Accommodation Ideas For College?

[Alphabetzy]

Hi guys, I just joined today. Haven't intro'd myself yet because I think even briefly touching on my background and cptsd diagnosis will trigger a dissociative state and I have a lot to do today. Midterms. And dissociation happens to me a lot.

It happens with kind of a migraine aura. Everything starts swirling, even sounds. Depth perception gets all weird like a fake 3D Theater effect. Nausea, trembling, vertigo...I'm sure you guys know what I mean.

I'm in EMDR therapy right now and one of the side effects is temporary increase of flashbacks. It's midterms right now and I've already received an extension for both of my classes and still having a hard time. I can't plan for dissociative episodes or control how long they last, and I'm so tired of being the "problem student".

I've dropped out of multiple semesters. It's costly in more ways than one. I need accommodations for my legal disability, but the school has a policy that only offers accodomations that don't meet the needs of my disability. I don't need extended test taking time, a note-taker, or to record lectures. That's not what I struggle with. I struggle with the black hole of dissociative episodes and flashbacks warping the flow of time. Problem is, I don't have any useful suggestions as to what a reasonable accommodation for me would look like--assuming they'd be flexible enough to accept suggestions.

I have appointments with my private therapist and the campus counselor coming up and I'd like to see if they have any ideas, but the campus counselor actively tempered my expectations by mentioning it might be a matter of policy to only offer their limited accommodations listed.

Does anyone have any insight on whether the school is obligated to meet my needs even if that means developing new accommodations for cptsd? What would a reasonable accommodation for this specific set of struggles look like?

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

Legally, I don't think that they are required to do more than extended time, note-taker, etc. professors aren't supposed to change assignment intensity, just offer reasonable accommodations for people to get existing assignments done. Sometimes individuals will bend the rules (substituting a paper for someone who has incredible anxiety about a presentation) but I think that is just individuals being kind, not legal accommodations.

 

[One step at a time]

I have lots of thoughts on this topic. I hope what I have written is the kind of answer you were looking for... Please remember that it is an act of courage to ask for the help you need. Please be kind to yourself during this process.

As I understand it, the legal protections are:
(1) you should not be penalized for the affects of your disability, and (2) you should be given supports that make it possible for you to fulfill the requirements of the course and prove your mastery of the material like any other student.

Here are my accommodations for PTSD, and the legal reasons I can lay claim to them:
I have a right to "flexible attendance" because of part (1) - this accommodation ensures I am never penalized for being unable to attend class. Part (2) gives me access to the professor's lecture notes for any classes I have missed, so that I can complete the course exactly as if I was a student who was able to attend every lecture. Part (2) also implies that I have a responsibility to read the lecture notes for classes I have missed, and to ask questions of my classmates/TA/professor to make sure I have understood.
Also, I have a right to "flexible deadlines" because of part (1) - this accommodation ensures that I am allowed to simply work when I am able, and not be penalized for having periods of time (approximately one out of every three weeks) when I am unable to work. Part (2) implies that I have a responsibility to eventually complete all of the coursework exactly as it was assigned, and that work will be graded with the same standards as everybody else's work.

I do not lay claim to "modified assignments" but you might:
If you had a "modified assignments" accommodation in addition to "flexible deadlines," then you would not have to complete all of the coursework as assigned. You would complete less coursework, but you would still be graded with the same standards as everybody else. "Less volume, equal rigor."

When I started applying for my accommodations, I did not think I had the sort of serious problems that would justify accommodations, and I was totally incapable of applying on my own. I initiated the process and I completed the process only because someone recognized the extent of my illness way before I did, and persistently advocated on my behalf.

 

[Alphabetzy]

I have lots of thoughts on this topic. I hope what I have written is the kind of answer you...

Thank you!! That is exactly what I was hoping to find, some suggestions that might be reasonable with policy. Thank you for giving me this tool to reference. I'm going to send your post to myself to address with the campus counselor at our appointment!

 

[joeylittle]

@One step at a time gave you a lot of good advice, @Alphabetzy - I'll just add one thing.

The school may suggest that you take formal medical leave while you are in treatment. Is that what you did when you dropped semesters in the past? You may want to ask the camp counselor how medical leave works at your school.

