Accessibility at RVC
Accessibility for All
Rock Valley College is committed to ensuring its facilities, programs, activities, programs, and services are accessible to everyone.
We recognize disability as a valued aspect of diversity and strive to design more welcoming, inclusive spaces.
Contact Us
- Dr. Deb Gilster
- ADA Coordinator
- (815) 921-2067
- Email ADA Coordinator
- RVC Main Campus
Woodward Technology Center
Report an ADA Barrier
We encourage you to report any campus accessibility barriers you encounter.
Report a BarrierStudent Support
Students may request accommodations through Disability Support Services.
Disability Support Services
For the Community
Accommodations
A variety of resources are available for campus visitors, upon request. This may include requests for sign language and captioning services, braille and large-printed materials, use of manual wheelchair, and assistive listening devices.
- To request accommodations for an event, please reach out to the individual/department hosting the event.
- All other concerns may be directed to the ADA Coordinator.
- Students needing accommodations should contact Disability Support Services for student accommodations.
Parking & Transportation
If you have a state-issued disability parking placard or plate, you may park in any of the designated handicapped parking spaces on campus.
The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides fixed route transportation to the cities of Rockford, Loves Park, and the village of Machesney Park. The buses are accessible and preferential front seating is available to those with disabilities. Those with visual impairments should be sure to inform the driver to verbally announce stops. More detailed information, including current fare rates and route schedules, can be obtained at: RMTD.org or by calling (815) 961-9000.
Paratransit Services: RMTD also offers an accessible origin to destination transportation service for persons with disabilities who cannot ride the fixed route. Information on Paratransit services can be obtained at RMTD.org or by calling (815) 961-2255.
To use Paratransit, the you must:
- Complete a Paratransit application. The application must be completed in person at the Rockford Paratransit office at 520 Mulberry Street, Rockford, IL 61101.
- Be certified as eligible by Rockford Paratransit. Examples of people who are eligible are those who, because of a disability, are "unable" to: board, ride, or disembark from an accessible bus; use the system due to visual or mental impairments; and reach boarding locations or situations due to a specific impairment related condition. Other considerations are: Age, distance to stop, or illiteracy by themselves are not considered a disability; People who are blind and visually impaired may be eligible if they cannot use RMTD's regular fixed route system; People with medical conditions such as epilepsy, kidney disorders, or diabetes may be eligible depending on their ability to use RMTD's regular fixed route system.
Commencement Resources
Guests attending commencement with special needs may request accommodations. Please submit your request for disability-related accommodations by contacting Disability Support Services at (815) 921-2371. Requests should be made at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure accommodations can be implemented on time.
There are designated seating areas within the PEC venue for guests who use wheelchairs or are unable to climb multiple stadium steps. The bottom rows of the bleachers are marked with accessible signage for these guests. In addition, a separate area is reserved on the PEC floor for guests with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs or scooters. Seating is not reserved and companion seating is limited to one companion in this area. Attempts will be made to seat other members of small parties nearby but cannot be guaranteed. All accessible seating is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The commencement ceremony is interpreted and captioned for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Two interpreters are stationed on the stage during the ceremony. In addition, live captions are displayed on a screen over center stage.
Accessibility in Education
Universal Design
Universal design (UD) is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. One example of UD is an automatic door opener, which allows a door to be accessible to a large number of people. Not only do individuals who use wheelchairs benefit, but so do mothers pushing a baby stroller, individuals carrying large packages, and students pulling wheeled backpacks.
Accessible Information & Communication Technology
Ensuring equal and effective information and communication technology access is the responsibility of all College administrators, faculty, and staff, and keeps the College in compliance with federal and state law, which includes the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act as amended.
On January 18, 2017, the United States Access Board adopted new guidelines and standards for information and communication technology covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act. These standards, established as a baseline by the federal government, are effective January 18, 2018 and provide a solid framework for making electronic and information technology accessible.
General information about accessibility guidelines may be found at World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)or WebAim websites.