Guide to College Accommodations for Students With Disabilities
College accommodations can help college students with disabilities succeed in the classroom and provide the support needed to thrive in college. Accommodations ensure equal opportunities for students with disabilities and can include extra time to complete assignments, note-taker services, or even access to tutoring sessions.
What Are College Accommodations?
College accommodations are modifications or adjustments to courses, programs, services, or activities that enable students with disabilities to have equal access to education. Accommodations are generally approved by a college disability services office and tailored to individual needs. They aim to help students with disabilities meet the same academic standards as their peers.
Common Types of Accommodations
Accommodations can be categorized into several areas, including:
- Academic: Extended deadlines, note-takers, or audio recordings
- Housing: Wheelchair-accessible rooms or quiet living spaces
- Mental Health: Counseling services or mindfulness workshops
- Chronic Illness: Accommodations for medical appointments or care routines
How to Request Accommodations in College
Each school has its own process for requesting accommodations, but the steps are mostly the same. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — self-advocacy will be the key throughout this process.
The steps below will walk you through what to expect, from registering with the disability services office to documentation and receiving your accommodations.
Contact Disability Services
Contact the disability services office to start the accommodation process. They will guide you through the steps to get accommodations.
Collect Documentation
Gather the documents needed to support your request. This may include medical records, therapy notes, or educational assessments.
Conduct an Intake Meeting
You will discuss your needs in the intake meeting with a disability services representative. This is a chance to share your experiences and create a personalized plan for success in college.
Do Professors Need to Know About Your Disability?
You don’t need to share your diagnosis with your professor — just the accommodations you require. There’s no pressure to reveal more than you’re comfortable with. Each school has its own way of notifying professors, so ask your institution about its specific process. Take charge and advocate for the support you need while keeping your privacy.
What Faculty Sees and How It Works
Disability offices share minimal information with professors. They notify professors to provide accommodations once a student registers. Some accommodations may require extra steps, like booking testing rooms. Many students discuss accommodations with professors during syllabus week to avoid potential issues.
What to Do If You’re Denied Accommodations
If your school denies accommodations for your disability, contact your school’s disability services office to determine the reasons for the denial. Then, follow the school’s appeal process or appeal through the Office for Civil Rights. You may also seek legal advice or connect with advocacy groups for support.
If you think the denial was unfair, discriminatory, or not backed by enough evidence, you should appeal the decision. To improve your chances of getting an accommodation, know your rights. Understand the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protect people with disabilities in higher education.
If You’re Denied by a Professor…
If a professor denies your accommodation request, inform them of your rights under the ADA.
Show them you have a documented disability or ask the disability services office for support or guidance. If they still refuse, politely ask for the reason for the denial in writing. This will help you provide evidence for further appeals.
If You’re Denied by the Campus Disability Office…
If the campus disability office denies your accommodation request, ask for a written explanation of the denial. Then, review your submitted documents to ensure they are complete and accurate. If you feel the denial was unfair, submit a reconsideration request with specific reasons. If they deny you again and you feel it’s unfair, the office may refer you to the university grievance process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Accommodations
Yes, you can still get accommodations in college without a 504 plan or IEP. Colleges may look at current documentation of your disability, like a doctor’s evaluation, to decide what accommodations to provide. Not having an IEP in high school won’t automatically rule out support in college.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should consult with their physician to obtain advice with respect to any medical condition or treatment.
