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[Music]
Hi, I'm Julia, and I'm really glad that you registered with the RCPD.
I know some of you may be feeling uncomfortable and uneasy about the process,
but I've done it, and I've turned out just fine.
Plus, you'll be really happy with the accommodations they provide that will help you reach your full academic potential.
The first thing you'll want to do after you've registered with the RCPD and have had your needs assessed
is to pick up your VISA.
In case you didn't know, VISA stands for Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations.
The VISA is a great tool to use that initiates dialogue with your professors
so that you can create a plan together during your semester to work on your needs.
You receive a VISA once you have registered with the RCPD
and you work with your specialist to figure out what accommodations and needed services work best for you.
It will help you communicate your needs to your instructor more easily.
I would recommend meeting with your specialist regularly to make sure that your VISA is as up-to-date as possible
and fits your specific needs at that time.
SPECIALIST: Hi, Julia, how are you? STUDENT: I'm great, Darryl, how are you?
SPECIALIST: I'm doing pretty well. How was your summer?
STUDENT: It was busy. I worked a lot, but it was really great. How was yours?
SPECIALIST: Mine was pretty good. I'm glad you had a great summer and were able to work.
STUDENT: Thanks, yea.
SPECIALIST: Good, now you're here for your VISAs, correct?
STUDENT: Yea, I was wondering if I could pick those up today.
SPECIALIST: All right. I got your email so I'll get them for you. STUDENT: Awesome, thank you so much!
SPECIALIST: Here those are for you. STUDENT: Perfect, thank you!
SPECIALIST: No problem. Just be sure that you give them to your teachers and not just slide them under their doors.
STUDENT: Ok, perfect, I'll do that for sure.Thank you so much.
It was great seeing you Darryl! SPECIALIST: Great seeing you, too! STUDENT: Have a great day!
The next step is to meet with your instructor to give them your VISA.
Most faculty members do have office hours, but if that doesn't work for your schedule,
send your professor an e-mail letting them know that you want to make a time to meet.
Avoid simply handing over your VISA because it should be a conversation between you and your professor.
And remember: Don't be nervous. Most instructors really enjoy getting to know their students on an individual basis.
And don't think that you're being burdensome because this is a part of their job.
Most instructors are familiar with this process and really only want to see you succeed.
INSTRUCTOR: Hi, I'm glad you came in today. How do you like the class?
STUDENT: I'm really enjoying the class, but it is pretty big so it's slightly overwhelming.
INSTRUCTOR: I understand, and that's why Ilike to get to know students individually if I can, even in the large class.
STUDENT: Right, and that's actually why I came in today.
I have a VISA, and I was wondering if we could go over it together.
INSTRUCTOR: Okay, sure. Uh, let me take a look here.
Alright, so what's, what's the key thing in here?
STUDENT: Umm, my biggest concern is having extra time on tests and quizzes.
INSTRUCTOR: If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is your disability?
This can be an awkward moment.
Most professors will not ask this question, but it does happen sometimes.
The RCPD recommends that you don't disclose your disability because you don't want your particular disability
to affect any accommodations that may happen in that class.
STUDENT: I'm actually not comfortable with disclosing that information, but it has been verified by the RCPD.
INSTRUCTOR: Okay, that's fine. Well, it's nice to meet you, and I'm looking forward to working with you this semester,
and please let me know if you have any questions.
STUDENT: Wonderful, thank you for everything, Dr. Ballard. INSTRUCTOR: You're welcome.
That wasn't so bad, was it? Remember that communication with your instructor is key.
If at any point during the semester you feel that you're struggling, reach out to your professor and specialist.
If there is anything that you will need right away, such as captions or notes,
make sure that you contact your instructor before the course begins.
This may involve emailing your professor and following up as necessary.
Never feel ashamed to take advantage of any of your accommodations.
Remember: you are protected by the law and the university!
Thanks for watching, and have a great semester!