FAQ

Is Student Accessibility Services at RWU a service or a program?

See Service vs. Program

Do I have to disclose my disability (learning, physical, medical) or AD/HD to the University?

No. Disclosure is not required. However, academic accommodations or adjustments cannot be provided until disclosure and submission of appropriate documentation occurs.

Are documents pertaining to a learning disability or AD/HD required as part of the admission process?

No. Students are not required to submit their disability-related documentation with their application for admission. All students with disabilities must meet the same admissions criteria as their non-disabled peers.

When should I submit my documentation and to whom does it go?

Upon acceptance to the University, students with disabilities (learning, physical, medical) and/or AD/HD who anticipate utilizing academic accommodations, adjustments or auxiliary aids must submit their documentation to the Learning Specialist, c/o Center for Academic Development, 2nd floor Library, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI, 02809.

How will I access the academic accommodations specified in my documentation?

The Learning Specialist evaluates each student's documentation to determine which accommodations, if any, are warranted. During the first week of classes, students with documented disabilities who wish to receive academic accommodations must meet with the Learning Specialist to arrange for the delivery of said accommodations. Please note that in some situations, the student will be required to submit accommodation requests weeks before the start of the semester. Accommodations such as interpreters and books on tape may require several weeks to arrange. The student is then given the Academic Accommodation Authorization form to take to each instructor. Instructors are not required to provide accommodations without this form.

Will my instructors know that I have a learning disability or AD/HD?

No. A student's status as a person with a documented disability is confidential information that is not shared with any University personnel or outside source without the student's knowledge and permission. A student's status as a person with a documented disability is not indicated on class rosters or in advising dockets.  Faculty are informed that academic accommodations or adjustments must be provided through the Academic Accommodation Authorization form; however, the specifics of the disability are not included on this form.

What accommodations can be provided to a student with a documented learning disability or AD/HD?

There is no "laundry list" of accommodations that are provided to students with documented learning disabilities or AD/HD. The Learning Specialist evaluates each student's needs based upon the documentation that is submitted. Please note that documentation alone does not guarantee that academic accommodations or adjustments will be deemed reasonable and/or appropriate.

What documentation is required in order to receive academic accommodations or adjustments?

See Documentation of Disabilities

Where can I learn more about college life for students with disabilities?

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education Know Your Rights and Responsibilities (From the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education).
http://www.ed.gov/print/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates Useful information on laws, transitioning from high school to college, accommodations, rights and responsibilities.
http://www.ccdanet.org/ecp/college/highschoolcollegedifs

Tips for Students with Disabilities to Increase College Success Article from the University of Washington.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/survival.html