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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a list of commonly asked questions. If you don't see your question answered here, contact ada@nwmissouri.edu

Grievance Procedures

Northwest Missouri State University has adopted internal grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution for students with disabilities about services and/or eligibility for services.

ADA Grievance Procedure

The first procedure is the ADA Grievance Procedure that addresses complaints regarding the student’s eligibility for services and/or the Accommodation Plan developed for the student.

Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Grievance Procedure

Northwest Missouri State University has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Sections 503 or 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794) or Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12132). Section 202 states, in part, that "no individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity."

Complaints should be addressed to: the Office of Title IX & Equity, 305 Administration Hall, V/TDD (660) 562-1476, who has been designated to investigate complaints under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

  1. A complaint should be filed in writing or verbally, contain the name and address of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation of the regulations.  Please consider using the Bearcat Equity Reporting Form.

  2. A complaint should be filed within 30 calendar days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. (Special circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)

  3. An investigation, as may be appropriate, will follow a filing of complaint. The investigation will be conducted by the ADA/504 Compliance Officer or his/her designate. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.

  4. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, will be issued by the Office of Title IX & Equity and a copy forwarded to the complainant, the appropriate campus authority, and the Vice President of Student Affairs no later than 30 calendar days after its filing.

  5. The Office of Title IX & Equity will maintain the files and records relating to the complaints filed.

  6. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for consideration must be made within 10 working days to the  the Vice President of Student Affairs.

  7. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder will not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a Section 504 or ADA complaint with the responsible federal government or agency. Using this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

  8. These rules will be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons, meet appropriate due process standards and assure that Northwest Missouri State University complies with Section 504 and the ADA and their implementing regulations.

Accessibility & Accommodations Grievance Procedure

The second procedure is the Accessibility & Accommodations Grievance Procedure that addresses specific complaints about the services and/or implementation of services by the Accessibility & Accommodations staff or the Office of Title IX & Equity. Complaints should be addressed in writing or verbally to Dr. Stephanie Krauth, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs - Title IX & Equity, at skrauth@nwmissouri.edu or by appointment in Administration Hall 305. Appointments can be made by calling (660) 562-1476.

How to Request an Accommodation

Steps to Request an Accommodation

To make a formal request for learning or living accommodation(s) to Title IX and Equity, Accessibility and Accommodations:

Students self-disclose the need for an accommodation, and must complete and then submit the fillable form below. Students must also submit separately (ada@nwmissouri.edu), supporting documentation about your disability from your health or counseling professional. For more information please see the documentation guidelines in the section Disability Documentation and Requirements.

Accommodation Application

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is Considered a Disability?

A diagnosed disability is a condition that substantially limits "major life activity," such as walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning. ADA laws protect:

  • Visual impairments (legally blind, progressive vision loss, etc.)
  • Deaf or hard of hearing
  • Mental/Emotional health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar, OCD, personality disorders, etc.)
  • Learning disabilities
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Brain injuries, epilepsy
  • Autism, Asperger's Syndrome
  • Mobility (paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, etc.)
  • Other (cancer, diabetes, food allergies, etc.)

If you have a disability that you think would qualify for a living or learning accommodation, please complete the accommodation application and provide supporting medical documentation, or contact ada@nwmissouri.edu.

Types of Accommodations Provided

Title IX and Equity, Accessibility and Accommodations provides a range of reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to: 

  • Test accommodations (examples: extended time, minimal distraction, reader)
  • Note taking assistance (computer usage or lecture recording)
  • Assistance with hearing 
  • Referrals to other services and programs

Students with approved accommodations are eligible for early registration.

ADA and Accessibility Map

We have created a map to see ADA and accessibility points of interest on campus.

ADA and Accessibility Map

Disability Documentation and Requirements

View all forms

  • A supporting letter completed by a licensed professional who is knowledgeable in the field of the student's particular disability. 
  • Include a statement of diagnosis by the medical professional you are seeing.
  • Include the length of time the licensed professional has been treating the student for the disability; the number of visits with the licensed professional may also be required.
  • Include a description of the current status of the disability.
  • Relate how the student's disability affects his/her living or learning.
  • Recommend appropriate accommodations and state how they are remedial to the disability.
  • Be dated and signed by the licensed professional on agency letterhead (prescriptions are not accepted). Letter must be sent in WORD or PDF format as an attachment when emailed.
  • Initial supporting documentation must be no older than one year.

Title IX and Equity, Accessibility and Accommodations may request additional or more recent documentation as needed.

Confidentiality will be maintained for all documentation related to a student's disability.

Accessible Textbooks

Accessible format of rented textbooks are available for students who have approved Kurzweil accommodations.

Provider: Textbook Services
Contact: Scott Yocum, 660.562.1150

Transition to College

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education:
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

The US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights offers information regarding the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities, as well as the responsibilities that postsecondary institutions have toward such students.

Going to College
This website is about college life with a disability. It is designed for high school students and provides video clips that help in planning for college.

 Prospective students are encouraged to visit Northwest Missouri State University and the Title IX & Equity: Accessibility & Accommodations (A&A) office.  An appointment with one of the professional staff members can be scheduled directly through the A&A office by calling 660-562-1873 or the visit can be coordinated through the Admissions Office – Campus Visits.

Temporary Services

Temporary impairments are generally not regarded as disabilities, but conditions such as broken bones, short-term illnesses and recovery from surgery or medical conditions can impact a student’s academic progress.

The Office of Title IX & Equity can provide temporary services to assist students in their academic work.  An appointment may be set up with one of the professional staff members to coordinate and arrange the services that are needed. Documentation of the medical condition may be necessary to arrange services.

If the temporary condition involves mobility issues (e.g. use of walker or crutches), Northwest Missouri State University does not provide personal shuttle services to and from classes.  For more information, contact us at 660-562-1873.