Accessibility Resources

Rock Valley College is committed to ensuring its facilities, programs, activities, programs, and services are accessible to everyone.

Accommodations

A variety of resources are available for campus visitors, upon request. For instance, guests attending commencement with special needs may request accommodations. Please submit your request for disability-related accommodations by contacting Disability Support Services at (815) 921-2371. Requests should be made at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure accommodations can be implemented on time.

You may request: sign language and captioning services, braille and large-printed materials, use of manual wheelchair, and assistive listening devices.

Students needing disability-related accommodations should contact Disability Support Services for student accommodations.

Parking

If you have a state-issued disability parking placard or plate, you may park in any of the designated handicapped parking spaces on campus.

For the day of commencement, there are handicapped parking spaces in both Lots 1 and 2A, which are nearest to the Physical Education Center (PEC) on Main Campus. In the event that the PEC is filled to capacity, the commencement overflow site is the Woodward Technology Center (WTC), directly to the East of the PEC. Guests may park in either Lot 2A or 2B.

Transportation

Rockford Mass Transit District

The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides fixed route transportation to the cities of Rockford, Loves Park, and the village of Machesney Park. The buses are accessible and preferential front seating is available to those with disabilities. Those with visual impairments should be sure to inform the driver to verbally announce stops. More detailed information, including current fare rates and route schedules, can be obtained at: RMTD.org or by calling (815) 961-9000.

Paratransit 

RMTD also offers an accessible origin to destination transportation service for persons with disabilities who cannot ride the fixed route. Information on Paratransit services can be obtained at RMTD.org or by calling (815) 961-2255.

To use Paratransit, the you must:

  1. Complete a Paratransit application. The application must be completed in person at the Rockford Paratransit office at 520 Mulberry Street, Rockford, IL 61101.
  2. Be certified as eligible by Rockford Paratransit. Examples of people who are eligible are those who, because of a disability, are "unable" to: board, ride, or disembark from an accessible bus; use the system due to visual or mental impairments; and reach boarding locations or situations due to a specific impairment related condition. Other considerations are: Age, distance to stop, or illiteracy by themselves are not considered a disability; People who are blind and visually impaired may be eligible if they cannot use RMTD's regular fixed route system; People with medical conditions such as epilepsy, kidney disorders, or diabetes may be eligible depending on their ability to use RMTD's regular fixed route system.

Commencement Accessibility

Review the RVC Main Campus Map for wheelchair accessibility and other accessibility information. 

There are designated seating areas within the PEC venue for guests who use wheelchairs or are unable to climb multiple stadium steps. The bottom rows of the bleachers are marked with accessible signage for these guests. In addition, a separate area is reserved on the PEC floor for guests with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs or scooters. Seating is not reserved and companion seating is limited to one companion in this area. Attempts will be made to seat other members of small parties nearby but cannot be guaranteed. All accessible seating is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The commencement ceremony is interpreted and captioned for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Two interpreters are stationed on the stage during the ceremony. In addition, live captions are displayed on a screen over center stage.

 

Accessibility in Education

Universal Design

Universal design (UD) is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.  One example of UD is an automatic door opener, which allows a door to be accessible to a large number of people. Not only do individuals who use wheelchairs benefit, but so do mothers pushing a baby stroller, individuals carrying large packages, and students pulling wheeled backpacks.

In terms of learning, universal design means the design of instructional materials and activities that make the learning goals and objectives achievable by individuals with a wide variance in their ability to see, hear, speak, move, read, write, understand English, attend, organize, engage, and remember.  In essence, universal design for learning, or UDL, provides alternatives for students with differing abilities. This guide provides more information on how to apply UDL principles in your course.