POLICY

One of the functions of the Office of Disability Services (ODS) is to act as a 
resource when it comes to accommodation issues.  While many accommodations are 
provided on an individual basis, WOU as an institution is also required, by law, 
to make sure any remodeling or renovations undertaken on the campus address the 
issue of accessibility.

    PURPOSE

These accommodations are to ensure full accessibility to activities on WOU's 
campus that are available to the faculty, staff and students as well as all 
other community members.  In this case, community members refers to persons who 
utilize and attend Western functions but are not WOU students, faculty or staff.

    PROCEDURES

It is the intent of ODS to make individual departments and divisions as self- 
sufficient as possible when they make plans for remodels and renovations.  It is 
the responsibility of the Planning Office and Physical Plant to be knowledgeable 
about the building codes and requirements pertaining to accessibility.  

Access Committee:

An Access Committee will be established consisting of the Planning Director, 
Office of Disability Services Director, ADA Compliance Officer, 2 students with 
differing disabilities, and 2 faculty and/or staff with differing disabilities. 
The access Committee will meet at least once a term during Fall, Winter and 
Spring, more often if necessary.  The Access Committee will review plans for 
major remodeling and renovations.  The goal of the Access Committee will be to 
offer ideas and suggestions concerning accessibility issues involved in the 
remodels and renovations.  The Access Committee will also gather information to 
enable them to develop short and long range accommodation plans that address 
remodeling and renovation issues.  Plans and recommendations presented by the 
Access Committee can only be implemented if the appropriate resources are 
available.

Minor remodeling plans can be reviewed by the Planning or Physical Plant 
Director and the Disability Services Director.

    AUTHORITY

Western Oregon University is in accordance with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
of 1990, and Oregon Revised Statue 659.405.

    APPROVAL

Office of Disability Services, ADA Coordinator, Planning Director and/or 
Physical Plant Director.