Frequently Asked Questions

Students with a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability may qualify for accommodations. This includes (but is not limited to) conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, chronic health conditions, and mobility or sensory impairments.

No. However, if you want Rowan-Cabarrus Community College to provide accommodations, you should self-identify with the Office of Accessibility. Please read the following frequently asked questions to better understand our policies and procedures.

You may request accommodations from Rowan Cabarrus Community at any time, however, you should make your request as early as possible by requesting accommodations. This form will allow you to complete our intake and upload your documentation. Students will need to renew their Accommodations each semester.

Yes. College accommodations are different from those provided in high school and are governed by different laws. Even if you already have an IEP or 504 Plan, you’ll need to register with the Office of Accessibility at Rowan-Cabarrus to receive accommodations in your college courses.

Acceptable documentation includes:

• A diagnostic report from a licensed professional
• An IEP or 504 Plan (for reference, though not always sufficient alone)
• A letter from a doctor or therapist outlining the diagnosis and recommended accommodations
• Completed Office of Accessibility Disability Documentation Form
• View more information about requirements on the Documentation Guidelines page.

It typically takes 2-3 weeks after submitting all documentation and completing your intake appointment. We recommend starting early, preferably before the semester begins.

Yes. Accessibility Services supports accommodations for both in-person and online courses. If you’re taking online or hybrid classes, your accommodations will still apply and be coordinated with your instructors.

No. Professors only receive information about approved accommodations. Your specific diagnosis or medical history remains confidential.

Yes. You’ll need to request accommodations each semester to ensure continued support. The renewal process is quick once you’re registered with Accessibility Services.

Yes. Students are responsible for communicating testing dates/times with their instructor and arranging testing with the Office of Accessibility  Coordinator and/or with the Testing Center 

Yes. If you need accommodations for placement or standardized tests (e.g., TEAS, Kaplan), contact Accessibility Services at least 3 weeks in advance to arrange accommodations.

No. High school plans do not automatically carry over. While they can be helpful in understanding your needs, you must register with Accessibility Services and provide updated documentation to receive accommodations at the college level.

In high school, the school identifies needs and may modify assignments. In college:

• You are responsible for disclosing your disability and requesting accommodations.
• Colleges provide access, not modifications to course content or expectations.
• Accommodations must not alter essential requirements of the course.
• For more detailed information, visit High School vs. College: IDEA and ADA

There is no firm deadline, but earlier is better. Accommodations are not retroactive, so applying before the semester starts or as soon as you’re aware of a need is highly recommended.

Yes. Temporary conditions such as concussions, surgeries, or short-term impairments may qualify for accommodations. Contact our office with medical documentation to determine what’s appropriate.

• Students experiencing short-term illnesses (e.g., flu, cold, or other minor conditions) are encouraged to first communicate directly with their instructor to discuss the impact, expected duration.
• Faculty should follow the absence and makeup work policies outlined in their course syllabus when addressing routine illness-related absences.
• If a student’s condition is more severe, prolonged, or significantly impacts the student’s ability to participate in class, they may contact the Office of Accessibility to explore temporary accommodations.

If your disability changes or your current accommodations are no longer sufficient, you can request a meeting to review or update your accommodations at any time.

Once your accommodations are approved, the Office of Accessibility sends a confidential Accommodation Letter to each of your instructors via our accommodate portal. You are encouraged to follow up with your instructors to discuss how accommodations will be provided.

No. Accommodations are available as needed. You may choose which accommodations to use in each class and are not required to use all of them every time.

No.  While parents or guardians are welcome to attend the intake meeting, the student must be present and give permission for their parents or guardians to attend.

• Reduced assignments (submitting less work than required) – No. Students are expected to complete all assigned assignments.
• Grading Modifications – No. Students are graded on the same scale as all other students
• Repeating tests or assignments for a better grade – No, unless the instructor has provided this option to all students in the class.
• Extended time for assignments – Yes, but on a very limited basis. Not all assignments can be extended, and the time frame can vary from course to course. Students are required to request extended time from their instructor prior to the due dates. An assignment that is not submitted by the new deadline is subject to any penalties the instructor may impose, including a 0 for the assignment.
• Screen reader/ audio books – Yes. Screen reading software is available and we can provide digital copies of textbooks if digital copies are not already available for rent or purchase. 
• Extended time for tests – Yes. Extended time is available for tests. However, this does not extend the test deadline. The test will automatically close when the deadline is reached, and you will not be able to restart it. Please ensure you begin the test early enough to utilize your full extended time before the deadline.
• Quiet/ Separate testing space – Yes.  Separate testing spaces must be reserved through The Office of Student Accessibility at least 2 business days prior to each test, and the student must also notify their instructor 2 business days prior to the test. 

*This is not an exhaustive list of all accommodations. During the intake meeting the student will have the opportunity to discuss their challenges, previous accommodations, and how their accommodations have helped them to create an individualized accommodations plan. *

• No. Students are responsible for providing their own personal health and hygiene needs, along with their mobility needs, within the classroom and around campus.
• Due to regulations and space limitations, personal attendants generally may not attend class with the registered student unless the accommodation is supported by disability documentation as a health/safety issue and is included in the student’s accommodation plan
  

Yes! We provide sign language interpreters for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

• Classes and labs
• Campus events and activities
• Appointments

• Contact the Office of Accessibility
• Ask at least 3 weeks before classes start
• Ask at least 1 week before events or appointments

Let us know ASAP if you’re going to miss class or don’t need the interpreter anymore.

No-shows:

• The interpreter will wait 15 minutes.
• If you miss 2 classes in a row without telling us, we’ll assume you don’t need the interpreter.
• 3 unexcused absences = services may be paused until you meet with our office.