I'm bringing this up specifically because you are citing EMDR as a reason for an increase of symptoms - which absolutely makes sense. But from the school's perspective, this may indicate that you are unable to both be in treatment and fulfill your class responsibilities.

It's not at all uncommon for students with any chronic condition to be given an accommodation for attendance. I'd be surprised if your school didn't have that as part of their regular 'menu of options'. Sometimes it's worded very vaguely, though, as 'consideration for unexpected absence due to unforeseen illness'.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Does anyone have any insight on whether the school is obligated to meet my needs even if that means developing new accommodations for cptsd? What would a reasonable accommodation for this specific set of struggles look like?

I've had the same trouble at school.

The only accommodation that I have is extended exam time. It doesn't really take care of the problem but it does allow me to stop, put my head down and rest, or even go out for a walk when having trouble.

At my worst point, I had triple time for exams. Plenty of time to take a nap or whatever.

 

[Amethyst]

Sometimes, it's quicker and easier to work with your professors directly, rather than trying to receive accommodations through student disability services. I'm not sure if you are undergrad or post-grad or what your class sizes are like, but if you happen to be in a situation where your professors know you on a more personal level, it may be worth it to set up a meeting during their office hours to discuss what you're going through and your class-related concerns. Some professors are willing to offer personalized accommodations, such as letting you take an exam in their office where there are fewer distractions or e-mailing you the PowerPoints so you can go over them at home if you couldn't focus in class.

 

[Keen]

I get accommodations for PTSD. I agree with Amethyst that talking with professors directly may be the most helpful. I would still go ahead and work with the Accessibility Dept. and get your accommodations, but then talk with your professors and they may be willing to do things not listed on the form from Accessibility cause they can usually understand a person's individual situation doesn't always fit the "mold" of accommodation standards. The form will just help them see that you are legit and not just a student making excuses or looking for an easy way out.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

I like the idea of approaching your professors directly. Just keep in mind that they are not required to offer or allow any accommodations beyond whatever your disabled student services division offers. Some may possibly even view you as manipulative.

Also, I must warn you that certain departments are notorious for verbally abusing those with psych or cognitive disabilities. My math department can be vicious about accommodations. For instance, one math professor who'd worked with me over a couple of semesters informed me that I didn't have a disability but rather had fabricated one in order to facilitate an advantageous but unnecessary testing environment. He also claimed I used my supposed disability to try to manipulate him into changing his pedagogical style. It gets worse, but I won't drag you through the mud. His reasoning? My grades are high, therefore I must not be truly disabled.

So, he careful. Most professors are kindly but please understand many - even the kindly ones - often become annoyed regarding accommodations.

 

[joeylittle]

So, he careful. Most professors are kindly but please understand many - even the kindly ones - often become annoyed regarding accommodations.

This is why it's better to go through an office of accessibility instead of directly to the teacher. It's really not up to the prof to say what leeway is ok or not ok, regarding any chronic condition.

Going through the system is important for the students protection, and it is far easier for the teacher as well.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Going through the system is important for the students protection,

True. And, even if one speaks with his professor, he should never side-step the official system.

Personally, I use the established system. I never discuss my disability with my professors. My DSPS counselor sets up the permissible accommodations. If I need something special from him, I explain, "My DSPS counselor and I have discussed the possibility of X. Would that work for you? What do you think?"

Note: This latter approach is rare and something I only do if I have thoroughly discussed the idea with my DSPS counselor, and she agrees that it's appropriate to ask the professor.

 

[joeylittle]

he should never side-step the official system.

Yep. I'd be lost without it. I get a letter, it tells me so-and-so has these accommodations, they are welcome to talk with me more about it at their discretion, but not required; if I have questions on how to honor those accommodations for my class specifically, I ask the accessibility office directly, and they remain as intermediary until such time as the student feels OK to talk with me directly - which may never happen.

Regardless of how we get there, my responsibility is to close the loop my emailing accessibility services with the specifics of the accommodations, and cc-ing the student.

It's so, so much easier than trying to play armchair psychologist...which really never goes well.