Accessibility Services
Supporting students with disabilities to access academics, campus resources, and opportunities—fostering independence, self-advocacy, and success at WLU.
Your Success,
Your Access
The Office of Accessibility Services is part of the Student Success Center and is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals. We work with students to provide reasonable academic accommodations for documented disabilities, connect you with resources, and ensure equal access to all that West Liberty University has to offer. Our goal is to empower students to advocate for themselves, build independence, and thrive academically and personally.
Getting
Started
Begin your journey with Accessibility Services by meeting with the ADA Coordinator to learn about available accommodations and campus resources.
Contact the ADA Coordinator to schedule an Orientation to Accessibility Services to begin the process:
ADA Coordinator
Dr. Richard Whitehead
richard.whitehead@westliberty.edu.
Students seeking accommodations must provide documentation from a licensed professional verifying a disability.
- An IEP/504 plan alone is not sufficient at the post-secondary level.
- Documentation helps determine reasonable academic accommodations.
- Requesting accommodations: It’s the student’s responsibility to initiate.
- Providing documentation: Students must obtain appropriate documentation.
- Managing accommodations: Students manage accommodations once in place.
The ADA Coordinator, staff, and faculty are available to support each step.
Common
Questions
Defined under the ADA, ADA Amendments Act, and Section 504, a disability is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, seeing, hearing, or communicating.
Includes caring for oneself, walking, reading, concentrating, learning, thinking, communicating, and major bodily functions.
Students 18+ are legally adults. Parents can support but students make accommodation requests themselves. Parents may attend the Orientation Meeting if desired.
Requires documentation from a licensed provider.
Contact Sarah Fonner
Email: sarah.fonner@westliberty.edu
Phone: 304-336-8345
Accommodations are individualized based on documentation and student interviews. Examples include:
- Extended time for tests/quizzes
- Distraction-free testing environments
- Scribes/readers
- Note-taking assistance
- Closed-captioning
- Interpreters
- Recording lectures & Learning Ally access
Some technologies provided or procured include:
- Fire Alarm Strobes
- Door Knocker Strobes & Receivers
- Recording Devices
- Audiobooks via Learning Ally
- Enhanced Visibility Keyboards
- OpenBook Software
- ZoomText Software
- NaturallySpeaking
Personal services (tutors, attendants, wheelchairs, or individually prescribed devices) are not provided as accommodations, but peer tutoring and academic coaching are available free of charge through the Student Success Center. Access via TutorTrac.
If concerns arise:
- Address the issue promptly with the individual involved.
- Contact the Student Success Center for guidance.
- The Center can intervene if accommodations are not implemented properly or if faculty questions arise.
Explore
Campus Access
Navigate West Liberty University with confidence. Our accessible campus map highlights entrances, pathways, and resources designed for students with disabilities.
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.