Talking With Instructors About Using Accommodations

Frequently, students ask for suggestions on how to describe their learning differences and any accommodations requests to instructors. The following suggestions may be helpful.

First of all, the decision whether or not to disclose a disability is a very personal matter and one that varies from individual to individual (and may also vary dependent upon the particular instructor). Some students are reluctant to disclose their disability for fear that it may negatively bias their instructor's perceptions of them. Students also often have a strong desire to compensate, and feel that they can do so successfully without utilizing accommodations. This is an admirable attitude, but students need to be aware that it can backfire if they fail the first exam and ask for accommodations after the fact, when it may be too late to change the grade. As a general rule, it is usually better to disclose to instructors early in the semester, rather than to say nothing about the disability. Even if you disclose and explain that you prefer NOT to use accommodations unless the need arises, you are at least making the instructor aware of possible accommodation requests.

Actually, quite often, instructors will be more willing to work with you and provide helpful suggestions and assistance in their course after you make them aware of your learning styles and accommodation requests. They are often impressed that you care enough about your success in their course that you took the courage and the time to share your information with them.

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

1. Make an appointment with your instructors to meet during his/her office hours.
   You may choose to call to set up the appointment, or you may prefer to arrange an appointment after the first class. DO NOT tell your life story to the instructor at that time; just set up the appointment. Before your appointment, you may want to discuss and/or practice what you are going to say with the Student Needs Coordinator.
2. Make sure you know how to explain the exact nature of your disability and what types of accommodations, if any, you may want to utilize in your classes.
   If you feel uncomfortable with this, it is a good idea to discuss these issues with the Student Needs Coordinator prior to talking with your instructors. You should be prepared to answer the specific questions and possible skepticism that some instructors may have. Emphasize your strengths!
3. Request documentation from the Student Needs Coordinator office to give your instructors.
   You can also request that the Student Needs Coordinator send notification to your instructors explaining your possible accommodation requests and verifying that you are working with the Student Needs Coordinator office. This really helps to establish your credibility and makes instructors feel more comfortable with the idea of accommodations.
4. Before describing your specific disability to instructors, you may also have to educate him/her as to what it IS and is NOT.
   If instructors are not familiar with support services offered through the Student Needs Coordinator, give them some background information and suggest that they contact the Student Needs Coordinator if they have questions/concerns. This also helps to establish credibility.
5. Describe your learning style in simple language.
   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.
6. For students with learning disabilities, explain that you have gone through extensive diagnostic testing to diagnose and determine your specific learning disability.
   Your instructors may ask you to provide them with documentation of the disability. Decide, in advance, how much personal information you feel comfortable divulging. You are not required to show copies of your diagnostic evaluation to anyone, unless you choose to do so. You may prefer to have the instructor contact the Student Needs Coordinator, for further clarification; however, the Student Needs Coordinator will not disclose any confidential information about you to anyone, without your consent.
7. Anticipate any accommodations or special needs you may have, in advance, and develop a plan of action with your instructor for the course.
   Think about these questions: Will you need extended time on exams? Will you need to find a notetaker who is willing to share class notes? Will you need to take your exam in a quiet room with a proctor? Will the instructor allow you to use a calculator or dictionary during exams?
8. If you intend to tape record lectures, you should always, as a courtesy, ask instructors for permission.
   If an instructor expresses concern or seems uncomfortable with this, notify the Student Needs Coordinator. If you are eligible for this accommodation, instructors cannot deny your request to tape record.
9. What if an instructor is skeptical and/or not receptive to your accommodation requests?
   At some point in every student's career, he/she may encounter an instructor who is not receptive to an individual student's unique needs. Those instructors often have either had limited contact with persons with disabilities, or may have had a negative past experience. If you are meeting with resistance from an instructor, discuss the situation with the Student Needs Coordinator who can assist you in resolving the issue.