Types Of Support

Mobility Disabilities

Those with mobility disabilities are as diversified as the accommodations to assist them. Williams recognizes this range of needs in working with students to provide true accessibility to classrooms, residences and other facilities. At present, over forty buildings are accessible to individuals who have physical disabilities.

Students for whom access to facilities is of special concern should make these needs known immediately following admission so that proper arrangements can be made. The Director will work with the student to determine appropriate housing and classroom assignments to assure access, full participation, and reasonable distances from facilities the student would be likely to use.

Based on individual needs, arrangements have been made to schedule a student’s classes on the first floor and in as close proximity as possible, depending on subjects. Elevators are available in several buildings. For students requiring the use of scooters or wheelchairs, the topography of the campus and the distance between and placement of buildings can be a bit daunting but transport to classes by a security officer can be arranged, as required.

Several student residences are accessible, with student rooms, bathrooms and social areas meeting all state and federal guidelines for those with mobility difficulties. The college has developed a long-term access plan for student housing. Further information may be obtained by contacting the housing office.

Visual Disabilities

The college has provided recorded readings; note-takers; braille materials; use of special “talking” software; recorded or large-print examinations; oral presentation of materials written on chalk boards; reverse color chalk boards; loans of special four-track recorders; loans of computer equipment with large type fonts.

Hearing Disabilities

Provisions have been made for students to work with tutors, note-takers, recorded notes (to be played loudly in private) and to have one-on-one consultations with professors and/or a dean to review material discussed and work required. Rooms in student residences with TDD and light signals that meet ADA requirements are available.

Hidden Disabilities

Accommodations have been made for students with chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, allergies, and other diseases. Special dietary accommodations and explanations to faculty have been provided on a case-by-case basis.

Psychological Disabilities

Williams has extensive psychological services to provide health maintenance programs for students with psychological disabilities. Prescriptions may be filled, and injections administered; students may meet regularly with therapists. Other academic accommodations may be appropriate.

Learning Disabilities

All students diagnosed with learning disabilities are entitled, as are all students with other disabilities, to “reasonable accommodations” from the College. The Director of Academic Resources works with each student individually to customize support services which will enable him or her to take full advantage of the academic programs of the College. Students with learning disabilities are expected to pursue a full course of study (four graded courses per term and at least one course per Winter Study Period) and accommodations provided by the College normally are intended to enable a student to participate in the regular program of study, not a differently constructed or scheduled program. Every person must meet the same high standards to earn a Williams degree.

Williams is a place which prides itself on personal attention. All students have equal access to College resources such as the Writing Workshop, The Math and Science Resource Center, peer tutoring and individual appointments with faculty and staff. In addition, the College has made the following accommodations available to students who have requested help and who have provided documentation of a learning disability:

  • Extended time on examinations
  • Separate room in which to take examinations
  • Note-takers for class lectures
  • Audio recording of texts
  • Audio recording of class syllabi
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Students with documented Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are entitled to reasonable accommodations from the College. The College has made the following accommodations available to students who have provided documentation of ADHD:

  • Extended time on examinations
  • Separate room in which to take examinations

This list of provisions is not exhaustive. Reasonable accommodations are determined and provided on an individual, case-by-case basis.

Questions? Contact...

General Office Contact
Paresky Room 203
(413) 597-4672

Katy Evans
Interim Director of Accessible Education
Paresky Room 203A
(413) 597-4672

Jean Grant
Interim Assistant Director of Accessible Education
Paresky Room 203E
(413) 597-4672