The Office of Wellness, Disability, and Accommodation at Iḷisaġvik College embraces the motto Piaġiksugut, “We Are Healthy.” Our mission encompasses providing accommodations for students who self-identify with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to education, and activities to promote Student Wellness. We are deeply committed to fostering overall student wellness and understanding the pivotal role of mental, physical, cultural, and emotional well-being in academic success. Rooted in Iñupiaq and Indigenous cultures and traditions, our approach to student wellness is holistic, aiming to instill a sense of belonging and pride among our students. To access the Office please enter in at Door 5 check in with the receptionist and the Wellness Specialist will meet you at the door of our Residential Hall. We are located in the Residential Hall in the Women’s wing.
The Wellness Office hours Monday through Friday from 11am to 7pm. We have a Calendly link to schedule any meeting regarding student wellness, accommodations, and any student needs https://bit.ly/officeofwellness. If students need to meet outside of normal office hours please email wellness@ilisagvik.edu or call 907-852-1802.
The services that students have access to are:
- Reasonable Accommodations: In compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Iḷisaġvik is mandated to provide reasonable accommodations, ensuring equal opportunities for students with disabilities.
- OCR Scanner: Our Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanner enables the conversion of printed materials, such as books for classes, into digital formats, including PDFs, accessible texts like braille, or larger print, facilitating seamless access to educational resources.
- Narcan Kits: As part of Project HOPE in collaboration with the state of Alaska, we offer Narcan training and readily accessible kits for use, prioritizing student safety and well-being.
- Wellness Activities: Stay tuned for TGIF Game Nights, intramural sports, and many more will be posted thru email and social media announcements. These activities are designed to support Iḷisaġvik students in building connections, acquiring new skills, and managing stress effectively.
- Student Advocacy: Instead of traditional counseling we can provide one on one support ro help students thru challenging times. We ensure the privacy and confidentiality of each student interaction.
Accommodations and Compliance with Disability Laws:
Iḷisaġvik College is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities for all students, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other relevant disability laws. The Wellness Office of Disability and Accommodation is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and accommodations to succeed academically.
Understanding Your Rights
Under the ADA and Section 504, students with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations that provide equal access to the college’s programs, activities, and services. These laws prohibit discrimination based on disability and require institutions of higher education to ensure that students with disabilities have the same opportunities as their peers.
What are Accommodations?
At Iḷisaġvik College, accommodations refer to the modifications and adjustments made to academic environments, policies, or practices to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and activities. These accommodations are designed to level the playing field and allow students with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of college life. These are not to change the standard of the course set by the instructor.
Examples of Accommodations
Accommodations can take various forms depending on the specific needs of the student. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Extended Time on Exams: Providing additional time for students to complete tests and exams to ensure they can demonstrate their knowledge without being hindered by their disability.
- Note-Taking Assistance: Offering support such as providing a note-taker, access to lecture notes, or permission to record lectures.
- Alternative Formats for Course Materials: Supplying textbooks, handouts, and other course materials in accessible formats such as Braille, large print, or digital text.
- Assistive Technology: Providing software or devices that help students access course content, such as screen readers, speech-to-text programs, or specialized computer equipment.
- Accessible Classroom Locations: Ensuring that classes are held in locations that are accessible to students with mobility impairments.
- Alternative Testing Locations: Offering a quiet, distraction-free environment for taking exams.
- Adjustments to Assignments: Modifying the format or allowing additional time for completing assignments.
Purpose of Accommodations
The purpose of accommodations is to remove barriers to learning and ensure that students with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed academically. These adjustments are not intended to give students with disabilities an unfair advantage, but rather to provide them with the necessary support to achieve their full potential.
Accommodations are not retroactive. This means that accommodations cannot be applied to coursework, exams, or assignments that were completed before the accommodation plan was approved. For example, if you did not request accommodations during Fall semester you can not expect us to go back and retract since the Accommodation plan was not initiated by you in Fall.
Requesting Accommodation:
Here at Iḷisaġvik College we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students. If you require accommodations due to a disability please follow these steps:
- Contact the Wellness Office: Reach out to the Wellness Specialist to initiate the accommodation process. Only students can initiate this process. You can visit the office in person, call at 907-852-1804, or email at wellness@ilisagvik.edu.
- Submit Documentation: Provide documentation of your disability from a qualified healtcare professional. This document should include a diagnosis, the impact of the disability on your educational activities, and recommended accommodations.
- Complete the Accommodation Request Form: Fill out the Accommodation Request Form, available on the College website or at the Wellness Office. This form helps us understand your specific needs and how we can best support you.
- Schedule a Meeting: You will need to meet with the Wellness Specialist. During this meeting you will discuss your accommodation needs, review your documentation, and develop an accommodation plan tailored to your academic requirements.
- Receive your Official Accommodation Plan: After the meeting the creation of your official accommodation plan will be made. This will outline the approved accommodations and how they will be implemented.
- Communicate with Instructors: It will be your responsibility to share with your accommodation plan with your instructors and advisor. This is to promote student advocacy and ensure they your needs are met and they can make necessary arrangements to support your learning.
- Ongoing Support: The Wellness Specialist is always here to provide ongoing support throughout your time here at Iḷisaġvik College. If you have any changes in your needs or if any issues arise, contact the office as soon as possible to adjust your accommodation plan.
Remember the Wellness Office of Disability and Accommodation supports students, staff, faculty, and parents through this process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to stop in person, call us at 907.852.1804 or by email at wellness@ilisagvik.edu.