What resources are available for graduate students with disabilities?
The Graduate Student Affairs Office is dedicated to helping all graduate students at the University of Michigan with the resources they need to be academically and personally successful. As part of this mission, we seek to provide information and resources to students based on their different gifts, abilities and backgrounds.
New and Current Students
As a graduate student with a disability you may experience some unique challenges while pursuing your degree. Rackham wants you to know that there are resources here to promote success in your academic and subsequent career. Below we have listed some of the resources that may be helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions or if we can help in any way.
Academic Accommodations
All academic accommodations for students with disabilities are handled through the Office of Services for Students With Disabilities (SSWD). It is important to make an appointment to speak with someone in SSWD as soon as possible to provide them with documentation of your disability. The SSWD staff will work with you to determine reasonable accommodations. These accommodations will then be put in writing and presented in a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations (VISA) form to you. It is then your responsibility to present this information to your instructors to work out the details of your necessary accommodations. SSWD can be reached through the web or by calling (734) 763-3000.
Academic Accommodations at the University of Michigan
Physical Accommodations
What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of a University service, program or activity. Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Note taking services
- Text conversion to alternative accessible formats
- Captioning
- Interpreter services
- Adjusting time limits on tests
- Making facilities and/or programs readily accessible to and useable for individuals with disabilities
The University makes reasonable accommodations for known disabilities of otherwise qualified students. In general, it is the responsibility of the student to make their disability status and subsequent need for an accommodation known to the appropriate University official.
Once notified of the need for accommodations, it is the responsibility of the University official and the individual with a disability to engage in dialogue to identify possible accommodations and assess the reasonableness and effectiveness of each potential accommodation. Determinations regarding accommodations on campus will be made on a case-by-case basis. Determining a reasonable accommodation is very fact-specific. In general, it must be tailored to address the nature of the disability and the needs of the individual within the context of the requirements of the program of study. If there are two or more possible accommodations, and one costs more or is more burdensome than the other, the University will give primary consideration to the preference of the individual with a disability. However, the University may choose the less expensive or less burdensome accommodation as long as it is effective.
Special Considerations for Graduate Students with Psychological Disabilities
Graduate students with psychological disabilities confront unique challenges for academic success. It is therefore important that you seek appropriate accommodations. Please note that a mental disorder in or of itself does not necessarily constitute a disability. Before accommodations can be obtained, it is required that you have your condition evaluated by a mental health professional.
It is advisable that you seek this evaluation as soon as possible to enable a timely receipt of support and services.
For specific information on obtaining disability-related evaluations and services, consult the SSWD handbook or contact SSWD at (734) 763-3000.
Additional Mental Health-related Resources
Considerations for Accommodations for Research Sites and Qualifying or Preliminary Exams
Graduate students with disabilities should also consider the type and nature of the research that you may be doing either independently or with a supervising faculty member. This could include-but is not limited to-a thesis or dissertation. Some of these situations may require accommodations. Be sure to discuss these needs early with your faculty supervisor and SSWD staff.
In the case of extraordinary exam situations such as comprehensive, qualifying, and preliminary exams, graduate students should begin well in advance of the exam date to pursue appropriate accommodations for that unique testing situation. This might include:
- Working with committee and faculty members in advance to determine possibilities for accommodations.
- Corresponding with SSWD regarding accommodation options.
Appeal Process
- Every school and college has a special internal grievance procedure for students to use in cases of possible discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment by a faculty or non-instructional staff member. Information about these procedures may be obtained internally from the school or college.
- Students may discuss concerns of discrimination or discriminatory harassment by a faculty or staff member with OIE staffs from the Office of Institutional Equity if they are employees of the University of Michigan.
- Students may also consult with the Academic and Staff HR Services Office.
- Students who experience discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment by students may consult with the Office of Student Conflict Resolution.
Staff and Faculty
If, in addition to being a graduate student, you are also U-M faculty or staff, there are specific accommodations, such as accessible course materials and website design. It is recommended that you examine the general list of accommodations at the SSWD website.
Other Useful Resources
Article Details
Article ID: 108
Created On: 08 May 2009 4:17 PM
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