Instructor notification is not automatic and must be initiated by the student.  Following class registration, the student must request an Accommodation Notification form through Disability Services.  The student will then deliver the Accommodation Notification to each course instructor.  The student must obtain the instructor’s signature, provide a copy for the instructor, and return the completed form to Disability Services.  Accommodation will not be in effect until the completed form is returned.

Students with specific functional limitations may request assistance with classroom notes.  A determination of the method for obtaining classroom notes is based on disability documentation, course format and the course instructor’s recommendation.

Classroom notes will generally be obtained by the utilization of a tape recorder or a volunteer classmate.  Carbonless duplication paper is available upon request through Disability Services as well as a photocopy machine.  Students are generally responsible for providing and operating the tape recorder along with the tapes and batteries.  Disability Services does have a limited number of tape recorders available in case of emergency.

When presenting an Accommodation Notification form, the student informs the instructor that notes will be needed and asks for assistance to identify a volunteer.  In the event that either the volunteer system or tape recorder is not successful, immediately contact Disability Services.

A volunteer note-taker or tape recorder does not excuse class attendance.  Students receiving class notes accommodation should not expect notes for days missed unless special arrangements are made in advance.

Based on the inability to access reasonable and appropriate classroom notes through the use of a tape recorder or volunteer, a student may be eligible for a staff note-taker/scribe.  This accommodation will be determined on an individual basis.  The student should contact and inform Disability Services regarding the cancellation of staff note-taker/scribe services.  The staff note-taker/scribe will wait 15 minutes following the scheduled class start time.  The staff note-taker/scribe will not remain in the classroom when the student is absent.  If the student fails to arrive by the second class, the staff note-taker/scribe will assume that the student will be absent for the remaining classes.  The student will be expected to obtain missed notes in the same manner as other students.

Testing accommodations, based on disability documentation, may include extended time, reduced distraction environment, test scribe, test reader, computer use for written exams, enlarged print or use of a calculator.

The student is expected to make arrangements, at least two class days in advance, through course instructor and Disability Services.  Actual test accommodations may be provided through Disability Services or the Testing Center based on the specific arrangements made by the student and course instructor.  The instructor will be notified if the student is absent at the scheduled time.

Students whose documentation supports an accommodation for printed materials in an alternate format should contact Disability Services as soon as possible following registration.  Availability of alternate format material may be limited so students are encouraged to make a request for textbooks or other class-related materials well in advance.  In converting printed text into alternate form, Disability Services will try to honor the student’s preference.  However, depending on the time of the request, the availability of materials, the volume of materials, and the expected time for return, adjustments may be necessary.  Such adjustment may include the student using appropriate assistive technology (CCTV or scan/reader computer software) available on campus.

Requests for accessible materials will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Interpretation and transliteration services will be arranged for qualifying deaf and hard-of-hearing students for scheduled classes, labs, scheduled student activities, and appointments.   Every attempt will be made to honor a student’s communication preference; however, other arrangements may be made depending on the time of advanced notice and availability of interpreters.

Students must request services in advance to assure that services can be arranged.  Due to the national and local shortage of sign language interpreters, students are asked to provide a three-week advance notice for scheduled classes and a one-week notice for scheduled activities or appointments.

Students who request interpreter services and plan to be absent or find that services are not needed must cancel arrangements immediately through Disability Services.

In the event of an unreported absence, the interpreter will wait 15 minutes following the scheduled class start time.  The interpreter will not remain in the classroom when the student is absent.  If the student fails to arrive by the second class, the interpreter will assume that the student will be absent for the remaining classes.  The student will be expected to obtain materials in the same manner as other students.

If a student has three unreported absences in a given class, interpreter services may be terminated until the student meets with the Coordinator of Disability Services.  The student will be notified in writing.

Students should report any concern or problem involving an interpreter to the Coordinator of Disability Services.

Various adaptive equipment or software for on-campus use can be made available to qualified students as a part of a specific classroom accommodation plan.  However, any prescriptive or personal devices, including those for home use, are the responsibility of the student.

As a part of the accommodation plan, the qualified student will be able to sign out equipment, such as modified calculators or assistive listening devices, from the Learning Resource Center (LRC) on a daily basis.  Other equipment, such as software or modified keyboards, will be available in the assigned classroom or LRC.

Every attempt will be made to provide appropriate training to enable the student to effectively utilize specific equipment or software.  Such training will require active student participation, advance notice, and additional time on campus.

Students who have documented disabilities may be entitled to a reduced course load and extended time to complete a specific program while maintaining a full-time student status as long as doing so does not fundamentally alter the academic program, specific coursework, or a satisfactory progress provision.  Eligibility for this accommodation will be determined on an individual basis by RCCC Disability Services with the approval of the Vice President of Student Services.

Students who are granted a reduced course load accommodation will be considered as full-time students for the requested semester.  Continuing accommodations are not automatic so a new request for a reduced course load must be made each semester.  Reduced course (credit) load will result in an adjustment to federal and state financial assistance.

A copy of the Reduced Course Load Accommodation Policy will be maintained in the student’s academic record and will be included, as appropriate, requested or required, with any enrollment verification for the requested semester.

Personal Attendants

a.

Students are responsible for providing their own personal health and hygiene needs along with their mobility needs within the classroom and around campus.

b.

Due to regulations and space limitations, personal attendants generally may not attend class with the registered student unless the accommodation is supported by disability documentation as a health/safety issue and is included in the student accommodation plan.

Attendance

a.

Disability Services does not have a role in determining course attendance policies.  Students are expected to attend scheduled classes regardless of their disability.  Students may request that instructors be informed as to the legitimacy of disability-related absences, but such notification will not excuse or alter the course attendance policy.

b.

Students anticipating absences should notify the course instructor in advance.  Students are also responsible for all missed assignments and material.

Tutoring Services

a.

Tutorial services are scheduled in specific content areas campus-wide through academic programs as appropriate.  Qualified students are encouraged to request accommodations in order to utilize those services.

b.

Students are responsible for individual tutoring or individual instruction outside of the scheduled activities offered through academic programs.

Parking

a.

Accessible parking is available in accordance with the state and federal regulations.  Students are required to follow all appropriate regulations and to have North Carolina-issued permit visible when parked in an accessible or handicapped space.

b.

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

c.

Any student wishing to address accessible parking issues should contact Disability Services.