Academic Accommodations
Understanding your rights, navigating the accommodation process, and accessing support services for learning differences and disabilities.
Understanding Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations are modifications or adjustments to educational policies, practices, and procedures that provide students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities. These accommodations level the playing field by removing barriers that might prevent students from demonstrating their knowledge and abilities, without fundamentally altering the academic requirements of courses or programs.
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), qualified students with disabilities have the right to equal access to educational programs. Colleges are required to provide reasonable accommodations that don't fundamentally alter the nature of their programs or create an undue burden on the institution.
Who Can Receive Accommodations
Qualifying Disabilities
The ADA defines disability broadly to include conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities. In the academic context, this includes conditions that affect learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, or other cognitive functions.
- • Specific Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
- • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- • Autism Spectrum Disorders
- • Traumatic Brain Injury
- • Executive functioning disorders
- • Processing speed disorders
- • Depression and anxiety disorders
- • Bipolar disorder
- • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- • Eating disorders
- • Other psychiatric conditions
- • Visual or hearing impairments
- • Mobility impairments
- • Chronic illnesses (diabetes, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders)
- • Temporary injuries affecting academic performance
- • Speech and language disorders
- • Fine motor coordination difficulties
- • Recovery from surgery or injury
- • Medication side effects affecting cognition
- • Acute mental health episodes
- • Pregnancy-related complications
- • Concussion or head injury recovery
- • Other temporary impairments
The Accommodation Process
Step-by-Step Guide
1Contact Disability Services
Reach out to your college's disability services office as early as possible, ideally before classes begin.
2Submit Documentation
Provide professional documentation of your disability from qualified healthcare providers.
3Interactive Process
Meet with disability services staff to discuss your needs and determine appropriate accommodations.
4Receive Accommodation Letter
Get official accommodation letters to provide to your professors and other relevant college staff.
5Implement and Monitor
Work with professors to implement accommodations and follow up with disability services as needed.
Documentation Requirements
Effective documentation should be recent, comprehensive, and from qualified professionals. Requirements vary by institution and type of disability, but generally include:
Essential Documentation Elements:
Common Types of Accommodations
Testing Accommodations
- Extended time: Typically 1.5x or 2x the standard time
- Reduced distraction environment: Separate testing room
- Flexible scheduling: Alternative test dates or times
- Frequent breaks: Ability to pause during exams
- Alternative location: Disability services testing center
- Reader services: Having test questions read aloud
- Scribe services: Someone to write dictated answers
- Computer use: Typing instead of handwriting
- Large print materials: Enlarged test fonts
- Alternative formats: Digital or Braille materials
Classroom and Learning Accommodations
Note-Taking Support:
- • Peer note-takers or professional note-taking services
- • Permission to record lectures
- • Access to instructor's lecture notes or slides
- • Note-taking technology or software
Classroom Environment:
- • Preferential seating (front of class, near exit)
- • Permission to step out briefly if needed
- • Use of noise-canceling headphones
- • Lighting or temperature accommodations
Participation Modifications:
- • Alternative ways to demonstrate participation
- • Modified attendance policies
- • Advance notice of cold calling
- • Written responses instead of verbal participation
Assignment and Project Accommodations
- • Extended deadlines for assignments
- • Staggered due dates for multiple assignments
- • Priority registration for course scheduling
- • Reduced course load without academic penalty
- • Incomplete grades with extended completion time
- • Oral presentations instead of written assignments
- • Written reports instead of oral presentations
- • Project-based learning alternatives
- • Portfolio assessment options
- • Technology-assisted assignment completion
Working with Professors
Disclosure and Communication
You are not required to disclose your specific disability to professors, but you do need to provide them with your accommodation letter. Effective communication can help ensure your accommodations are implemented properly.
Initial Contact:
- • Schedule a private meeting early in the semester
- • Bring your accommodation letter from disability services
- • Discuss how accommodations will work in their specific class
- • Ask about their preferred method of ongoing communication
Ongoing Communication:
- • Provide advance notice for testing accommodations
- • Keep professors informed of any changes in needs
- • Address concerns or issues promptly
- • Express appreciation for their cooperation
When Accommodations Aren't Working
If you're experiencing difficulties with accommodation implementation, there are steps you can take:
Problem-Solving Steps:
Technology and Assistive Tools
Learning Support Software
- Text-to-speech: Natural Reader, Read&Write, Voice Dream
- Speech-to-text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, voice recognition
- Grammar and writing: Grammarly, Ginger, Hemingway Editor
- Organization: MindMeister, Inspiration, concept mapping
- PDF accessibility: Kurzweil, NVDA, screen readers
- Task management: Todoist, Any.do, Microsoft To-Do
- Time blocking: Google Calendar, Outlook, time-tracking apps
- Distraction blocking: Cold Turkey, Freedom, FocusMe
- Note-taking: OneNote, Notion, Evernote, audio recording
- Study aids: Quizlet, Anki, flashcard applications
Physical and Environmental Supports
Writing and Input:
Ergonomic keyboards, pencil grips, alternative computer mice, tablet writing tools
Visual and Audio:
Magnification software, colored overlays, noise-canceling headphones, FM systems
Mobility and Access:
Adjustable desks, ergonomic seating, portable ramps, accessibility features
Environmental:
Light filters, desk organizers, fidget tools, sensory supports
Financial Considerations
Funding for Assistive Technology
- • Disability services equipment loans
- • Computer lab accessibility software
- • Library assistive technology
- • Campus technology grants
- • Work-study positions with technology access
- • Vocational rehabilitation services
- • Private foundation grants
- • Technology lending libraries
- • Disability-specific organizations
- • Employer accommodation funds
Mental Health Accommodations
Supporting Psychological Well-being
Mental health conditions can significantly impact academic performance, and accommodations can provide crucial support during difficult periods.
Advocacy and Self-Determination
Developing Self-Advocacy Skills
Learning to advocate for yourself is a crucial skill that will serve you throughout college and in your future career. Effective self-advocacy involves understanding your needs, communicating them clearly, and working collaboratively to find solutions.
Self-Advocacy Components:
Transition Planning
From High School to College
Legal Differences:
College accommodation laws differ from K-12 special education laws. You must self-identify and advocate for your needs.
Documentation Updates:
High school IEP/504 plans may not be sufficient. You may need new assessments from qualified professionals.
Independence Expectations:
Greater responsibility for managing your accommodations, communicating with professors, and monitoring your progress.
Support Network Changes:
Building new relationships with disability services staff, professors, and peer support networks.
From College to Career
Planning for workplace accommodations and career success is an important part of your college experience:
- Internship preparation: Practice requesting accommodations in work settings
- Career counseling: Work with career services to identify disability-friendly employers
- Workplace rights: Learn about ADA requirements for employers
- Disclosure decisions: Develop strategies for when and how to disclose in job interviews
- Skills documentation: Build portfolio showing your abilities and achievements
Crisis and Emergency Planning
Resources and Support
- • Disability Services Office
- • Counseling and Psychological Services
- • Academic Success Centers
- • Career Services and Counseling
- • Student Health Centers
- • Ombudsman or Student Advocacy
- • Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
- • National Center for Learning Disabilities
- • Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
- • Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- • Condition-specific advocacy organizations
Remember
Requesting accommodations is not asking for special treatment—it's ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. Your disability does not define your potential for success. With the right supports and accommodations, you can achieve your academic and career goals. Be patient with the process, advocate for your needs, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.