Dual enrollment (DE) provides students with the opportunity to take college-credit courses while still in high school and may introduce important differences in how disability accommodations are provided.
While VWCC recognizes that many DE students are still in high school or home-schooled, they are also enrolled as college students and earning college credit when taking VWCC courses. As a result, accommodations at the college level may differ from those provided in high school or home-school settings.
This year, Virginia House Bill 1892 (HB1892) clarified that accommodations for students enrolled in dual enrollment courses (DE)–including those taught at the high school by a credentialed dual enrollment instructor–are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), rather than the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
To ensure equal access, the VWCC Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides reasonable accommodations for DE students attending courses online, on-campus, or in their high school classrooms. Students are responsible for engaging in the interactive process, which includes submitting documentation, meeting with ODS, and communicating with instructors to implement approved accommodations.
Accessing Accommodations
All DE students seeking or requesting accommodations will follow the same process as other VWCC students.
To request accommodations for a DE course, students will need to:
- Complete a Confidential Intake and Accommodation Request
- Submit documentation (e.g., IEP, 504 Plan, and/or other supporting documentation)
- Monitor VWCC email account for invitation to schedule your intake appointment with ODS.
ODS will review documentation, consult with DE instructor as needed, and meet with the student to determine reasonable accommodations for the college course.
Accommodations will be outlined in an Accommodation Access Plan (AP) and the DE instructor will implement the accommodations outlined in the AP.
Authorization to Release Information: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
We understand parents, guardians, and supporters of young students often appreciate staying connected and informed. At the college level, however, student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As such, we must have a signed release form from the student on file before we are able to share any academic, financial, or personal information.
Completion of a FERPA release is optional; however, without it, the college cannot discuss student information with parents or guardians. If a release is completed, the college will still communicate directly with the student first, in alignment with college expectations and to support the development of communication and self-advocacy skills.
For more information pertaining to FERPA, including your rights as a student and parent, follow the provided link: Right to Privacy (FERPA).
Our Commitment
The Office of Disability Services is committed to supporting students–and those who support them–in understanding and navigating accommodations while attending VWCC. If additional information is needed regarding accommodations for DE classes, please connect with ODS.
For more information pertaining to Dual Enrollment please contact:
John McLaughlin
Dual Enrollment Coordinator
jmclaughlin@virginiawestern.edu
Fishburn Hall F125C
540-857-7235
Bonnie Tombarge
Dual Enrollment Administrative Specialist
btombarge@virginiawestern.edu
Fishburn Hall F125
540-857-7942
- Office of Disability Services Home
- How to Apply
- Accommodations & Services
- Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Accommodation Access Plans
- Disability Services Forms
- Filing a Grievance
- Dual Enrollment Students
- For Parents & Supporters
- Campus Resources
- Community & Online Resources
- Digital Accessibility Project
Contact Us
Office of Disability Services
Student Life Center S207
Fax: 540-857-7918
TTY: All users 711
disabilityservices@virginiawestern.edu
Hillary Holland, LPC
Disability Counselor/ADA Coordinator
hholland@virginiawestern.edu
540-857-6488
Emily G. Scott
Student Accessibility Specialist
egscott@virginiawestern.edu
540-857-6567
Mailing Address:
3096 Colonial Ave, SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
Hours of Operation
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Friday: 8:00AM-4:30PM
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