Talking With Instructors About Using Accommodations

The decision whether or not to disclose a disability is a very personal matter and one that varies from individual to individual.  If you choose to disclose and / or discuss your disability with your instructor(s), it is recommended this be done early in the semester.

A few general suggestions for students concerning disclosure are presented below:

Make an appointment with your instructor(s) to meet during his / her office hours.

You may choose to call or email your instructor(s). Instructors will often provide students with helpful suggestions, guidance and assistance to support the learning style and accommodations of individual students.

Clearly describe your learning style.  

Let your instructors know about your abilities and strengths as well as your weaknesses. Provide him / her with concrete examples of how your disability may affect you in that particular class.

Discuss with your instructor(s) the logistics of using accommodations in class.  

What if an instructor is skeptical and / or not receptive to your accommodation requests?

If you are meeting with resistance from an instructor, discuss the situation with the Director of Disability Support Services who can assist you in resolving the issue.

Many times students attempt their classes without the benefit of accommodations.  Students need to be aware that accommodations are not retroactive. All coursework completed and grades earned prior to accommodations being established will not be changed.