Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Rhode Island College have different admissions criteria for students with disabilities?
- What is the procedure for obtaining accommodations at Rhode Island College?
- When should I register with the Disability Services Office?
- I sent my Disability Verification Documentation with my application to Rhode Island College. Do I still have to bring it with me to my Disability Services registration appointment?
- Does Rhode Island College provide testing to determine learning disabilities?
- Does Rhode Island College provide assistance to disabled students who require accommodations on nationally certified exams?
- What type of support or assistance will I receive at RIC?
- Does Rhode Island College provide physically disabled students with handicapped accessible parking?
- Do the residence halls accommodate students with disabilities?
- Are students with temporary health conditions provided accommodations?
- Will my disability information be confidential?
Does Rhode Island College have different admissions criteria for students with disabilities?
While Rhode Island College takes all of your information into consideration, legally, we can only make admission decisions with the set of guidelines established for all students. For specific admission requirements, please visit www.ric.edu/admission.
What is the procedure for obtaining accommodations at Rhode Island College?
Once accepted to the College, students with disabilities who want to request reasonable accommodations MUST contact and make an appointment with the Disability Services Office. The process of registering as a student with a disability includes three elements in order to be considered complete:
- Students are required to make an appointment to meet with the Office of Disability Services, Craig Lee, Room 127, 456-8061.
- Students should bring to this appointment, documentation of the disability from a qualified licensed professional. (See Disability Verification Documentation.)
- A Release of Information form must be signed by the student allowing the Disability Services Office to verify registration and eligibility for accommodations.
When should I register with the Disability Services Office?
- Students needing accessible Housing should register with the Disability Services Office upon acceptance to the College.
- Students who need Physical Accessibility accommodations and/or use of Sign Language Interpreters should register with the Disability Services Office as soon as possible but no less than two weeks before the beginning of the semester.
- Students seeking Program, Testing, or other Classroom accommodations should register with the Disability Services Office as soon as possible after enrolling in classes for the upcoming semester or at least within the first two weeks of the semester.
- Once registered with the Disability Services Office, students should notify the Disability Services Office at the beginning of each semester in which accommodations are requested.
- For more information, see Accommodations.
I sent my Disability Verification Documentation with my application to Rhode Island College. Do I still have to bring it with me to my Disability Services registration appointment?
Yes. The Admissions Office of Rhode Island College does NOT forward to the Disability Services Office, Disability Verification Documentation that a student submits with his or her application to the College. Therefore, even if you sent your documentation to another office or department at Rhode Island College (including Admissions), you must still submit this information to the Disability Services Office.
Does Rhode Island College provide testing to determine learning disabilities?
Rhode Island College does not provide testing for disability verification. The Disability Services Office at Rhode Island College does not endorse or recommend evaluators, but provides a listing of evaluators for the convenience of the students. The list is not comprehensive or exhaustive, and the student is, of course, responsible for payment of all charges incurred.
Does Rhode Island College provide assistance to disabled students who require accommodations on nationally certified exams?
Yes. Any student registered with the Disability Services Office that requires assistance in requesting accommodations on nationally certified exams, should make an appointment with the Disability Services Staff. The student should bring to this appointment all completed application materials needed to register for and request accommodations during the exam. The Disability Services Office will review the student’s Disability Verification Documentation to confirm that it is complete and up-to-date. Once this has been verified, the Disability Services Office will complete the Rhode Island College portion of the exam application package and notify the student that their materials are ready for pick-up. It is then the student’s responsibility to submit the proper materials to the examiner.
What type of support or assistance will I receive at RIC?
Students with documented disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations which are determined on an individual basis. The accommodations are based upon information provided in the student’s documentation of their disability. Additionally,
- The Office of Academic Support and Information Services provides all students with academic support and advising services. (For more information, please see www.ric.edu/oasis.)
- Health Services provides confidential and holistic primary health care to enhance the academic potential of all Rhode Island College students. (For more information, please see www.ric.edu/healthservices.)
- The Counseling Center offers individual counseling and short-term psychotherapy to all students for personal, career, and educational problems. A variety of group workshops and programs, vocational interest and personality testing, substance abuse evaluation, crisis intervention, self-help literature and audiotapes, and a stress management laboratory are also offered. (For more information, please see www.ric.edu/counselingctr.)
Does Rhode Island College provide physically disabled students with handicapped accessible parking?
Rhode Island College does not provide special parking permits to disabled students. In order to utilize the numerous handicapped accessible parking spaces on campus, the student must have the appropriate handicap placard from the RI Department of Motor Vehicles. (For more information, please see www.dmv.state.ri.us/handicap.)
Do the residence halls accommodate students with disabilities?
Students needing accessible housing should register in the Disability Services Office upon acceptance to the college. Upon registration, the Disability Services Office will verify to the Office of Residential Life and Housing the student’s need for accessible housing. However, it is the student’s responsibility to submit his or her housing deposit and complete all paperwork required in accordance with the Office of Residential Life and Housing’s deadlines. (For more information, please see www.ric.edu/residential-life.)
Are students with temporary health conditions provided accommodations?
While temporary health conditions do not qualify for protection under the law, Rhode Island College nevertheless attempts to assist students who need temporary accommodations.
Will my disability information be confidential?
Yes, all documentation is generally treated as confidential medical information and is therefore governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
Page last updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
