I have a disability and want accommodations for placement testing and in classes. What do I do?
Students with disabilities or chronic health problems are encouraged to identify themselves as early as possible. The Coordinator of Access Services will be glad to explain the process and can help you obtain necessary documents. Students with documented disabilities may qualify for an alternate placement testing format and/or academic accommodations.
When do I contact Randolph College?
You can disclose your disability at any time but the best time to deal with this is at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you are accepted.
I am transferring from another college and I have accommodations. Can I get accommodations at Randolph College?
Yes, we can review your documentation or get information from the institution you are transferring from and make sure it meets Randolph College guidelines.
What types of classroom accommodations are considered?
Typical accommodations depend on how your disability affects you and include, but are not limited to, extended time on tests, alternative testing locations, note takers, scribes, tutors, recorded materials, large print materials, etc.
How do I Request Accommodations?
Disclosure of disabilities is voluntary; however, in order to ensure equal access to programs and services, students are required to contact the Coordinator of Access Services and to provide appropriate professional documentation of a disability. Students are required to request accommodations through Coordinator of Access Services in order to receive appropriate accommodations.
The following procedure should ensure that you receive the appropriate and reasonable accommodations that will assist you in gaining equal access:
If you would like additional information about requesting accommodations and services, please contact Diane Roy, Coordinator of Access Services at (434) 947-8132 or by email at droy@randolphcollege.edu .
How do I let my instructors know about my need for accommodations?
The Coordinator of Access Services works with you and the documentation you provide to develop a Letter of Accommodations that verifies the appropriate accommodations you need based on your documentation. You then set up an appointment with each instructor at the beginning of each semester in each class even if you are not sure you will need accommodations (you never know what may come up!). Give them a copy of the letter and discuss your needs with them. In doing that, you can use the accommodations you need and if you don’t feel you need accommodations in a class, it is your right to choose not to use them. Accommodations are not granted retroactively so it is important to set them up early.
I have a disability but no current documentation/Or- I think I have a disability that interferes with my academic performance but I have never been tested. What should I do?
If you do not have current documentation we can:
The Coordinator of Access Services does not conduct testing for disabilities. If you are interested in being tested, the Coordinator is available to discuss the your concerns and has a referral list of specialists in the area.
Will I receive the same accommodations that I received in high school?
Requested accommodations must be consistent with the College’s academic goals and standards. Accommodations are approved on a case-by-case basis, based upon individual student’s requests. Therefore, accommodations may vary, are required to be reasonable, and are subject to the current needs of the student. Students should not assume that accommodations provided in high school will be provided in college.
The guidelines below were developed to assist you in working with your treating professional(s) to prepare the information needed to evaluate your request. If, after reading these guidelines, you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator of Access Services, Diane Roy (434) 947-8132.
As appropriate to the disability, the documentation should include the following six elements:
Are 504 Plans and IEP’s accepted for use in documentation of a disability at the college level?
504 Plans and IEP’s are not considered to be acceptable documentation, however, this information is useful in understanding prior academic experiences of the student. Testing used to document a disability may be considered if current (usually within three years) and administered by a professional, and if such testing and evaluation meet guideline requirements and are deemed adequate to the College
I broke my wrist during sports practice last week. Can the Coordinator of Access Services help me?
Yes. The Coordinator works with students with temporary disabilities. Just talk with her and see what types of help you may be eligible for. There are different types of assistive technology and services that we can use to help you do what you need to do!!
I have a disability and do not need any accommodations. Do I have to see the Coordinator of Access Services?
Students with any disability are strongly encouraged to meet with the Coordinator of Access Services to get information and learn about specific accommodations available at the college level that could be helpful to you. You may not be aware of everything that is available.
I don’t want anyone to know that I have a disability or need accommodations. How is this handled?
The Coordinator of Access Services maintains confidential contacts and records. Disability is never indicated on college student records or in your accommodation letter. It is completely up to the student to determine who knows about their disability.
Who needs to know about my disability?
Only those persons who you feel should know. The Coordinator keeps a confidential file with limited access to your information. It would be shared only when there is a compelling reason to do so. In that case, you would be contacted prior to its being shared. Members of the faculty and administration generally only need to know what you are willing to tell them unless your safety is at risk. In other cases, you sign a release of information giving your permission for that information to be shared.
What role do my parents play in the process?
Students who are 18 years old or older are legally recognized as adults. In this case, the student is responsible for their own accommodation requests and disability-related decisions. However, students are encouraged to have an open dialog with their parents. Parents can be a great source of support.
What services are available for visitors to campus?
Visitors to Randolph College are eligible for the same level of courtesy services amy visitor is afforded. If you have a disability which will affect you while on our campus, please let us know when you plan to visit so we can make your stay as pleasant as possible. Possible accommodations would be:
Diane Roy
Coordinator of Access Services
Academic Services Center
Lipscomb Library
2500 Rivermont Avenue
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Office: (434) 947-8132
Fax: (434) 947-8399
droy@randolphcollege.edu