Q. I received special services from the resource room in high school, will these automatically continue when I attend college? 

A. No, they will not continue or be automatic. In order to receive accommodations you will need to contact the Office of Disability Services, identify yourself as disabled, provide appropriate documentation of your disability and meet with the office staff to plan the accommodations you will need. 

Q. My parents handled all my disability related school matters, should they continue to do so?

A. No, our office and the college sees you, the student, as a adult responsible for college decisions. Our office will help you learn the skills to explain your needs as a learner to your professors. We will help you become a self-advocate. 

Q. Who will have access to my disability information? 

A. The Office of Disability Services begins a confidential file on every student who self-identifies with a disability. That information is only shared with your permission. It may be discussed in special issues of accommodation with college administrators.

Q. Can my family know about my performance in college? 

A. No, not without your permission. We will require you to sign a release if you want our office to discuss your grades, behavior or attendance with anyone else but you. 

Q. What do the placement assessments tell you? 

A. They tell us at what level you are prepared to learn in English and Math. Many students, even those without disabilities will need developmental work in English and Math. It tells us where you should begin. In no way does it predict how far you can go or what you can achieve. 

Q. I want to work and go to school. How many courses should I take? 

A. The answer depends on how many hours you'll work, what your education and career goals are and your learning abilities. The staff in our office will help you plan a successful program of study. 

Q. How do I access the college's handicapped parking?

A. If you have a town, county or state handicapped parking permit you can use the RCC handicapped parking. If you do not have one of these permits you can get an application for parking from the Office of Disability Services issued by the County. 

Q. Is the main campus accessible? 

A. Yes, the main campus is accessible and we are always working to improve accessibility. 

Q. Are there separate classes like resource room? 

A. No, all classes at RCC are mainstream classes. There are some additional sources of help like tutoring but no separate classes for students with disabilities.

Q. I may be absent a lot, will my teachers excuse me? 

A. Not really, in college the student is responsible for their work and keeping up with it. Each faculty member will have their own attendance policy. The law does not require excused absence be a reasonable accommodation. Even if you are absent for legitimate medical reasons you may lose points in your grade or fail depending on the classes' attendance policy.