Disability Support Services

Disability Services Coordinater

Cherish Tijerina

Phone: 509.372.7352
Washington Relay Service: 1.800.833.6388
Fax: 509.372.7156
Mailing Address: 2710 University Drive, Richland, WA 99354

Our Commitment

Universities in Washington State have developed support services for students with disabilities to ensure that their programs and facilities are accessible.  Each campus is organized to provide reasonable accommodations, including core services, to qualified students with disabilities.

Guidelines for Documentation

What services may be provided?

Accommodations

Some services and reasonable accommodations available on an individually determined basis include the following:

  • Accessible facilities
  • Alternative educational media
  • Alternative testing
  • ASL Interpreters
  • Mobility assistance/wheel chairs
  • Note taking
  • Priority registration
  • Reading services
  • Scribes
  • Specialized equipment
  • Access to books on audio tape

Information & Referral

  • Campus orientation
  • Campus programs and services
  • Community programs and resources such as the Division for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Labor and Industries, Recording for the Blind, Washington State Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, etc.
 

Alternative Format Notice

These services are also available upon request in large print, on audiotape, videotape or a Braille format.

Who is eligible for services?

    1. Persons with a documented physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

 

Early contact is important.

What are your responsibilities?

You are responsible for your own success in higher education.  You are expected to meet the academic standards required of all students.

  • Identify yourself as a student with a disability and register with the Disability Support Services office.
  • Provide documentation regarding your disability.
  • Ask for reasonable accommodation at the University.
  • Request services early.  (At least four weeks prior to entering the University.)

Federal Law States:

"No qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from the participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of any public entity."  Americans with Disabilities Act - 1990; Section 202

"No otherwise qualified, handicapped individual in the United States shall solely by reasons on his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."  Rehabilitation Act of Congress, 1973 - Title V; Section 504

 

What are your rights?

You have a right to services and reasonable accommodations, which allow you to compete on an equal basis with non-disabled students, as long as you meet the basic requirements to perform activities of the program or occupation.

 

Confidentiality

Information regarding a student's disability is confidential.  Medical information will not be released unless there exists a clear and imminent danger to self, others, and/or the university.

 

Dispute Resolution:

Students are encouraged to resolve concerns by first contacting the Disability Support Services office at 509.372.7352 or those with hearing disabilities may use 1.800.833.6388 (Washington Relay Services) and they will contact our office, so that we can discuss your issues.  It is in everyone's best interest that disputes over reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities be settled as quickly and informally as possible.  The University offers a formal procedure for students to lodge a complaint or grievance with the institution.

However, anyone who believes there has been an act of discrimination by the University on the basis of disability against any person or group, may file a complaint with the:

U.S. Department of Education
Office of Civil Rights
Voice: 206.220.7900
TDD: 206.203.7907

Washington State Human Rights Commission
1.800.233.3247
Voice: 1.800.662.2755
TDD: 1.800.300.7525

Just a Reminder:
To submit an exam for proctoring, you can drop it by the Disability Services Office 269D or send it via
e-mail to ctijerina@tricity.wsu.edu . Please be sure to include the student’s name, course number/name, and any special instruction for the student to follow while taking the exam.
 
*Disability Services Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Classroom accommodation forms are available through the Disability Services Office.
 
If you have a documented disability, even temporary, make an appointment as soon as possible with the Disability Services Coordinator, Cherish Tijerina, Room 269D West Building. You will need to provide your instructor with the appropriate classroom accommodation form.  The forms should be completed and submitted during the first week of class. Late notification can delay your accommodations or cause them to be unavailable.  All accommodations for disabilities must be approved through the Disability Services Coordinator.


Contact us:ctijerina@tricity.wsu.edu (509) 372-7352
Washington State University Tri-Cities, 2710 University Drive, Richland, WA 99354-1671 USA