requests can be made through
the Director of Disability Services. |
Alumnae Association Green Hall 781-283-2331 alumnae@wellesley.edu |
|
|
The Alumnae Association coordinates the event. Accommodation requests can be made through
the Director of Disability Services. |
Alumnae Association Green Hall 781-283-2331 alumnae@wellesley.edu |
|
Summer Symposium |
The Alumnae Office coordinates the event. Accommodation requests can be made through
the Director of Disability Services. |
Alumnae Association Green Hall 781-283-2331 alumnae@wellesley.edu |
|
For Guests: |
||
|
Public Events |
Accommodation requests can be made through the Director of
Disability Services. |
Jim Wice Director of Disability Services, 3rd floor, Clapp Library (781) 283-2434 voice/tty |
[1] The term medical disabilities denote that some students with disabilities may associate their disability with an ongoing health issue and make their primary contact Health Service staff. Some students with temporary disabilities may also likely be introduced first to The Health Service. Where there is a question between whether a medical disability or physical disability is present, students may choose whom to contact.
The Wellesley College Chief of Police has the authority to grant parking access changes due to disability. For example, assignment can be made to a closer parking lot or access to handicapped (hp) parking. The Chief solicits a recommendation on all parking access requests due to disability from the Director of Disability Services. Requests can be made directly to the Director of Disability Services.
[3] Examples of auxiliary aides include " (A) qualified interpreters or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments; (B) qualified readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual impairments; (C) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and (D) other similar services and actions." Examples of reasonable accommodations include: "(A) making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (B) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modifications of examinations, training materials or policies, the provision of qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities."
[4] The word eligible is included to note that some programs may be for students exclusively while other programs may only be for employees. Additional activities may be open to the public.
[5] The power door control button is mounted by the door at Green Hall and therefore does not require a portable opener.
[6] The power door at the Health Service has a motion detector for opening.
[7] Whenever possible, program information was quoted directly from the service literature. Information provided is likely only a portion of the services provided.