Access Services

Western is committed to ensuring that everyone in our community can access our programs and services, regardless of their primary language. Our Language Access Plan provides free interpretation and translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Vital documents can be translated into Spanish and Hmong, the most common languages spoken in our district after English.

Please use the following forms to request these services.

• Document Translation Form
• Interpreter Request Form

1. A diagnostic statement identifying the disability, the date of the current diagnostic evaluation, and the date of the original diagnosis.
2. A description of the diagnostic criteria and/or diagnostic test used. Scores must be included if applicable.
3. A description of the current functional impact of the disability.
4. Treatments, medications, assistive devices/services currently prescribed or in use.
5. A description of the expected progression or stability of the impact of the disability over time.
6. A history of previous accommodations and auxiliary aides and their impact.
7. The credentials of the diagnosing professional(s).

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by recipients of federal funds, and requires recipients to make their programs and activities accessible to everyone.

Disability laws define a person with a disability as an individual who:

• has a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or
• has a record of such impairment; or
• is regarded as having such an impairment.

The determination that a condition is a disability depends on whether the impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities and must be assessed by examining the extent, duration, and impact of the impairment. A major life activity is an everyday activity that an average person can perform with little or no difficulty.

Persons who do not have disabilities but who are treated in a discriminatory manner because they are “regarded as” having a disability are also protected by disability laws.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 broadened the scope of Section 504 to include public accommodations, state and local governments, telecommunications, transportation, and employment. The ADA prohibits discrimination in nearly every sector of life.

The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law on September 25, 2008 and took effect on January 1, 2009. The major revision of the law was that disability should be considered broadly to include persons with a wide range of physical and mental impairments. It is the intention of Congress that the focus of the determination of disability should be on how a major life activity is substantially limited, not on what an individual can do in spite of the impairment.

1. Communication with Access Services

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule interpreters as needed. You must inform the Access Services when any of the following happens in your class:

• Day(s) of class canceled by instructor
• Room number change
• Start or end time of class change
• Field trips

Informing Access Services will ensure continued services and the ability to provide accurate information to substitute interpreters when necessary.

2.  In person and VRI Interpreting

Both in-person contracted interpreters as well as VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) may be utilized to provide interpreting services.

3.  Missing the First Day of Class

If you miss the first day of class, you must contact Access Services. No interpreter will attend class until Access Services is contacted and the issue is resolved.

4. Exams

Access Services students typically remain in the classroom for their exams. Access Services must approve any accommodations and it will depend on the individual’s disability. The standard policy for Western Technical College (in the classroom or Testing Rooms) is as follows:

Directions for the exam and communication between the student and instructor or test proctor (i.e. asking the instructor or proctor for clarification of a question) may be interpreted. Any interpreting of an exam beyond that must be discussed and agreed to by the instructor and Access Services prior to the exam.

Instructors and interpreters are aware of this policy.

5.  Planned Absences

If you plan to miss a class, you must tell Access Services:

• Your name
• The class name
• The date or day you will be absent

Access Services will then contact your interpreter.

It is appreciated if you tell Access Services about absences as early as possible.

You do not need to give a reason for your absence.

6.  Interpreter Wait Time

The interpreter will wait 15 minutes at your classroom. After this time, you will be considered a no-show and the interpreter will leave. If you show up after this time, you can choose to stay for class without an interpreter or you can contact Access Services and have the interpreter return if they are still available. Your instructor has his/her own attendance policy that you must follow as well.

7.  Dropped Classes

If you decide to drop a class, you must inform Access Services. You do NOT need to give a reason for dropping a class. You need to first check with Financial Aid Resources and Planning Services. Dropping a class may mean you have to pay money back or may suspend you from getting financial aid in the future.

8. Interpreter Requests for Meetings, Extracurricular Activities, etc.

We provide interpreters for functions or meetings outside of class time. You must request an interpreter through Access Services at least one week ahead of time. We will try to honor requests with less notice, but may not be able to find an interpreter.

Any interpreter working for Western Technical College, staff or freelance, is expected to follow the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) established by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf. However, this does not prevent interpreters from informing the D/HH Coordinator of classroom accommodation issues. Issues that will be discussed include, but are not limited to: student no-shows, communication problems, difficulty meeting student needs, and any issue the interpreter is unable to resolve with the student. For a copy of the CPC, please find a copy online at https://www.rid.org/ethics/.