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The RCPD made my dreams of leaving home and attending college a reality.
-Jodi, Psychology Major

Learning and Cognitive Disabilities

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Welcome

Michigan State University provides academic and workplace services and accommodations to persons with Learning and Cognitive 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 and cognitive disabilities. We look forward to working with you to help maximize your experience at MSU!

There are multiple conditions that fall into the Learning and Cognitive Disabilities category including:

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

Documentation of a disability must appear on official letterhead from a licensed medical or diagnostic professional and include a diagnosis, scope or degree of involvement, and summary of related functional limitations.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Specialist Spotlight

ATTENTION STUDENTS!!! Don't forget to attend the WOW! WELCOME Orientation Workshop: Maximizing Abilities and Opportunities!

Learn vital information to become a successful Spartan: How to access accommodations, support services and opportunities available at MSU! This event is only for students registered with Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.

When: Thursday, August 23, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Third Floor Classrooms in Bessey Hall

Contact Information

Virginia Rutan

Virginia Rutan

Cognitive Disabilities
Brain Injury
Student-Athlete Liaison
(517) 884-1908


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