Welcome to Westmont's Accessibility Resource Office (The ARO)
The vision of the Accessibility Resource Office (ARO) is to create an inclusive and empowering community where every student is embraced and supported in their pursuit of becoming thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders. Grounded in the values of equal access and belonging, the ARO welcomes disability, celebrates diversity, dismantles barriers, and invites all to serve God’s kingdom.
Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible living and learning environment is rooted in compliance with key federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations ensure that discrimination based on disability is strictly prohibited, and we strive to provide reasonable accommodations through an interactive and individualized process to empower all students to participate fully in every aspect of Westmont.
Under FERPA, students are protected with confidentiality and have the responsibility to manage their own care, even if they are under 18.
We support access to:
- Academics, in and out of the classroom
- On and Off-campus Programs
- Housing and Dining
- Parking and Transportation
- Chapel
How To Register
1. Application
Complete the appropriate application, and attach any relevant third party documentation if you have it. If you are applying for both housing and academic accommodations, please only fill out the academic application.
Apply for Academic Accommodations
Apply for Housing Accommodations
2. Intake
After reviewing your application, we will invite you for an intake with your assigned ARO advisor to get more information. If it is determined that reasonable accommodations should be implemented, we will work with you towards creating an accommodation plan and notifying the necessary parties.
Important Note: You can apply at any time, but for quickest processing time, please submit your application at least 1 month in advance of a new semester. We do not provide retroactive accommodations.
The ARO Staff
Director of the ARO
Office Hours (walk-ins welcome)
Monday 1:30pm-4:00pm
Wednesday 1:30pm-4:00pm
Friday 9:00am-10:30am; 1:30pm-3:00pm
Assistant Director of the ARO
Office Hours (walk-ins welcome)
Tuesday 1:30pm-4:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-10:30am
Thursday 9:00am-11:30am; 1:30pm-3:00pm
If you have a health care emergency dial 911. If you have a non-emergency medical situation, you can contact the Health Center on campus for more information. If you have a non-emergency but urgent counseling need, contact CAPS for support.
Located in Voskuyl Library, Room 310A and 311
No. On and off-campus resources for assessments are available upon request. Students are responsible for the cost of any evaluation. Please reach out for assessment referrals.
No. Students must request accommodations through the ARO registration process. A diagnosis alone does not qualify you for accommodations. Students with a disability must document the current existence of an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
The ARO follows FERPA guidelines and recognizes the right of the student to determine who receives disability-related information. This information is stored separately from the academic records office. The accommodation process requires the student to provide letters from the ARO to faculty listing the agreed-upon accommodations.
No. Students are not charged for reasonable accommodations. Students are responsible for the costs of personal aids or devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, private tutors, etc.
Our office is staffed during the academic year Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. An appointment will guarantee that we will be able to meet with you at your preferred time, but you are welcome to drop in to meet with staff during their office hours. If we can’t see you when you drop in, we will set up an appointment.
We are available for virtual or in-person appointments throughout the summer.
Third-party documentation is helpful, although not always required. We may be able to proceed with an intake or may implement conditional accommodations while waiting for documentation.
Yes. The ARO works with students experiencing temporary disability to implement appropriate short-term accommodations. The same application process applies.
Getting Started with the ARO
We're committed to accessibility! Discover available accommodation and learn how to apply for the support you need.
Students Registered with the ARO
Learn more about your rights and responsibilities and how to navigate the ARO Portal, AIM.
Faculty Corner
Faculty, familiarize yourself with your rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
Community Connections
Discover both on- and off-campus resources, and ways to get educated and involved in issues of accessibility.
Have Questions About The ARO?
Contact the Accessibility Resource Office at (805) 565-6135 or aro@ndkllx.com