Asking for accommodations for myself

[ScatteredMommy]

Tomorrow I have a meeting with the disabilities office of my university to ask for accommodations for my ADHD and Narcolepsy. This is the first time I have asked for accommodations for myself.

I am 50 years old going for a master's in computer science. I have dropped classes many times because I couldn't keep up with the pace of the class and a full time job and managing my son's education needs. Last spring I got diagnosed with Narcolepsy, but it had been developing for over a year before that. It has made near impossible what was previously only difficult. Rather than dropping another class I've decided to ask for more time to complete assignments.

I am nervous about the meeting. If anyone has had a college accommodations meeting for themselves or their child and can offer advice I would appreciate it.

[Cherryo]

Good luck tomorrow ScatteredMommy! I don't have much experience about college accommodations but it shouldn't be an issue. A child's 504 plan or IEP carry over until he/she is in college, I think the school should be able to give you something. Extended time for in my child's 504 plan is time and a half. And ask if you can have one less workload per semester than the rest of the class as well. Do not be afraid to bring up the things you think is necessary for you to be successful (make a list). The goal of this meeting is for you and the school to figure out how you can be on track.

[Pennywink]

Praying it goes well!

[Onthemove1971]

I have lots of experience with this topic. I would first ask for "priority" registration so that you are able to arrange the classes you want when you want them. You then will also able to set up services before the semester starts. In addition you can get your books early and meet teachers ahead of starting. This will put you close to the front to get classes.

If I were you, I would ask for access to computers with speech to text. This allows you to dictate your work without having to write it all.

I would ask for l extra time on all in class writing and test. You could get a separate quiet space for testing also. You could ask for audio-books ( bookshare.org) if this is something you benefit from. Another important accommodation is note taking so that you can just listen and not worry about doing 2 things at once.

It depends on what classes you are taking, but you may need things like writing in the test booklet ( instead of tranfer answers to another paper).

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.

Best of luck! If the person is good they will have a list and you guys just check that you need it.

Take care

[reg2018]

I am just turning 49 this year and only barely got my ADHD diagnosis this year and got on ADHD medication. I've known for years now that I have ADHD and have been trying to manage my symptoms without medication. With getting older, however, my memory is getting even worse and my ability to focus on tasks even harder to do. Medication is helping me to stay more focused and get back on task.

I also Cherryo about asking for extended time for tests and even assignments. It's a matter of educating the school about your specific situation - what your challenges are in terms of learning etc because each individual with ADHD is different and you have narcolepsy on top of it.

With my children who have IEPs I ask that the teachers give me the test and project dates in advance so I can plan ahead of time. This would probably be a good thing for you as well in order to better plan out your semester.

[Joanna03]

While I am Canadian, so the system is a little different, I am also an ADHD coach, and in my experience universities are accommodating to students' needs but it is important to have medical documentation (psychologist, doctor, neurologist) to support your request for accommodations. Universities want students to succeed (after all it does look good for them too), and by taking this proactive approach and seeking the help you need, you are putting yourself on a path to success. Best of luck and much respect!

[ScatteredMommy]

Thank you all for your advice and well wishes. I did have to get letters from my doctors and after that, I was able to get extended time for assignments.