Navigating Accommodations for Disabilities: A Student’s Dilemma
Hello, readers! Today, I wanted to share a challenging situation that many students with disabilities may encounter and discuss the importance of advocating for our rights. If you have ever experienced something similar, read on to see how to navigate these waters.
Recently, I found myself facing an unsettling scenario concerning my accommodations for ADHD. After reaching out to my school’s disability office for support, I learned they would be closed for the Thanksgiving break, leaving me feeling anxious and unsure of my next steps. With limited resources available, I decided to share my experience here in hopes of receiving guidance from fellow students.
A few weeks ago, I was struck down by illness, which my doctor suspected was COVID-19. As a result, I fell behind in one of my classes. My professor and I had established a plan for me to catch up, and he advised me to refrain from taking the exam with the rest of the class, rescheduling it to a later date—two weeks later, to be precise. However, when the day arrived, my professor failed to show up for the exam. After waiting for over an hour in the Zoom meeting, I received an email from him the next day, casually apologizing for missing me and suggesting a time for me to take the exam that very day.
Given the circumstances, I felt perplexed and somewhat neglected. The situation further escalated when the professor did not honor my accommodation for extra time during the makeup exam. I found myself racing against the clock, ultimately running out of time and fearing I may not pass.
This left me questioning my rights. Since the exam was postponed and took place later in the semester, could he legally deny my extra time accommodation? Although the delay was due to my illness—something beyond my control—I wondered if it was still considered my responsibility for falling behind. I had reminded him of my accommodations before the exam, yet was only allotted the standard hour to complete it, which was the opposite of the assistance I had received during my first exam.
With the final exam approaching, I am left with a lingering concern: Am I guaranteed my extra time during the final, scheduled for December 11th? I believe that the law supports my rights to accommodations, but I want to be prepared in case my professor contests this.
If you’ve faced similar challenges regarding disability accommodations, how did you handle it? What advice would you offer to someone navigating this complicated process? I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share, as we can all benefit from a supportive community. Thank you for reading, and wishing you all the best in your academic pursuits!
I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing with your professor and your accommodation for ADHD. Navigating the intersection of disability accommodations and academic responsibilities can be quite challenging, especially when unexpected health issues arise. Here are several insights and practical steps you can take moving forward.
Understanding Your Rights
Federal and State Laws: In the U.S., under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations. This includes extra time for exams. While you acknowledge that you fell behind due to illness, it’s important to remember that you are entitled to the accommodations prescribed by your disability office, regardless of circumstances surrounding your illness.
University Policies: Most universities have specific policies regarding accommodations. Familiarize yourself with your institution’s guidelines, as they may outline the requirements and responsibilities of faculty when it comes to implementing accommodations. If the professor is aware of your accommodations via the disability office but chooses to disregard them, that could be a violation of university policy.
Practical Steps to Take
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with your professor regarding the exam and your accommodations. This includes emails, texts, and any missed appointments. This documentation will be valuable should you need to escalate the issue later.
Contact the Disability Office Early: While the office is closed for the break, send them an email outlining your situation and express your concerns about the missed accommodation. They might be able to provide you with guidance or an advocate who can assist.
Follow Up with Your Professor: Send a polite but firm email to your professor clarifying your accommodation needs. Thank him for rescheduling the exam and remind him gently but clearly of the accommodations you are entitled to. You could reference your past exam where you received the appropriate time—this only reinforces your understanding of the expectations.
Sample email might look like:
Prepare for the Final Exam: As you have mentioned, you believe that for the final exam, you will receive the accommodations you are entitled to. As an added precaution, you might consider requesting a meeting ahead of time with your professor to discuss and formally confirm your accommodations.
Escalate if Necessary: If the situation does not resolve or you continue to face issues, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter. You can reach out to the department head, academic advisor, or the ombudsperson at your university. They are there to help students navigate these types of concerns, and it’s essential to advocate for your rights.
Conclusion
You are not alone in navigating these issues, and it’s commendable that you’re seeking clarity. Your health challenges were out of your control, and your academic success should not be hindered by them. Utilizing your university’s resources and advocating for yourself are the most effective paths forward. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and ensure you’re receiving the support you need. Good luck with your exam preparation, and take care of yourself!