Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-517-8562

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Rio Salado provides information, resources, and services which promote a successful learning experience for students with disabilities. Depending upon the disability and the resources that Rio Salado has available, students with documented disabilities may receive accommodations that include, but are not limited to, interpreters, alternative text, readers/scribes, and extended test taking time.

Types of Services

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
Alternative Text Four to Six Weeks
Note Taker Two Weeks*
Sign Language Interpreter Two Weeks**
Classroom Accommodations Two Weeks*
Extended Test Time One to Two Weeks
Proctoring Exams Three Weeks

*Available only for in-person classes
**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.

According to the ADA, reasonable accommodation is a provision of an auxiliary aid, or adaptation of the manner in which courses are taught and will allow access to the educational program, material, activity, or degree.

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.

Documentation Needed to Support a Request for an Accommodation

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.

There are 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.

To Request Services:
To arrange for learning assistance services, please do the following:

  • Contact Terry Ferra, Manager Disability Resources & Services, at 480-517-8562 or email her at terry.ferra@riosalado.edu to set up an appointment. Appointments are preferred, so you can be given ample time and attention. Also, Terry will be pleased to speak with you over the phone and/or through email if you are not able to meet in person.
  • Fill out an online Request for Special Services.
  • If you need an exam proctor, please call 480-517-8562 or complete the online Proctor Request Form.

Handbook for Students with Disabilities

Resources

For individuals who are blind, visually impaired or physically unable to read, you may be interested in visiting www.sunsounds.org to obtain information about Sun Sounds of Arizona, an innovator and award winner in radio reading services. They provide, at no charge, services such as daily broadcasts of The Arizona Republic, the Wall Street Journal and other local and national newspapers, magazines, catalogs, newsletters, short stories and the weekly grocery and retail store ads. Programming is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sun Sounds’ programming is exceptional; especially when you consider that it is produced by more than 500 volunteers! Check them out today!

Additional Resources