Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is known for its academic rigor, particularly in areas like computer science and engineering. But although university leaders strive for a supportive campus environment, students with disabilities can sometimes struggle to navigate college environments, and WashU is no different. If you’re a disabled student at WashU, it’s important to understand your rights.
The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team knows the challenges disabled students face at campuses across the country. We can answer your questions and help advocate for your rights, whether you’re managing academic struggles or facing disciplinary action. If you’re a disabled student dealing with issues related to access, accommodations, or equity at WashU, we can help. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential contact form to get in touch.
Understanding Disability Accommodations in Higher Education
Disabled students have rights, whether they’re attending a state college or a private institution like Washington State University in St. Louis. Those rights fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. On paper, colleges are required to ensure equal access to opportunities for all students, regardless of disability, due to these federal protections. However, that isn’t always the reality.
In many cases, students need to request accommodations, but that procedure varies from one university to another. At WashU, students have to take the initiative to engage with the school’s dedicated disability office. Requesting accommodations and ensuring they’re followed is on the student, as is the case with many universities. When issues arise, students also need to be proactive in reporting them through the same office.
Requesting Accommodations at WashU
Washington University operates a centralized office known as Disability Resources, which is housed within the Division of Student Affairs. This office exists to ensure that students get equal access to campus resources. The office helps students with a variety of both academic and housing accommodations, including:
- Classroom access and testing/exam accommodations
- Alternative formats of texts/course materials
- Assistive and adaptive technologies
- Communication access supports
- Clinical/fieldwork accommodations
- Licensure exam accommodations
- Parking and transportation assistance
To request accommodations, new students must complete a form and provide supporting documentation. Administration has strict standards for this documentation, so you’ll need to follow their format.
When To Apply for Accommodations
Like many universities, WashU doesn’t retroactively apply accommodations. That makes it essential to apply as soon as you receive your student ID number and WashU Key. If you don’t request accommodations and you face disciplinary action or academic issues, you’ll be at a disadvantage compared to having those protections in place from the start.
It’s also important to note that accommodations might not be granted overnight. Disability Resources staff will review your application and the attached documentation before approving or disapproving. Since so many students apply at the start of the semester, you may find that it takes a little longer than you expected. Once your request is approved, the staff will need extra time to let your instructors know, and at that point, they’ll be required to comply.
Accommodation Request Updates
When protections are in place, you may need to occasionally update things. This could happen because you left something out, but in many cases, students simply learn more about their disability during their time at WashU. When that happens, you simply need to request an update through the Disability Resources office.
To submit an Accommodation Plan Modification Request, go to Workday and choose the tab on the menu bar on the left. Then complete all necessary forms and submit them, along with supporting documentation. The team will review your request, reach out with any additional questions, and email you once a decision has been made.
Faculty and Administration Compliance
Even when all your professors are aware of your accommodations, compliance isn’t guaranteed. It’s expected, but some instructors may fail to understand the extent of the requirements or fail to comply altogether.
For example:
- A student approved for extended test time may find that a professor “doesn’t allow” time accommodations in their class.
- A student needing flexible attendance due to a chronic illness could see absences negatively impact grades.
- A student requiring a note-taker or captioned lectures might experience delays in receiving those supports.
These failures put students in a tricky situation, especially if they’re already facing academic or disciplinary scrutiny. WashU encourages any students experiencing such issues to report them to the Disability Resources office, at which point the office will investigate and take action, if necessary, but that process takes time. Meanwhile, you may do irreversible damage to your academic record.
Disciplinary Trouble and Disability Accommodations
When it comes to disciplinary actions, disabled students can often feel at a disadvantage. While WashU’s Disability Resources office is geared toward protecting students, disciplinary action isn’t listed among the support services offered. If you’re disciplined for actions related to a disability, though, it’s essential to understand your rights.
For example, disciplinary action could be related to:
- Failing to meet deadlines as a result of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Misinterpreting social cues due to autism spectrum disorder
- Erratic or disruptive behavior that’s related to a psychiatric crisis
While WashU allows accused students to loop in a support person during a misconduct investigation, the school has no dedicated procedure for disabled students facing disciplinary action. That’s why it’s important to have an advocate on your side when these issues arise. The LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team has extensive experience defending students against college-level disciplinary action and can help ensure your rights are protected.
Academic Progression and Disabilities at WashU
Even when students avoid disciplinary trouble, academics can be an issue. Students can have an invisible disability with fluctuating symptoms that can make it difficult to turn in every homework assignment and ace every test.
At WashU, students with academic progression issues are expected to rely on their academic advisors, but these university employees aren’t disability experts, so they might not always recognize when a student’s issues are disability related. You could find that your advisor tells you to simply try harder or manage your time better.
If a disability plays into your academic struggles, it’s important to get the support you need. This starts with documenting your issues since it can serve as evidence in hearings and appeals. Your request for accommodations and supporting medical documentation can also be used to mount a defense. If WashU doesn’t take your documented disability into account when deciding on academic progression, it could be a violation under the ADA and Section 504.
Housing, Classrooms, and Campus Accessibility
Although it’s not always a source of legal disputes, physical accessibility on campus still matters. WashU’s main Danforth campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, many of which are accessible via ramps, elevators, and power-assist doors. You can find an accessibility-geared map on the university’s website.
As for housing accommodations, it’s important to note that demand can sometimes exceed supply on campuses like WashU. You’ll need to submit your request for housing accommodations well in advance of room assignments, since placement can’t be guaranteed.
New and Undiagnosed Disabilities
WashU requires documentation for accommodations, which can pose a challenge for students experiencing new or emerging symptoms. Formal diagnoses can take time, particularly for neurodevelopmental and complex psychiatric conditions. During that time, a student will still be expected to show up for class and complete coursework.
In some cases, students may be able to ask for temporary accommodations, but you’ll need to work with the Disability Resources office for support. Without documentation, you may need legal advocacy to protect you from being punished while you’re getting the evaluation you need.
Leaves of Absence at WashU
Whether you have disability accommodations or not, WashU offers a leave of absence when you need to take some time off. This can give you the break you need to manage any issues you’re facing. You’ll request time off through Workday.
When you’re ready to return to campus, you can submit your request through Workday and wait for approval. If your absence is greater than two years, you’ll need to complete a Re-Enter Application to be considered for re-entry.
How the LLF National Law Firm Team Can Help
No matter what issue you’re dealing with at WashU, our team is here to support you. We can explain your rights under federal protections and advise you on the steps you’ll need to take to overcome any obstacles in your path to an education.
We understand how WashU’s systems work and can help you navigate any accommodation issues you’re facing. We can help with:
- Advocating for fair accommodations and enforcement
- Pushing back against discriminatory disciplinary action
- Securing leaves of absence with a clear path to return
- Challenging academic dismissals tied to disabilities
- Gathering and submitting documentation
Whether your disabilities are physical, psychiatric, or cognitive, we’re here to ensure you receive the respect and support you deserve under the law. Lack of accessibility shouldn’t get in the way of your education, so it’s important to know exactly what to do to protect yourself.
Defending Your Education in St. Louis
Federal protections are in place to ensure every student has equal access to education. For disabled students, though, requesting accommodations is part of enrolling at a new school. If you’re attending Washington University in St. Louis, requesting accommodations is a matter of completing a form and attaching documentation, but you’ll rely on faculty and staff to follow through.
If you’re experiencing accessibility issues at WashU, the LLF National Law Firm Education Law Team can help. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form.