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MSU leadership in disability inclusion and the creation of today's RCPD in 1972 predates state and fedeeral requirement of these services.

Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations (VISA)

The VISA is the primary method of documentation that enables students to validate and communicate their needs to faculty as determined via a thorough RCPD assessment of needs. A similar form of documentation is called a VISTA and performs the same functions for students with conditions of a temporary nature. The VISA/VISTA is individualized and cannot be generated until the student completes the following steps:

  1. Identify and Register a Disability
  2. Request Accommodations

After the VISA/VISTA is issued, students may need to meet with their Specialist to re-evaluate and adjust where needed.

The VISA/VISTA is used to initiate confidential dialog between faculty and student regarding reasonable accommodations or adjustments. Students are responsible for initiating communication with faculty about needs as described and validated on the VISA/VISTA. (ideally prior to or during the first week of class)

Faculty are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and for facilitating accommodations or adjustments outlined on the VISA/VISTA.

VISA/VISTA Characteristics:

  • A unique reference number serves as a deterrent to document tampering
  • Accommodations are prescribed with opportunity for feedback from faculty if concerns exist for negative impact on course operations
  • The student and associated RCPD disability specialists are named providing linkages should faculty need clarification or have concerns
  • Back side contains background and summary of roles for each party
  • The expiration date insures routine review of individualized needs

For more information, download a sample VISA.


RCPD at MSU © 2008
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