Campus disability services offices (often called Accessibility Services or Student Disability Resources) exist to ensure students with disabilities have equal access to education. Understanding how these offices work and what accommodations are available empowers you to advocate for yourself and succeed academically.
Your Rights
Legal Protection: The ADA and Section 504 guarantee equal access to education for students with disabilities.
Confidentiality: Your disability information is protected. Professors only learn what accommodations you receive, not your diagnosis.
Self-Advocacy: In college, you must register and request accommodations yourself (unlike high school).
Equal Access: Accommodations ensure equal access, they are not unfair advantages.
How to Register
- Contact the office: Find your campus disability office online or through student services
- Provide documentation: Medical records, psychological evaluations, or IEP/504 plans from high school
- Intake meeting: Meet with a disability specialist to discuss your needs and determine accommodations
- Receive accommodation letter: Share this with your professors at the start of each semester
Common Accommodations
- Extended test time: Typically 1.5x or 2x standard time for exams
- Reduced-distraction testing: Separate testing room with fewer students
- Note-taking assistance: Peer note-takers, audio recording permission, or professor-provided notes
- Flexible attendance: Excused absences for disability-related health needs
- Accessible materials: Large print, screen-reader compatible documents, or captioned videos
- Priority registration: Register for classes early to secure accessible sections
Documentation Tips
If you do not have documentation, the disability office can help you figure out what is needed and sometimes connects you with evaluation services. Recent documentation (within 3-5 years for learning disabilities) is usually required. If cost is a barrier, ask about fee waivers or campus evaluation options.
Working with Professors
- Share your letter early: Provide accommodation letters within the first two weeks of the semester
- Be specific: Explain how you will use your accommodations practically
- Communicate proactively: If your needs are not being met, speak up early
- File a complaint if needed: Contact the disability office or Title IX/ADA coordinator if accommodations are denied
Pro Strategy: Do not wait until you are struggling to register with disability services. Register as soon as possible, even before you need accommodations. Having them in place preventatively gives you backup for difficult semesters. It is much harder to request retroactive accommodations after you are already behind.