Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services at Wilson College is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning environment for all students. In alignment with the College’s mission to support student growth, leadership, and personal achievement, we partner with students, faculty, and staff to remove barriers and promote full participation in the academic experience. 

Our Commitment   

Accessibility Services at Wilson College operates in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and ensure equal access to educational programs and activities.

Wilson College values the unique strengths and perspectives each student brings to our community. Accessibility Services works to ensure that qualified students with disabilities have equal access to academic programs, campus activities, and services through reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

We approach access as a collaborative, interactive process—grounded in respect, confidentiality, and student self-advocacy. 

What We Do

Accessibility Services:

• Determines reasonable academic accommodations for eligible students
• Collaborates with faculty and staff to implement approved accommodations
• Provides guidance on assistive technology and access strategies
• Supports students in developing self-advocacy and independence
• Serves as a campus resource on disability-related access and inclusion 

Who Is Eligible

Students with documented disabilities—including, but not limited to, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions, chronic medical conditions, physical or sensory disabilities, and temporary impairments—may be eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive review of documentation and student needs. 

Requesting Accommodations

Current Students

Current students should begin the accommodation process by submitting a request through Phoenix 360, Wilson College’s secure online system for student support services.
Through Phoenix 360, students can: 

1. Complete the Accessibility Services accommodation request
2. Upload the required documentation from a qualified professional
3. Communicate securely with Accessibility Services staff

After submitting a request in Phoenix 360, students will be contacted to schedule an intake meeting to discuss their needs and determine reasonable accommodations.

Prospective and Incoming Students

Prospective and incoming students are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services as early as possible to discuss potential accommodations and transition planning. While full access to Phoenix 360 is available after enrollment, Accessibility Services staff are happy to answer questions, review general documentation requirements, and explain next steps prior to a student’s arrival on campus.

Once enrolled, students will formally request accommodations using  Phoenix 360. Early communication helps ensure a smooth transition and timely access to approved accommodations.

Documentation Guidelines

Documentation should:

• Be current and completed by a qualified professional
• Describe the nature of the disability
• Explain functional limitations in an academic setting
• Support the need for requested accommodations

Documentation requirements may differ for academic, housing, or other non-academic accommodations.
Accessibility Services reviews documentation to determine reasonable accommodations; not all requests may be approved as submitted.

Confidentiality

All disability-related information is treated as confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis to facilitate accommodations. Disability documentation is maintained separately from academic records

Rights and Responsibilities

Students Have the Right To:

• Equal access to courses, programs, and activities
• Reasonable accommodations that provide access
• Confidential handling of disability-related information

Students Are Responsible For:

• Initiating accommodation requests
• Providing appropriate documentation
• Communicating with Accessibility Services in a timely manner
• Meeting academic standards of the College

Temporary or Short-Term Conditions

Students experiencing temporary injuries or short-term medical conditions (e.g., concussions, surgery recovery) may also seek support. Accommodations for temporary conditions are determined based on functional impact and expected duration.
▶ Learn more about temporary disabilities

Additional Accommodation Information

Housing Accommodations

Students with disabilities may request housing-related accommodations when a disability impacts their living environment. Accessibility Services works in collaboration with Residence Life to review requests and determine reasonable accommodations.
▶ Learn more about housing accommodations

Service & Assistance Animals

Wilson College recognizes the rights of individuals with disabilities who use service animals and considers requests for assistance animals as housing accommodations.
▶ Learn more about service and assistance animals

Information for Parents & Families

Parents and families play an important role in supporting student success. Because disability accommodations in college differ from those provided in high school, Wilson College offers information specifically for parents and families to help explain the Accessibility Services process, student responsibilities, and how families can provide appropriate support.

Families are encouraged to review the Information for Parents & Families page to learn more about the transition to college disability services, student privacy under FERPA, and ways to support student self-advocacy.

Concerns or Appeals

Wilson College is committed to the fair and timely resolution of concerns related to disability access. Students who have questions or wish to appeal accommodation decisions are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services directly. Formal grievance procedures are available through the College.

Contact Accessibility Services
Dianne Thomas
Accessibility Services Advisor
Office: Library, Room 024, RISE Center
Phone: 717-262-2773

Take the Next Step

If you are a current or prospective student with a disability, we invite you to connect with Accessibility Services to learn more about available supports and how we can partner with you in achieving your academic goals.

Wilson College Accessibility Services—helping to provide Resources, Inspiring, Student, Excellence (R.I.S.E.)