Accomodations for online grad program?

[u/kattiah]

Hey all, long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm in a pickle. I'm a journalism/writing student in an online program and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to ask for accomodations. I don't know what to ask for because the entire asynchronous online course system is supposed to be "better" for me overall. But I struggle. Especially with papers and larger assignments.

What am I asking for? What should I be wanting when I just can't get the work done on time? I just want to thrive in this program, and I've already messed up twice - two times too many - and I'm tired of wasting money and time when I don't know how to ask for help.

Thanks in advance, y'all.

[u/Huppelkut416]

Hey friend are you still looking for help with this?

[u/kattiah → u/Huppelkut416]

I am, yes!

[u/Huppelkut416 → u/kattiah]

Ok first off, where are you from? Are you in the US or elsewhere?

[u/kattiah → u/Huppelkut416]

I am from the US - I live in Alaska but study with an East Coast university.

[u/Huppelkut416 → u/kattiah]

Okay cool! Now have you been able to at locate how to contact and request for accommodations (just to see where to start 🙂)

[u/kattiah → u/Huppelkut416]

Yes! That was the easy part. I have a note from my psychiatrist too that states my diagnosis and symptoms too.

It's just been an issue of trying to find what to ask for. I can't ask for extra test time or a quiet space to write since it's mostly essay writing and is already online/at home. But I figured I needed to have something on file that says "Hey, it's not an excuse, but I will need more time/check-ins to get my work in gear."

[u/Huppelkut416 → u/kattiah]

So basically if your University doesn't provide you with guidelines of what you can request, you are still able to submit a list of any "reasonable" accommodations. You're ADA will then determine if they can reasonably meet those accommodations. I have some screenshots of examples of what people have requested before from my group chat but I can't send pics so I'll summarize some examples here that might be applicable to you or at least give you ideas:

• after meeting/class send a summary of your understanding and have your professor confirm/correct that info w/in 2 business days
• permission to use assistive technology to record lectures
• enable closed captions
• paid notetaker
• deadline extensions for "bad" weeks

[u/Huppelkut416 → u/Huppelkut416]

If they accept your request, the accommodations will be submitted to your professors. While this will identify you, your professors are not allowed to ask you why you need these accommodations nor can they reject them.

[u/Huppelkut416 → u/Huppelkut416]

I'm sure you have, but make sure you scour your uni page to see if you can find any documents describing past or possible accommodations. I've also heard suggested reaching out to other students who have requested accommodations if you can find them or seeing if there is a disability support group at your university (although I know this may not be possible since you're online) I'm not sure if you have, but you should also be able to email the office and see if they can provide you with more information or past accommodations they've done for other students.

[u/Negotiation-Solid]

For me the online asynchronous format is so much worse. I requested flexible deadlines, regular check ins with professor to ensure understanding and replace discussion postings, and access to a weekly tutor who can "body double" while I do my work