I have been an amputee for roughly 14 years. During this time, I have had to overcome a number of obstacles to function as a normal member of society and do things that interest me. Although these are usually subtle, largely unnoticed by the casual observer, they can become a nuisance over time. Disabilities of all types are represented on our campus and having empathetic professors that have programs in place set up by the University to help in these situations is essential for student success.
From my experience on our campus, walking between classes that are far apart tends to be an issue. Last year, for example, I had 15 minutes to walk between two classes that were 20 minutes apart. This issue was quickly resolved with a simple discussion with my professors. They took into consideration my situation and didn’t make a big deal of it, allowing me to arrive slightly late with no penalty. To alleviate future scheduling conflicts, I registered with the Disability Services Office, a useful tool that I recommend anyone needing accommodation take advantage of.
The folks in the Disability Service Office offer a number of services that would be of use to those with a wide range of issues. Trained staff are happy to work with you and determine a course of action that would best fit your particular situation. A quick search of their website revealed services such as interpreters, providing extra time for tests, and facilitating tests in reduced distraction rooms. All that is required of you to utilize these services is to visit them on the third floor of the First Year College Commons.
I have yet to run across a professor that was unwilling to provide reasonable accommodations to alleviate the extra pressures that having a disability in an educational environment causes. It pains me, though, to hear of professors that are not willing to help out the disabled. Having a disability can sometimes catch you off guard, surprising you with a new problem, such a broken prosthetic limb or a visit to the emergency room. Caring and understanding professors are essential in times such as these.
People with disabilities are all around us on this campus. From blindness to paralysis, they have accomplished quite a bit by overcoming the hurdles thrown at them to attain a college education. Those living with disabilities have to accommodate and adjust enough in our normal day-to-day activities. Having to worry with how these will affect our academic is unfortunate, but can be dealt with best by University disability programs and empathetic professors.
