E. Remember that accommodations serve to give the student with a disability an equal chance to succeed (or fail), but not an unfair advantage. You will still be “doing it on your own,” even if you are receiving appropriate accommodations. The accommodations are simply the most effective and efficient tools to get the job done.
A. Be
sure to see your disability service provider as early as possible to register
for classes. Early or priority
registration is often provided for students with disabilities to assure that
they receive the approved accommodations. If you wait until the last minute to
register, you may not get your accommodations in a timely manner. It does take
time to locate and arrange for note takers, scribes, sign language interpreters,
etc. and to notify your college teachers of your special accommodations. Do not
expect that these things will happen automatically. You must initiate the
action!
B. Buy
your books early. Lines are long at the
bookstore just before classes start. You will also need to provide information
about your textbooks ahead of time if you require them in an alternate format
such as Braille.
C. Meet
with your course professors/instructors before classes begin. Since you will be discussing your accommodations with them
anyway, you should also request a class syllabus in advance so that you can
begin your textbook reading early and plan your study schedule.
Professors/instructors are usually impressed with organized, diligent students.
D. Attend
any orientation that may be held for college students, in general, and any
special sessions for students with disabilities. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be to face
a variety of tasks.
A. Although it may surprise
both you and your family, you will be treated as an adult in higher education.
If you are eighteen years of age
or older, your records, by law, may not be shared without your written
permission. That means that your professor/instructor or counselor may not
speak about your grades, progress, or accommodations with your parents, spouse,
friend, or anyone else without your permission in writing.
B. It
is definitely wise to consult with and use the support and guidance of family
and others who are close to you; however, you should be the main contact person
with your counselors and professors/instructors. You may choose to invite your
parents to talk to your counselors and professors/instructors along with
you, but not instead of you. A responsible student is involved in
his/her decision-making process.
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