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Accessibility

Western Illinois University Policy

 Western Illinois University complies fully with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. The University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment for its students, faculty, and staff that is free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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Further, the University is committed to a comprehensive Affirmative Action program that ensures access and equity in educational programs, activities, and employment.

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The Equal Opportunity & Access Office is responsible for administering and monitoring Western Illinois University's Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies and procedures. Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the policies should be directed to Equal Opportunity & Access, 309-298-1977, eoa-office@wiu.edu. The Director of Equal Opportunity & Access also serves as the Coordinator for Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WIU's Disability Resource Center

Mission:

A commitment to equity, social justice, and diversity is embedded in the values of Western Illinois University. We recognize disability as a naturally occurring aspect of the diversity of life that is integral to society and to the campus community. To that end, Disability Resource Center partners with the University community to create environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.1 We promote awareness and access through training, partnerships, innovative programs, and accommodations. 

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Accommodations can be any modification made to University programs, policies or procedures. If you are experiencing any barriers to participation, you are encouraged to contact the SDSC to make requests for or discuss possible accommodations.

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The role of Disability Resources in the SDSC is to facilitate equal access to University classes, programs, and activities for students with disabilities.  Because access is a shared University responsibility, the SDSC serves as a resource for faculty, staff and administrators on creating accessible and inclusive environments. 

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While WIU is committed to access and inclusion, it is not possible to anticipate all barriers that might exist for individuals with disabilities.  Therefore, the SDSC is the campus department designated by the University to work with students through an interactive process to determine disability and hear requests for reasonable accommodations.

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SDSC Address

Memorial Hall 125

1 University Circle

Macomb, IL 61455

Phone

309-298-1884

Email

Accessibility In and Around WIU's Campus

Because of natural barriers, such as steep hills, not all pedestrian routes on campus are considered accessible routes. You may view accessible pedestrian routes here . Accessible routes are indicated by lavender shading. The WIU Macomb campus terrain varies from flat land to steep hills. A hilly terrain poses a natural barrier for some individuals with disabilities. The campus addresses this natural barrier by offering alternate mobility routes. 

 

WIU maintains compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. As our core values suggest, we are committed to providing equal opportunities and access for all. There are many ways in which WIU seeks to not only meet minimal legal standards, but to go above and beyond what is required by law. When possible, WIU designs buildings in a manner that offers a greater degree of accessibility and convenience for a variety of situations through the implementation of universal design (UD) strategies. Also known as human-centered design, UD is a process rooted in architecture that can be applied to all aspects of higher education to create inclusive, equitable and sustainable environments that welcome a diverse population.

Service Animals

It is the policy of Western Illinois University that service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are permitted in all facilities, programs, and activities where students, employees, or members of the public are normally allowed access, except where the presence or behavior of the animal may compromise the health or safety of the animal or others, or fundamentally alters the nature of the program or activity.

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Guidelines: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Illinois law (775 ILCS 30 and Public Act 097-0956) require that service animals be permitted to accompany persons with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are normally allowed access on the campuses of Western Illinois University. In addition, service animals trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a student with a disability must be permitted to accompany that student at all university functions, whether in or outside the classroom, unless the presence or behavior of the animal compromises the health or safety of the animal or others or fundamentally alters the nature of the program or activity.

 

Note: An animal being trained to be a service animal has the same rights as a fully trained animal when accompanied by a trainer and is identified as such. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under Titles II and III of the ADA. Illinois Law requires that dogs, including service dogs, be vaccinated against rabies and registered in the county in which the dog resides. McDonough County registration tags are available to service dogs at no charge at the McDonough County Treasurer’s Office.

 

For more information call: (309) 833-2032

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