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Fostering a Disability-Friendly Campus: What You Can Do

Picture of a male college student in his dorm room reading, with his feet up on the dresser

Sidebar:

​For more on this, see the NCCSD Clearinghouse pages Disability & You and Getting Involved.


Working with Disability Services on campus.

Disability Social History Project

Disability History Museum

Prominent People with Disabilities

DREAM Student Organization


Students

While college campuses have a mandate and responsibility to create an accessible environment, students can play a role in this as well. Disabled students are part of the diversity of the student body and have lots to contribute to campus.

Because many disabilities aren't apparent, some students find they have to make decisions about being "out."  While most college campuses are generally safe spaces, students may want to weigh the pros and cons about sharing personal information. Our Talking About Disability resource has some thoughts and ideas about this.

At a minimum, let the campus Disability Services office know that you are there. The campus needs to know that students with disabilities are part of the student body.

Even if you don't think you'll use DS services, you might want to get on their mailing list to find out about events or career opportunities, since they often hear about those first.

If your campus has a Disabled Students Cultural Center or club, connect with them, too. This can help to encourage community on campus, or energize the group to address issues on campus and make change, if needed.

Teach the faculty. Students spend most of their time with professors and instructors.  While it can sometimes feel intimidating, let your professors know about any accommodations you need to participate in class. Set up a time, early in the term, to meet with them during their office hours.

Be confident in talking with faculty matter-of-factly about accommodations or how you do things. Accommodations help you do the same tasks that others in class are doing, just in a different way. You don't have to feel like you're making an excuse or begging; it's your right.

Think about sharing disability perspectives on your class subjects. Since disabled people have made an impact in all areas, consider incorporating disability in class projects. See some of the links in the sidebar for ideas.
References


Logo for NCCSD-blue letters NCCSD surrounded by laurel leaves on both sides; beneath this:
Logo for AHEAD Black lettering Association on Higher Education And Disability
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The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) is funded through a four-year grant from the Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education (P116D150005), and administered through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE).  

The NCCSD is based with the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD).  Please see caveats on the home page about assuming the NCCSD, AHEAD or the US Dept. of Education agree with all content on linked pages, and we can't guarantee the accessibility of other sites.

All images are from Bigstock.com or public domain except where noted. The material on this website is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions, concerns or requests about accessibility should be sent to nccsd@ahead.org.

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Visit the NCCSD Clearinghouse to find resources designed for you.
PRIVACY POLICY