Disability Resources & Services
Rio Salado provides information, resources, and services which promote a successful learning experience for students with disabilities. Depending upon the disability and the resources Rio Salado has available, students with documented disabilities may receive accommodations that include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, text in alternative format, readers/scribes, and extended test taking time.
Types of Service
Rio Salado College handles each student's request on an individual basis, given a reasonable time frame. Please refer to the chart below when requesting a special service. Although the following time lines are preferred, Rio Salado strives to provide the services as quickly as possible.
Type of Accommodation
|
Time Needed to Facilitate
|
| Enlarged Test |
One Week |
| Text in Alternative Format |
Four to Six Weeks |
| Sign Language Interpreter |
Two Weeks** |
| Extended Test Time |
One to Two Weeks |
| Proctoring Exams |
Three Weeks |
| Classroom Accommodations |
Two Weeks* |
*Available for in-person classes only
**Upon Availability
The student's accommodation request will be considered; however, alternative methods may be used, depending upon the student's disability and the resources Rio Salado has available.
Reasonable Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided that accommodation does not create an undue hardship. An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, substantial, disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the course or program.
General Eligibility Requirements
Section 504 defines a "person with a disability" as someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities.
Do I need documentation to support a request for an accommodation?
Yes, each applicant with a disability must provide documentation from a trained and qualified professional verifying the nature and extent of the disability prior to receiving any accommodation.
Are there specific eligibility requirements based on the type of disability?
Please contact Disability Services for more information on documentation.
- Physical Disability - Student must submit a written, current report which includes a diagnosis, a clear statement specifying functional manifestation, and recommendation for accommodation.
- Learning Disability - Student must submit a written diagnostic report of specific learning disability administered by a qualified professional that is based on current appropriate, comprehensive, psycho educational evaluations using adult normed instruments.
- Blind/Visual Impairment - Medical report stating restricted vision fields.
- Deaf/Hearing Impairment - Audiological evaluation indicating extent of hearing loss.
- Other/Hidden Disabilities - Evaluated on documentation and need.
Location
The Disability Services Office is located in Student Enrollment Services at the main Rio Salado location, 2323 W. 14th St. in Tempe.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Appointments preferred.
How do I request services?
- Contact Terry Ferra, Manager Disability Resources & Services, at 480-517-8562 or email her at terry.ferra@riosalado.edu. In-person appointments are available; however, Terry will be pleased to meet with you over the phone or through email.
- Fill out an online Request for Special Services.
