Policies and Procedures
Transportation Accommodations
The Ram Van
The Ram Van is an accessible vehicle for transportation of URI students, faculty and staff who have a permanent or temporary disability. The RamVan provides transportation only on the Kingston Campus, and it is assigned as any other accommodation, only with current documentation of disability.
Eligibility: Any student with a condition that requires accessible transportation may ride the RamVan. Students with temporary conditions, such as a sprained ankle, broken leg, etc., may also use the RamVan . All riders must provide documentation of current disability (permanent or temporary) to the Office of Disability Services for Students. The diagnostic statement must be from a licensed physician or other appropriately qualified specialist. Disability Services for Students staff will discuss special circumstances and make referrals where necessary.
Availability: The Ram Van is available weekdays from 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Weekend service is “on-call” only, and is provided on an as-needed basis. After 4:45 p.m., the Escort Services through Campus Police will provide transportation.
Arranging Rides: Daily pickups are arranged by filling out a weekly schedule form in Disability Services for Students/Office of Student Life, Room 330 Memorial Union. Riders are asked to contact the office immediately if there are any changes to the schedule.
Unscheduled Rides: All requests will be accommodated to the fullest ability of Disability Services for Students. 24 hour advance notice is required for unscheduled rides; students who will need regular service on the RamVan, will be escorted to their first appointment with a DSS counselor for verification of documentation. Students needing a one-time-only ride to their dorm from health services or other location are asked to use the University Shuttle Service.
Pickup Rides: The RamVan picks up passengers at designated handicap parking spaces, accessible areas of University buildings and in front of residence halls. When arranging a ride, riders are asked to confirm the exact location for pick up. Riders are asked to be at the designated pickup a few minutes before the designated time to allow for pickup of multiple passengers.
Safety: RIDERS AND DRIVERS MUST WEAR SAFETY BELTS AT ALL TIMES DURING TRANSPORTATION. All seats in the RamVan are equipped with safety belts. Wheelchairs must be locked in place and passengers using the wheelchairs must use the designated safety belt.
Temporary Handicapped Parking
Permanent Handicapped Parking Passes: Any person who possesses a Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles Handicapped Parking Placard may park in any designated Handicapped parking space on campus. Persons with permanent RI State Placard, who need access to Handicapped spaces inside the restricted Quad Area will be issued electronic gate Key Card Passes by Campus Police (874-2121). All patrons must park in LEGALLY marked parking areas.
Temporary Handicapped Parking Passes: Any person who regularly drives to campus and who has a temporary medical or physical condition that requires handicapped parking privileges may contact Disability Services for Students (330 Memorial Union, 874-2101) to obtain a Temporary Permit. Patrons must complete an information application and must supply medical documentation of temporary disability that includes:
1) a diagnostic statement of need AND,
2) a determination of length of time for the permit.
Patrons must park in legally designated Handicapped Parking spaces, and must relinquish the permit at the end of the designated time. With further medical documentation, permits may be renewed. However, after a 3rd renewal, patrons are asked to apply for a permanent placard with the RI Department of Motor Vehicles.
Because of extremely limited parking on campus, students who live on campus are asked to use the RamVan for temporary medical conditions. Please see section on the RamVan.
