Overview of Disability Services

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DISABILITY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS (DSS) OVERVIEW

(* Click on Icon to the right to Download the Entire DSS Guide)

DSS is part of the Dean of Students Office. We assist Rensselaer students with disabilities in gaining equal access to academic programs,extracurricular activities, and physical facilities on campus. Disability Services offers information and resources based on individual needs to ensure disabled students are provided with the necessary accommodations to obtain access to a college education at Rensselaer. Our office provides administrative support and advocacy for all students seeking accommodations that provide the necessary documentation required and register with our office (see the student section for more information on required documentation and how to register with our office).

PLEASE NOTE: Services must be requested by the student and supported by appropriate documentation.

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

Disabilities may be physical, psychological, neurological, or learning-related. Any member of the Rensselaer community, or prospective member, can request assistance or information:

If you are a CURRENT STUDENTS with a permanent or temporary disability, please visit the STUDENT INFORMATION tab above to learn how to request accommodations and to learn more about what services are offered.
If you are a PROSPECTIVE STUDENT thinking about applying to Rensselaer, we encourage you to contact us early to discuss your plans. Also, please feel free to download the DSS Student Guide above to learn more about the services provided at Rensselaer for students with disabilities and the documentation required. If you are coming to campus for a visit, feel free to contact our office to set up a time to meet while you are here to talk about services offered and have any of your questions answered. Finally, check out the STUDENT INFORMATION tab above to download additional forms that you might need when enrolling at Rensselaer and also to learn more about some of the more common accommodations given to students.
If you are a RPI EMPLOYEE with a disability, assistance can be arranged through Human Resources.
If you are a STAFF/FACULTY MEMBER and want to know how to assist a student or someone else you know with a disability, click on the FACULTY / STAFF tab above or contact the DSS office to discuss.

NAVIGATING RENSSELAER'S CAMPUS

While Rensselaer appears at first glance to be a somewhat difficult campus for persons with mobility limitations, in fact, significant progress has been achieved over the years and access can be assured for all programs of study. Most academic buildings are accessible, and through individualized scheduling we can ensure that your classroom locations are barrier-free and conveniently located. Additionally, several residence halls have been modified to provide a choice of living arrangements. Students with vision loss will find that most elevators have tactile markings. Parking spaces are reserved and marked for disabled drivers in campus parking areas. Individual campus tours focusing on access needs can be arranged at any time by contacting Disability Services for Students. Also, a pdf of the campus map with enlarged features can be requested through the DSS office.

WHAT IS RENSSELAER'S NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admits qualified students without regard to age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, marital status, or disability. In addition, Rensselaer assures students with disabilities of nondiscrimination and provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity in its programs and services as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended in 2008 to be the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).

OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dean of Students Office (DOSO): Disability Services for Students (DSS)

Phone: 518-276-8197; Fax: 518-276-4839

DOSO Main Line: 518-276-6266 | Office Email: dss@rpi.edu | Website: DSS Website

Mailing Address: RPI, DOSO, Academy Hall, Suite 4226, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180

Physical Address: Academy Hall (On the Corner of 15th Street and College Avenue), 4th Floor, Suite 4226