Accessibility & Accommodations

The Office of Title IX & Equity (Student Accessibility & Accommodations) embraces the philosophy that students with disabilities are, in fact, students with abilities who encounter social and environmental barriers. We believe disability is a fundamental element of diversity and value the unique experiences each student with a disability brings to the Northwest Family. Our mission is to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community to reduce these barriers, creating a more usable, accessible campus and learning environment. To achieve this goal, we utilize reasonable academic accommodations, assistive technology, support services, the Proctoring Center, and student, faculty, and staff training.  We strive to become a model program serving students with disabilities in higher education.

Student Learning Outcomes

As a result of engaging with our office, students will:

• Understand their rights and responsibilities, the appropriate accommodation request processes, and how to fully access approved accommodations.
• Be able to address access barriers and academic difficulties through reflection, critical thought, and problem-solving.
• Be able to demonstrate self-awareness in articulating functional limitations in relation to access barriers.
• Be able to self-advocate with A&A and faculty when encountering an access barrier.
• Demonstrate interpersonal and leadership skills as peer mentors.
• Be able to identify disability-inclusive practices in various settings.
• Know how to utilize assistive technologies needed for equitable access.

Program Outcomes

As a result of engaging with students, Office of Title IX & Equity (A&A) will:

• Provide accommodations to students that provide equitable access to all aspects of campus life.
• Provide support to students with disabilities to assist with the transition to college, the use of accommodations, and access to campus.
• Provide relevant training opportunities about disability and inclusive practices to the campus community.
• Engage the campus community to enhance the accessibility of programs and resources.
• Make program improvements based on ongoing assessment and evaluation.