Welcome to Case Western Reserve University! We are very excited that you have chosen to attend Case Western Reserve University and look forward to working with you on this enriching journey.
We are dedicated to fostering the independence of students with disabilities. While we provide personal and administrative support, our philosophy encourages students to take responsibility for their academic and co-curricular activities.
You are responsible for initiating and continuing the processes involved in securing accommodations. At the post- secondary level, students (not parents) must keep in contact with the Disability Resources office to maintain their eligibility and secure services.
Accommodations cannot be made retroactively. While students can register anytime during the semester, please keep in mind accommodations only begin after you have registered with our office.
The Disability Resources staff is available to all students (undergraduates, graduates, and professional students). Students should call the office at 216.368.5230 and schedule appointments as needed.
Things to Know Before You Start
Students at Case Western Reserve are not required to disclose disability information to anyone. However, in order to use services and appropriate accommodations, students should notify Disability Resources.
Our staff members that are aware of your disability will keep this information confidential. Students decide who needs to know about their disability. Disability Resources is the only department that will determine your eligibility.
We will work closely with students and design an individual plan for accommodations. Included in that plan are strategies for disclosure to professors as well as identifying specific accommodations that will be needed for each course.
Accommodations and services are available for students with a variety of disabilities including visual impairment, hearing impairment, mobility limitations, chronic illness, psychological disorders and learning disabilities.
The legal definition states that any mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity is a disability.
Students are "fitted" with the services and accommodations that will be most helpful for their particular needs. We are able to offer the following:
- testing accommodations,
- adaptive equipment and assistive technology,
- scheduling assistance,
- lab accommodations,
- transportation assistance,
- alternate format for print materials,
- note-taking assistance,
- interpreters,
- parking assistance
- and accessible housing.
The above list is not exhaustive and other accommodations may be appropriate.
Students with temporary disabilities such as broken or sprained limbs can also contact Disability Resources. Under these circumstances, accommodations can be made for the duration of the problem. Accommodations can include transportation, special parking, and testing accommodations as needed.
Registration
Please follow the steps below to ensure access to CWRU by registering with Disability Resources:
- Log in to the AIM system (Accessibility Information Management) and click the New Student Application button.
- Follow the steps on the application and enter all pertinent information.
- Upload your documentation to the AIM system or forward it (via mail or email) to the Disability Resources office. For documentation guidelines, please read our policies and procedures.
- Once the application and documentation are reviewed, Disability Resources will contact you to schedule an intake appointment or request additional information.
We look forward to meeting you at your initial intake! Should you have questions in the interim feel free to contact us at disability@case.edu.
We also invite you to explore this website for helpful tips and information about disabilities and higher education.
Please note: Consideration for accommodations will not begin until the documentation is received and reviewed. Minimally, after receipt of all information, the disability resources office will need one week to process your request.