Learning Disabilities Program
Banacos Academic Center
Banacos Academic Center
BANACOS ACADEMIC CENTER (413) 572-5561
Home of the WSU Learning Disabilities Program, Disability Services and our Tutoring Program!
Founded in 1979, the Learning Disabilities Program at Westfield State University has a distinguished record of academic success. The University offers a supportive, understanding academic setting where students with learning differences can flourish. A professional Program Advisor is assigned to each first year program student. The Advisor helps students to master their individual learning strengths and assist students in becoming fully independent learners.
Applicants to the program are not required to submit SAT scores. Instead, they should submit results of a complete psycho- educational assessment conducted within the past three years which include:
- WAIS-III or comparable instrument
- Achievement tests (such as Woodcock- Johnson)
Academic record, class rank, recommendations, academic unit requirements, and a personal interview are also considered for admission of students with learning disabilities.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Due to the individualized nature of learning disabilities, services are determined on an individual basis. Services may include some or all of the following:
- Professional assistance with academic skills, time management, and self-advocacy.
- Academic advisement
- Priority registration for classes for first-year and second-year students.
- Extended course withdrawal policy
- Individual peer tutoring
- Assistance in obtaining books on tape or CD.
- Access to Kurzweil 3000 scanner/readers.
- Test accommodations
- Readers/scribes for examination
- Phonic ear
Disability Services provides a wide array of reasonable, appropriate accommodations to students with physical, psychological, or medical challenges. Students are expected to provide current documentation of their disabilities including required services.
In accordance with the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity to qualified students who have disabilities. Services have been developed to make sure that facilities and programs are accessible to all students.
Staff
Maureen McCartney, Interim Director and Associate Dean
Sue Krieg, Assistant Director
Kristie Knotts, Program Advisor
Sigrid Stevens, Program Advisor
Jessica MacMonegle-Ekness, Program Advisor
Michelle Rizk-Jarvis, Program Advisor
Kelsey Ekness, Examination Room Coordinator