Are you a college student with a disability and need accommodations? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 11% of college students have a disability. But, just because you have a disability, doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in college. In fact, with the right accommodations, you can excel just like any other student.
What Are Student Accommodations
But, what exactly are student accommodations? Well, accommodations are adjustments or modifications made to the learning environment to help level the playing field for students with disabilities. This can include things like extra time on exams, note-taking assistance, or special software for writing assignments. You can also get special on-campus living accommodations. These are the most common types of accommodations that can requested, depending on your disability.
Where to Start
So, how do you go about getting accommodations in college? Well, the first step is identifying your disability. This may require getting a formal diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider. But don’t worry, there are plenty of resources out there to help you find the right person for the job.
How to Get a Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis can be a bit tricky. It’s important to find a healthcare provider who is qualified to diagnose your specific disability. For example, if you suspect you have a learning disability, you’ll want to see a neuropsychologist or educational psychologist. If you suspect you have a mental health condition, you’ll want to see a psychiatrist or psychologist. You can ask your primary care physician for a referral or search online for providers in your area.
Another option is to reach out to your college or university’s disability services office for recommendations on providers in their area. They may even have a list of preferred providers who have experience working with college students.
It’s also important to know that the diagnosis process may take some time and may require multiple appointments. So, plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to get the diagnosis you need. Also, some accommodations may require more documentation than others, so be prepared to provide the necessary information to support your request.
Once you have your diagnosis, it’s important to keep copies of all diagnostic reports and evaluations for your records. This documentation will be needed when you request accommodations from your college or university.
Your Rights As a Student with a Disability
Once you have a diagnosis in hand, it’s important to understand your rights. As a student with a disability, you’re protected by laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws ensure that you have the same opportunities as your non-disabled peers.
The Student Accommodations Request Process
Requesting accommodations can be a bit daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it. You’ll need to communicate your needs effectively and provide the necessary documentation to support your request. But don’t worry, your college or university’s disability services office is there to help guide you through the process.
Most schools have a disability assistance department, sometimes referred to as the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office. Their website will list the types of accommodations they can assist with and how to apply. Most often it’s an online form that you fill out where you list the specific types of accommodations you are requesting. You will also have to upload your diagnosis. After it’s reviewed, the SAS office will set up a meeting to discuss your request and designate the specific types of accommodations that you can have for the semester.
Once you have your accommodations in place, it’s important to work closely with your college professors and inform them of the specific needs that you were approved for, like extra time for exams. The SAS office will send them an email about your accommodations but what I have found is that it’s often missed and not read. So to foot stomp here, at the beginning of each semester send all your professors an email letting them know you have been approved for accommodations and what they are. And, don’t forget to renew your accommodations each semester. Yes, every semester you have to go to the SAS office, upload your request and meet again to discuss your accommodations. Normally the first meeting is in person, but after that it can be over the phone.
Support Organizations for Students with Accommodations
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. There are plenty of organizations and resources out there that provide support and advocacy for students with disabilities. And, don’t underestimate the power of online communities and support groups, they can be a lifesaver. These are some of the organizations that assist students with disabilities:
- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
- The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- The National Council on Disability (NCD)
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Final Words
So, don’t let your disability hold you back. With the right accommodations, you can succeed in college just like any other student. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey, there are plenty of resources out there to help you every step of the way.
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