Encouraging Meaningful Experiences for Every Student
Disability Resources at Gardner-Webb
Gardner-Webb University believes in the equality of all people and in the ability of each individual to contribute in a meaningful way to the global society. Through the Noel Center for Disability Resources, qualified students with disabilities can receive reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access to a higher education.
We strive daily to guide students in their journey to obtain knowledge and skills, while building the confidence to become effective self-advocates. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of a collaborative process in the determination of accommodations and services. These accommodations and services include, but are not limited to, notetakers, extended testing time, materials in alternative format, lab assistants, interpreters, orientation and mobility, assistive technology and software, and testing accommodations.
The Noel Center also provides reasonable accommodations to qualifying faculty and staff.
The Noel Center for Disability Resources is located in Frank Nanney Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Center may be contacted at (704) 406-4270 (v), (866) 298-0119 (vp), or via email at [email protected].
Individuals with a disability enter the University through the established admissions procedures that are required of all applicants. Neither the nature nor the severity of one’s disability is used as criterion for admission. Documentation of a disability does not need to be provided during the application process.
Undergraduate Admissions:(704) 406-2550
Graduate Admissions:(704) 406-3020
The Degree Completion Program Admissions:(704) 406-4484
School of Divinity Admissions:(704) 406-3205
The student requesting accommodations from Gardner-Webb University must self-identify by completing the Student Application which may be submitted online. Click on Disability Resources login then click on the New Student link. Fill out the New Student Application and submit your documentation.
Faculty and staff must send an email requesting accommodations to [email protected]
Yes. When requesting accommodations and services, you must provide current documentation of your disability and its impact on your present functioning to the Associate Dean of the Noel Center.
To be eligible for services, students, faculty and staff must provide documentation that provides information about a substantial limitation to one or more major life activities, specifically as it applies to meeting the demands of University life, in and/or out of the classroom. Although some disabilities do not change over time, the medical documentation must address the student’s current level of functioning. IEP’s and 504 Plans, although providing historical evidence of services and accommodations, are generally not considered sufficient to make a student eligible for services.
In addition to the medical documentation, we require that students provide a current impact statement. The current impact statement is to be completed by the student requesting accommodations/services. Additional statements from others who know the student may be submitted in addition to the student’s statement. In all situations, every student will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The documentation should be submitted by a professional who is licensed/certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made and who is not related to the student. The report must be presented on practice letterhead and signed by the examiner.
All accommodations are determined on a case-by-case-basis. Determination of accommodations is a collaborative effort based upon review of the documentation and a discussion between you and your accessibility advisor.
Examples of possible accommodations include, but are not limited to the following:
No! You will be assigned a accessibility advisor who is available for regularly scheduled appointments. Together you will set goals to work on throughout the semester. Perhaps you need help developing time management or study strategies. If so, your disability specialist can assist you. You may also contact this person any time you have a question or concern.
Yes! The following is a list of some of the activities and programs available to students:
And, that’s just a snapshot of what is possible at Gardner-Webb. Remember: ALL activities, clubs, and events sponsored by Gardner-Webb University are open to students with disabilities!
No, there is no additional cost.
Faculty and staff who want to request accommodations should contact the Associate Dean of the Noel Center at (704) 406-4271 or [email protected].
