Chapter 6: Requesting Accommodations

Requesting Accommodations

 

Once a student's accommodations have been established (via the Welcome Meeting), the DSS staff will automatically request for students those accommodations that are considered standard.  Some examples of standard accommodations may include extended time for exams, readers for exams, priority registration, recorders for notetaking, etc.

Students approved for accommodations outside of those considered "standard",  MUST contact the DSS office every semester to specifically request these. 

Non-standard accommodations include:

• Memory Aid
• Note Taker
• Sign Language Interpreter
• Real-Time (Live) Captioning
• E-text Audiobooks (materials in alternative format)
   

To request non-standard accommodations:
 

1. Contact the DSS office by phone: 815-921-2371, Email: RVC-DisabilityServices@rockvalleycollege.edu, or stop by to indicate need for one of the above non-standard accommodations.
    
2. Once approved for a non-standard accommodation additional information will be provided by a a member of the DSS Team.
    

It is important to understand that the above accommodations will not be provided until requested by the student and approved by the Accommodations Specialist.  It is also important to note that accommodations are not retroactive, therefore it is important to request them as soon as possible.

In order to ensure sufficient time to provide accommodations, the student should submit their requests within the timeframe(s) established (See Suggested Lead Time for Accommodations chart below). It is highly recommended that students request accommodations within 48 hours after registering for classes.

If a request is submitted after the relevant deadline, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the request. However, it cannot be guaranteed that such a request can be met. Untimely requests may result in delay, substitutions, or (in some situations) denial of accommodation.

Be sure to read DSS notices, reminders, and agreements in order to most effectively receive and utilize your accommodations.  Most correspondence will be provided via E-mail.
 

Suggested Lead Time for Accommodations

 

TYPE OF SERVICE	TIME REQUIRED
Interpreting, Real-time Captioning, Real-time Transcribing, Video Captioning, Classroom Relocation, Braille materials	Immediately upon registration
Tables, Chairs, Footstools, Podiums, Lab Assistants/Library Assistants	As soon as a need becomes known (Typically these requests take several weeks to fulfill)
Alternative Format Course Materials (ex., E-text, Braille, Large Print, Tactile Graphics, etc. )	At least six (6) to eight (8) weeks prior to the beginning of the new term
Note-Taking Services	Upon registration or one (1) week prior to the new term
Alternative Testing	Minimum advance notice required for scheduling exams with Testing Center: Quizzes and Exams - 3 business days *One (1) business day prior to a quiz or exam students should call the Testing Center to confirm appointment and delivery of exam
Assistive Technologies or Software	At least 2-4 weeks

 

 

For additional information or assistance contact the Disability Support Services office at (815) 921-2371 or RVC-DisabilityServices@rockvalleycollege.edu.