How to Disclose Disability and Request Accommodations

You are responsible for disclosing the functional impact of your disability and requesting reasonable program modifications for your classes. Exactly which modifications are allowed is a matter of agreement between you and your professor. When the functional impact of your disability is not readily apparent, your instructor reserves the right to ask you for a letter of verification. This letter is written by your Disability Services coordinator and discusses the functional impact and the types of program modifications which may be considered reasonable. You don’t have to disclose the specific nature of your disability, i.e. diabetic retinopathy; rather, what your instructors should know is the impact of your disability, i.e. difficulties maintaining consistent visual focus.

The following are steps that you should take to request program modifications:

1. Meet with your Disability Services coordinator and discuss the types of program modifications that may be considered reasonable.
2. Work with your coordinator on the specifics of using testing modifications, note-takers, and other modifications you may be requesting. You must make your modification requests in a timely manner. The amount of time necessary depends on the type of modification you are requesting.  Work with your coordinator to write a letter of verification to provide to your instructors.
3. Email your professors before the start of the semester with the subject line: ‘Disability Program Modification Request.’  If you have trouble locating your professor’s email use the online directory or phone the department which the course is listed under. Remember that you can request program modifications at any point in the semester. However, it is strongly recommended that you contact your instructors before the beginning of every semester -- even if you think you may not use a program modification in that course.
4. In the body of the email state your full name, course, section and the dates and times you’re taking the class, or specify if it is an online-only course. Then state your reason for the email, and, if relevant, ask to set up a meeting to discuss your accommodations further. You should also attach the letter of verification to the email and copy the email to your Disability Services coordinator. This creates a record that you provided both notice and verification of disability to your instructor.  Please feel free to create your own statement following the above guidelines or to use any of the Sample Disclosure emails listed below as a starting place.
5. After you have met with your professors, be sure to request all program modifications in a timely way and follow up with your Disability Services coordinator at least once a semester.
6. Feel free to provide instructors with respectful reminders about the types of program modifications you are requesting.  For example, a polite e-mail reminder about your test accommodations is often welcome.
7. If you encounter any problems with program modifications you should immediately alert your instructor and/or your Disability Services Coordinator.  In more serious cases you may wish to use the Report Barriers form.

Sample Disclosure E-mails

Here are some sample e-mails that you can use as a basis of beginning the disclosure conversation with your instructors.  Be sure to attach a copy of your Verification letter from your Disability Services Coordinator when you send your introductory e-mail.

Sample e-mail for disability

Professor (name),

My name is (name) and I am in your (course name, number, section, days of the week). I am writing to let you know that I have a disability that impacts academic studies. I am registered with Disability Services for Students and would like to request accommodations for your class. I’m copying my disability services coordinator (name) in on this email so that (she/he) is aware of my request. Is there a time I can meet with you to discuss the types of program modifications that I would like to request? I am attaching a letter of verification from Disabilities Services for Students which discuss the types of accommodations my Coordinator and I agree would be reasonable for me to request.

Sample e-mail for requesting testing or note-taking modifications

Professor (name),

My name is (name) and I am in your (course name, number, section, days of the week). I am a student with a disability and would like to request the use of testing modifications as a reasonable program modification.  I am attaching a letter of verification from the Disability Services office and copying my coordinator on this email.  If you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss this further, please let me know a convenient time.

Sample e-mail for requesting attendance modifications

Professor (name),

My name is (name) and I am in your (course name, number, section, days of the week). I am a student with a disability and I’m writing to you concerning my health just as I do with my employer.  The functional limitations of my disability may impact my attendance and my ability to take exams and turn in assignments on time. I am currently receiving treatment for this condition and it is my goal to remain in good health for the entire semester.
However, at times my health can becomes so impaired that I may need to request the program modification of flexibility with assignment dates and attendance. I recognize that this accommodation may or may not be reasonable and that there are limits as to how much flexibility is permissible. I also recognize that if I have to miss too many classes/assignments I may have to withdraw from the course.
I have attached a letter of verification from my Disability Services coordinator discussing this modification and have copied (him/her) in on this email. Please let me know if there is a good time we can meet -- I have a conflict with your open office hours.

Sample e-mail for requesting testing modification for online courses

Professor (name),

My name is (name) and I am in your online course, (course name, number, section). I am writing to let you know that I have a disability which impacts academic studies. I am registered with Disability Services for Students and would like to request reasonable program modifications for your online class. The modification I am requesting is extended time for quizzes and exams. I’m copying my disability services coordinator, (name), with this email so that (she/he) is aware of my request.  I am located at a distance from campus, and cannot meet with you face to face, so please reply regarding my request via email or phone (student's phone number).