How Late Is Too Late To Tell College About Your Ptsd?

[Deleted member 1860]

@Recovery4Me,
I am a bit confused as to why you say that you're not forced to extend time if its on a students accommodation plan? I was told the opposite by my disabilities department. I am entitled to time and a half on exams and quizzes and I can take them in the testing center. If I was denied this, what would be the point in registering with disability services at all? That is actually my biggest accommodation, and I probably would not be taking classes at all if I wasn't allowed to take my tests/quizzes in the testing center w/extra time. I have been told that my other accommodation, which is stepping outside of class or allowances for being late/leaving early are outside of the standard accommodation list, so if I take it too far and miss too much class then it may affect my grade. Isn't the whole point of disabilities services to ensure that students are getting the necessary accommodations? Not permitting extra time at the whim of a teacher just goes against everything that the accommodations were set up to ensure---that students have the ability to succeed despite their disability.

 

[passerine]

What others have said...it's never too late to seek out disability services, have your disability documented, and have letters written to your professors stating the accommodations that you need. The only people that need to be aware of the nature of your disability are those in disability services; the letters to your professors should only say that you have a documented disability. It's up to you whether you feel comfortable or that it may be helpful to mention specifics to your professors.

I only wish that I had sought out disability services sooner than I did. Having specific accommodations has been a huge help and is completely necessary for me to finish my program of study.

Good luck!

 

[Recovery4Me]

@Solara I only know what I, in my instruction per the Deans of Education or the D Services have told me insofar as my box as well as what I have experienced. There is a certain sentimentality as well as some factual credibility that Professors could make more financially by continuing in their chosen fields: so the future crop of students are invaluable to producing a greater world and seen as very important to almost all instructors.

It is not a "whim" that drives most faculty, but a passion to create a better planet. Special provisions in learning styles are on the top of the conferences for teachers. As well, Joeylittle eluded in a kind way that her experiences were different. Laws are the same, yet implementation within some form, remain within the teacher's discretion.

However, I can understand your concern and thank you for this opportunity to express my love of teaching of those courageous souls who strive to build more for their selves, family and their chosen field.

 

[joeylittle]

implementation within some form, remain within the teacher's discretion.

I'm not sure this is true; I've yet to see a school in the US where the accommodations were optional - however, I don't think that's what you are saying. I think you're saying that the teacher has the right to go beyond the specified accommodation if they believe it will benefit the student in need and not affect or disrupt the experience of any other student.

What I wish is that there was some closure to the communication "loop"; at least at my school, no-one follows up with me to make sure the accommodation is met. It's up to the student to go back to disability services if there's some sort of problem. I know a colleague of mine didn't think a certain request applied to the types of tests he gave, and so wasn't adjusting the timing for the student. But this is an example of my colleague doing it wrong, as opposed to using discretion. The student was very afraid to ask that the accommodation be enforced. That was a shame; but the student did go back to disability services and ask for help with that professor, thank goodness.

In a strange way, I think using disability services also prepares the student to not be as self-stigmatized in general. Once you start talking to people about your situation, it gets easier and easier.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@joeylittle Agreed.