The Neurodivergent Student Club met for the first time this semester on September 26. The meeting largely focused on accommodations and how to apply for them.
For students to receive disability accommodations, they must have documented proof of their diagnosis or proof that they have been tested for said disability in the last three years. Students can also speak to their doctors, therapists, or other medical care providers to ask for an accommodation letter.
This letter will go through the ADA offices, which will then determine which accommodations are needed for each student. Instructors are not permitted by law to know which disabilities a student has without their consent–only which accommodations they need to provide for said disability.
The two most common accommodations issued are: students who struggle with concentration can be allowed to take tests in quiet, secluded rooms, and students with severe test anxiety, or other factors that make test-taking difficult, may be allotted extra time during tests. These are, however, far from the only two options, and there are options for a range of disabilities, from being hard of hearing to visually impaired to muscular conditions that may make holding a pen or pencil more difficult.
The ADA is always available to help with supporting students who require such help.
The other major concept covered in the meeting was that of self-advocacy. While high school teachers will advocate for their students, college professors rely on their students to speak up for themselves. It’s important for students who feel that they need help to take on the responsibility of asking for it.
The next Neurodivergent Student Club meeting will take place on Halloween (Oct 31) at 2pm, in room 1307 on the Huntsville campus. Attendance is open, so anyone is welcome to join and offer ideas.
If you have questions about the Student Disability offices, contact Ms. Witt at nia.witt@calhoun.edu. If you have questions about the club, contact Mrs. Dobbs at amy.dobbs1@calhoun.edu.