Students want to make it on their own when new to college. You are an adult and responsible for yourself. Unfortunately, independence can be misinterpreted as not revealing needs for accommodation to instructors and not using DSPS services.

While it is natural to want to avoid being a passive learner, experience shows that being independent actually means knowing yourself well enough to determine what services and accommodations will be necessary for you to use in order to have a fair chance to show what you know. Being a good self-advocate also involves the skill of communicating those requirements to instructors.

Meet with a specialist who can assist you in understanding your type of disability early in the semester, and go the extra mile to be responsible for learning how to explain your needs to your instructors. It's a good idea to first practice communicating this information by talking with a specialist, friend or mentor who will support you.

Remember, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) will not protect you if you do not disclose your need for accommodation to your instructor. This should be done in a private setting, and is best done in an office hour appointment with the instructor. Instructors would prefer to know at the beginning of the semester.

Here is a link to a blank Self-Advocacy form you may use to develop your presentation. There are links to three examples of completed forms on the page. Feel free to send any questions you have in by email.

Good fortune, and keep in touch.

Send your questions and/or answers in so they can become part of this series. All you have to do is click on my name to send an email: Gerry Lewin. Thanks!