Five sentence summary:
If your professor refuses or changes your accommodation, start with the assumption that they don't realize their mistake or are unaware of what you need. Clarify what you need, remind them of the specific accommodation and that it has been approved, and refer them to your disability advisor or that office if they have questions. Send a follow-up email and document as much as you can in writing for your own record and if things turn sour. If your professor outright refuses, politely inform them what you are entitled to under the ADA and/or refer them to your disability office.
A few disclaimers here:
A professor can (wrongfully) deny your accommodation for a number of reasons. They can also decide they know better than the Disability Office or you and modify the accommodation to suit their needs, which is also illegal 98% of the time. Good professors want students to succeed and learn and they'll want to make sure you have what you need to succeed. At worst, you're well within your right to explain to them that they're violating your rights under the ADA but let's start assuming your professor isn't a jerk.
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Five sentence summary:
If you're denied accommodations, you don't have to accept this and give up. Deciding whether or not to escalate things means considering your health and what evidence you have, and your next steps will depend slightly on what options you've already taken. There are avenues inside your school and outside if you're denied an accommodation. Depending on the department you speak with and the process you take, resolving these conflicts can take weeks, months, or even years. They can also require a lot of your time and energy, so it is crucial to have a good support system.
If you're denied your accommodations or are discriminated against because of your disability, you don't have to give up and accept your fate. That said, fighting for your rights is just that, a fight. It is often exhausting, it can be demeaning, and retaliation is not unheard of. It can also take a lot of time. Professors violate the ADA all the time (on a related note, you should know how the ADA protects you).
Things to consider before proceeding
Five sentence summary
Every student, including graduate students, should register with their disability office. It may take a long time to register and it may be painful, but you should still do it. If you run into problems later, if something changes in your life, if someone discriminates against you, being registered already will save you time and energy and may make finding solutions easier. Your office may have accommodations that were unavailable at other schools and they may know about new technology or alterations that can help you inside and outside of the classroom.
One of the first things every student should do when they arrive on campus is start investigating the Disability Office.
As a new student, you will not automatically be registered with them, and the registration process can take a long time, it can be painful, or it can be easy and quick. It depends on the university and the office. I have had great experiences with disability offices and I have had horrible experiences with them. You can ask other students what their experience has been like, but you might not know until you start the process yourself. I recommend that every student, including graduate students, register with this office for a few reasons. |
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AuthorThere's a reason theADHDAcademic is an anonymous account and there's a reason why this website will remain anonymous. That said, there are some basics it might be helpful to know about me: DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional or a lawyer of any kind. All text, graphics, and content on this website are for educational purposes only. Any and all content should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. Although I strive to provide the most accurate, current, and scientifically sound information, content should never be substituted for professional advice. Always consult a medical and/or legal professional before making any decisions. Links are provided only for reference and do not necessarily imply endorsement.
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