Discussing Accommodations
with Instructors

 

 

Setting a meeting

 

1. After the first class meeting, request a private meeting with the instructor to discuss academic accommodations.  Given the confidential nature of the conversation, the meeting should take place in a private setting, such as your instructors office, division office, etc.

 

It is not recommended that you simply hand your accommodation letters to your instructor in the classroom without any discussion.

 

At the meeting 

1.           Be proactive in beginning the discussion.

2.           Notify the instructor that you have participated in a meeting with the Coordinator of Learning Support Services and based on documentation have been approved to receive the accommodations listed in the letter.

 

You are not required to disclose your disability.  It is your decision whether or not to discuss the specifics of your disability diagnosis.  However, the more information an instructor has regarding your abilities and functional limitations the better.  You may wish to share your academic strengths and challenges with your instructor at this time.

 

3.           Be sure to address the specifics arrangements that the accommodations will entail.

 

For example:

 

         If extended time on quizzes and exams is an accommodation, discuss how the scheduling should be handled.  Will you take the exam in the Office of Learning Support Service, library testing center, or in class?

 

         If you will be taking classroom quizzes and exams in the Office of Learning Support Services, discuss the process that should be followed for filling out the Test Routing Form.

 

         If you will be tape recording classroom lectures, share a copy of the Tape Recording Agreement that you signed with your instructor.

 

         If a composition aid is an accommodation, what type of composition aid will you be using for in class writing assignments?

 

         If preferential seating is an accommodation, where would you prefer to be seated?  How will the seat be reserved?

 

         Are there any other changes in classroom set up or arrangement that need to be addressed?

 

After the meeting

 

1.  Contact the Office of Learning Support Services if you have any concerns.