Learning Disabilities

Welcome

Michigan State University provides academic and workplace services and accommodations to persons with learning disabilities. RCPD works to foster independence in the learning process, and assists both students and employees in learning to utilize appropriate strategies, accommodations, and other resources. The following information is meant to be helpful to you as you seek answers to your questions about services and accommodations for persons with learning disabilities. We look forward to working with you to help maximize your experience at MSU!

Getting Started with RCPD (MyProfile)

Log on to the MyProfile page with your MSU NetID and password to register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. MyProfile provides online forms and initiates communication with a Disability Specialist.

Documentation

Persons with learning disabilities must provide recent documentation (a suggested guideline for recency is 3 years) including a case history prior to an initial meeting for a needs assessment.

Documentation of a disability must appear on official letterhead from a licensed medical or diagnostic professional and include:

• a specific statement of the diagnosis
• area(s) and degree of involvement
• summary of related functional limitations (such as activities affecting the learning process)
• recommendations for accommodations
  

For further important details about documentation please refer to Guidelines for Documenting a Learning Disability. After documentation of a disability has been provided and a needs assessment is completed, reasonable student or worksite accommodations are determined.

After documentation of a disability has been provided and a needs assessment is completed, reasonable accommodations are determined. RCPD will provide a verification letter that includes: (a) verification of disability and status as a student or employee registered with the RCPD (b) an outline of reasonable accommodations.

Students will receive a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations letter, otherwise known as a VISA.

Employees will receive a Statement of Employee Accommodation Determination letter, otherwise known as a SEAD.

Confidentiality

RCPD adheres to strict standards of confidentiality in the management of student and employee disability information. Since RCPD is the only holder of disability documentation, all disability-related documentation should be directed to RCPD (not other campus departments).

Requesting Accommodations

RCPD recognizes that accommodations may be required in order to assist individuals in maximizing their educational and workplace experience at MSU. While the university is required to provide reasonable accommodations, it is not required to change essential academic requirements or job functions. Accommodation determinations are based on documentation and individualized needs assessment.

Before Requesting Accommodations, students and employees must Identify and Register as a person with a disability and provide appropriate documentation of their disability to RCPD. Employees should refer to the Reasonable Accommodations Policy for University Applicants and Employees, for the procedure on requesting worksite accommodations.

Students and employees with a learning disability may be eligible to receive the following accommodations facilitated by RCPD:

• Accessing Alternative Format Materials
  
• Accessing Notetaking Assistance
• Alternative Testing
• Assistive Technology
• Consultation and advising on student needs
• Consultation with faculty on classroom accommodations

Resources

• Counseling Center
• Learning Resource Center
• Math Enrichment Program
  
• Stern Tutoring and Alternative Techniques for Education (STATE) Program
• The Writing Center

Building Community

MSU provides many venues for collaboration and community building on disability issues. Please consider becoming involved in organizations including:

• Council of Students with Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities Association
• Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan
  
• President's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions that have not been answered on this page, please refer to the Learning Disabilities FAQ.

Contact Information

Elaine High Learning Disabilities Study Strategies Tutor (517) 884-1905

Valerie Nilson Learning Disabilities (517) 884-1904

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