Our Motto: Treat College Like A Job

• Self disclose your disability at the earliest possible date. This will allow you to have accommodations as you need them. If you do not disclose until later in the semester, professors aren't obligated to grant your accommodations.
• In talking to your professor about your disability, it would help to have a working knowledge of your disability as it relates to the academic setting. Though you don't have to share your diagnoses with your professor, it may be helpful for them to have additional knowledge so they can better assist you in the academic accommodations they are providing.
• Throughout the semester, it might be helpful for you to visit with your professors to keep them up to date on your progress in the course. This is especially important if you are having academic difficulties or issues related to your disability that come up from time to time.
• Notetaking. When talking to your fellow classmates about notetaking, all you have to say is, "would you mind taking notes for me?" Non-disabled students ask other non-disabled students to take notes for them. In other words, just because you're asking another student to take notes for you, it doesn't necessarily mean they will know you have a disability. Remember, you are going to be working out in the world one day and you'll have to discuss your disability with your employers.
• When you receive your syllabus for each class, sit down and fill out the adaptive examination forms all at once for the entire semester for all your classes. This will ensure that you receive your accommodations and you will not have to worry about the seven business day policy.
• Keep in contact with your coordinator in the Office of Disability Services. This could be helpful if problems arise suddenly if your coordinator knows what's going on.
• Effective advocacy is being able to receive the services you need, not the services you want.
• Be proactive on checking websites, gathering information, and keeping abreast of resources you may use on and off campus.
• Remember to "treat college like a job;" this is your job for the time being.