REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
What Are Reasonable Accommodations
Universities in the United States are legally required to offer Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accommodations, also known as reasonable accommodations, to students that disclose their disability in written form and qualify for the requested accommodations.
- ADA or reasonable accommodations are modifications to tasks, assignments, or the environment that allow individuals with disabilities (including mental health conditions) to have an equal opportunity to successfully participate in tasks related to school or work.
- Plainly speaking, ADA or reasonable accommodations provide individuals with disabilities (including mental health conditions) a level playing field as long as the modifications do not alter the overall integrity of the course and are not considered an undue burden on the school.
Examples of reasonable accommodations that support student performance while at school include:
- Preferential seating in the classroom
- Allowing food or drinks into the classroom
- Audio recording lectures
- Having a note taker or using other students notes
- Extended time on assignments, exams, quizzes, and lab exams
- Taking an individually proctored exam in a quiet room
- Having pre-arranged breaks during long lectures
For a more in depth list of accommodations that support students participation click here.
Although schools offer reasonable accommodations, it is often reported that many students do not utilize the available resources that accommodations can offer due to individuals' negative feelings associated with disclosing their disability.
I benefited tremendously from obtaining reasonable accommodations and wish I had learned about the resource during my early years at university. It can be scary to seek out help, especially if you're unsure of who to ask. I recommend starting with either the counseling center (if your school has one) or Student Affairs & Disability Services.
- Creator of SMHM
