HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY
WHEN REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
STEP 1- Explain that you are eligible to receive accommodations.
Example: “I have a documented disability and am working with Disability
Services for Students.”
STEP 2 - Describe how your disability affects the task for which you are requesting the accommodation.
You can use the description of the functional limitations outlined in your DSS Verification of Need for
Disability Accommodations document to explain your disability. However, it’s best to put this
information in your own words. DSS recommends that you not share the specific diagnosis, as some
people may attach a negative connotation to some disabilities.
Ex. A
“My disability interferes when I’m taking tests. I process printed
information at a slower than average rate because I skip lines
of print and reverse letters. Therefore, I usually run out of time
before I have read all the questions.”
Ex. B
“My disability affects concentration, when I’m listening in class.
Because I am distracted by environmental sounds and even my
own thoughts, I often miss parts of the lecture without realizing.“
Ex. C
“My disability affects my vision. I can’t see what is on the power
points, so I can’t tell what you are pointing at.”
STEP 3 - Explain how this accommodation compensates for your disability.
Ex. A
“I am requesting 50% more time when I’m testing, so I have enough
time to re-read the questions and use other reading strategies.”
Ex. B
“I am requesting a copy of the notes as an accommodation, so I can
compare them to my own notes and fill in any points that I missed.”
Ex. C
“I want to arrange for copies of the power points as an accommodation
for my disability, so I can see what is being talked about.”
WORKSHEET ON HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR DISABILITY WHEN REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
STEP 1: “I have a documented disability and am working with Disability Services for Students.”
STEP 2: Describe how your disability affects the task for which you are requesting the
accommodation.
“My disability interferes with
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
STEP 3: Explain how this accommodation compensates for your disability.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________