FAQ for Parents:
Issue: Does my son or daughter’s IEP follow them to college?
Answer: No. The laws governing K12 students, primarily IDEA, are not applicable to college students. Instead, college students are protected as adults under the ADA and Section 504. Therefore, IEPs no longer have a formal role; instead, current documentation of the disability becomes the key to getting accommodations (testing with adult norms within the last three years for learning disabilities).
See: http://www.tcnj.edu/~technj/2004/transition.htm for additional information related to this topic.
Issue: Will my student be singled out? I’m worried about stigma.
Answer: Student privacy is legally protected. However, R-MC also works very hard to cultivate an environment where all students are welcome and accommodated appropriately. Disability stigma is an unfortunate reality, although R-MC is committed to limiting or eliminating it on campus to the extent possible.
Issue: My student won’t go for help. Can I fill out the paperwork for them?
Answer: Legally, your son or daughter is considered an adult at R-MC. To receive or qualify for accommodations, they must first fill out and sign a formal disclosure form (available on this website and at the HAC, and through the new student packet). Parents can and do help their son or daughter provide appropriate documentation of the disability.
Issue: Can I talk to the HAC or DSS office about my student?
Answer: Yes, but with an important caveat. Some information is confidential and may not be shared with parents (or anyone else) unless a written disclosure is signed by the student (a specific form—not the initial disclosure form mentioned previously). If a student declines to sign a disclosure, the information that can be shared with parents (or anyone else) is limited.
FAQ for Students:
Issue: What is a disability?
Answer: A disability is any condition, syndrome, or illness, etc. as defined by the ADA that limits a major life activity. Learning is usually considered a major life activity.
Issue: I think I may have a disability.
Answer: If you suspect that you have a condition, syndrome, or illness, etc. that is impacting your academic performance or college life, please consult with a professional at the HAC. We will help you determine if you may qualify for accommodations and other academic supports, or refer you to the appropriate diagnostician if a formal diagnosis is needed. Note that the college does not pay for independent testing and diagnosis.
Issue: What about confidentiality?
Answer: Everything you say and do at the HAC (including disability support) is protected by FERPA regulations and the same guidelines that govern medical confidentiality. Information you provide will only be shared with appropriate school officials or faculty.
Issue: What are the real differences between high school and college?
Answer: Actually, there are lots of them. A very important difference is that you are now treated as your own “case manager” working in collaboration with professors and the DSS office. That’s a big change from high school!
See http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html for more important differences.
FAQ for Professors:
Issue: I can’t make a specific accommodation for a student.
Answer: Consult with DSS. There are usually alternative ways to make the same accommodation in, or out of the classroom. The DSS office and Higgins Academic Center have many resources.
Issue: I think one of my students has a learning disability, but they never gave me a letter.
Answer: You can strongly recommend that they visit the Higgins Academic Center. It’s not appropriate to suggest that they might have a disability. Instead, say something to the effect that there are learning experts there who can tap you into the academic resources appropriate for you.
Issue: I don’t have enough time to do the things I really would like to do for this student.
Answer: Consult with DSS. There are many things the DSS office and Higgins Academic Center can do at the professor’s request, such as adapting materials, assisting with note-taking skills, etc., etc.
HOW TO CONTACT DSS:
EMAIL: DSS@rmc.edu or jtrammel@rmc.edu
EXTENSION: x 7343
Or campus mail to Jack Trammell or Higgins Academic Center