What is a disability?
According to the American with Disability Act of 1990, a disability can be a physical or mental impairment that “substantially limits” one or more “major life activities of a person.”
A physical impairment is any medical disorder, condition, disfigurement or loss affecting one of the body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.
A mental impairment is any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illnesses, and specific learning disabilities.
What are disability services?
According to the American with Disability Act of 1990, a disability can be a physical or mental impairment that “substantially limits” one or more “major life activities of a person.”
A physical impairment is any medical disorder, condition, disfigurement or loss affecting one of the body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.
A mental impairment is any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illnesses, and specific learning disabilities.
Who is a "qualified student with a disability?"
According to the American with Disability Act of 1990, a disability can be a physical or mental impairment that “substantially limits” one or more “major life activities of a person.”
A physical impairment is any medical disorder, condition, disfigurement or loss affecting one of the body systems, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, immune, circulatory, hemic, lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.
A mental impairment is any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illnesses, and specific learning disabilities.
Where is the office to apply for disability services?
he Office of Ability Services of Student Affairs Office is located on campus at the Village Building #3500. You can also contact Yovana Cook, the Mental & Social Health Counselor / ADA Specialist at 509-865-8544 or email at: Cook_Y@heritage.edu. To schedule an appointment, please contact Heather Lundquist at: (509) 865-8515 or via email at: OfficeofAbilityServices@heritage.edu for further directions. For students taking classes off campus, you can apply online and schedule an over-the-phone meeting to assess the student’s needs, documentation and reasonable accommodations.
How do I access disability guidelines and application forms?
On my Heritage website, please go to current students tab and click on student services. There you can find an overview with information regarding disability services, guidelines and application forms.
Who can I talk to about my disability?
You can contact Yovana Cook, Mental & Social Health Counselor / ADA Specialist at: 509-865-8544 or email at: Cook_Y@heritage.edu. To schedule an appointment, please contact: Heather Lundquist, TRiO Student Support Services/Program Assistant at (509) 865-8515 or via email at: OfficeofAbilityServices@heritage.edu.
Can my parents request a disability accommodation on behalf of the student?
No. Higher education is different from the K-12 system. Students handle any matters related to student services directly with our office. A student can sign a waiver, giving staff permission to share information with parents. However, you must know that even if a student signs a waiver, Disability Services staff only communicates with parents, or other parties, in the presence of the student.
Are disability services at Heritage University the same as other institutions?
No. Heritage University is a private institution and adheres with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Under Title III, architectural modifications and removal of barriers have been carefully modified on campus to allow easy access to students with physical disabilities. However, certain accommodations and auxiliary aids are not required if it would “fundamentally alter” the academic programs, goods, services, and operations, or if these may result in a burden to the University.
What is "reasonable accommodation?"
Reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified student or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions or academic programs.
What happens when I am unable to provide evidence of my disability?
Heritage University is a private institution and may deny accommodations without documented evidence of a disability.
Are applicants or employees who are currently illegally using drugs covered by the ADA?
No. Individuals who currently engage in the illegal use of drugs are specifically excluded from the definition of a “qualified individual with a disability” protected by the ADA when the employer takes action on the basis of their drug use. Please also refer to Heritage University Drug Policy.
Are there any limitations on the ADA’s auxiliary aids requirements?
Yes. The ADA does not require the provision of auxiliary aids that would result in an undue burden or in a fundamental alteration in the nature of the goods or services provided by a public accommodation. However, the public accommodation is not relieved from the duty to furnish an alternative auxiliary aid, if available. Limitations are derived from existing regulations and case law under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and are to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Are there any other community resources regarding disability services?
Yes, students with disabilities may find other community resources through the Department of Social and Health Services, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, and Yakima Memorial Hospital.
Contact Us
Email: Officeofdisabilityservices@heritage.edu
Office Hours
Rau Center 1714
Monday – Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm