Disability Services Office

The Disability Services Office (DSO) provides support services, information, and guidance to students with disabilities who are attending or planning to attend Rhodes State College. Assistance is also provided to faculty and staff working with students. The primary goal of the DSO is to provide accommodations, support, and services that enable students to achieve academic success.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Disability Services Office is to provide an educational opportunity for individuals with disabilities through equal access, support, resources, advocacy, and outreach with other campus and community affiliates.  In addition, the Disability Services Office will work in an advisory capacity with faculty and staff in an effort to develop reasonable accommodations that allow students with disabilities to fully participate in all programs offered at Rhodes State College. 

Eligibility

Students with a physical, mental, or developmental impairment should schedule an appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator at (419) 995-8498 prior to enrollment. A pre-service intake and verification of a disability (Multi-factored Evaluation, medical history, psychological report, etc.) is required prior to the activation of accommodations. The purpose of the intake is to assess disability-related needs and to determine appropriate accommodations and services.  

The American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) basic definition of "disability" is: an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.

Services Available

  • Course Registration Assistance - Extended Time
  • Note Taking Assistance
  • Orientation to campus services
  • Reduced Distraction
  • Sign Language Interpreters
  • Tape Recorded
  • Test Modifications
  • Designated disability parking areas in close proximity to campus building permit students to display a State of Ohio handicap placard.
  • External ramps allow students access to buildings without negotiating stairs. The campus is equipped with elevators, restroom facilities, lower water fountains, and lowered pay telephones.

Assistive Technology Software and Equipment

  • WYNN for students with reading difficulties
  • JAWS/Open Book for students with Visual Disabilities
  • ZoomText
  • Dragon Dictate
  • Books on Tape
  • Accessible computer stations
  • TTY in lobby of Public Services building
  • FM Amplification System
  • Automatic doors at the main entrance of all buildings

Disability Services Student Orientation

A Disability Services student orientation is scheduled in September. The orientation is designed specifically for students receiving academic accommodations. During the orientation students will learn about valuable campus resources, meet other students and staff members, become familiar with the campus services, and obtain their Notice of Prescribed Accommodation forms.