College accommodations

Initiating contact with your college’s disability office is often the first step in securing accommodations. Each institution has its own processes and requirements, so it’s crucial to reach out early. Start the process as soon as possible, preferably before the semester or quarter begins, to allow ample time for assessment and implementation. 

Here is a sample email to request college accommodations:

Hi, 

I hope you are having a nice day! My name is X, and I am an incoming first-year needing accommodations. I have type 1 diabetes, so my pancreas doesn’t work as well as it should. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since I was X years old, so I’m pretty good at managing this. 

Because of this, I need several academic accommodations:

1. I need the equipment necessary to test and treat my blood glucose levels, at all times. These supplies include a blood glucose monitor, test strips, continuous glucose monitor, lancets, insulin, insulin pump or insulin syringes, needles, and a Glucagon Emergency Kit. 
2. If my blood sugar goes out of range or I need to troubleshoot my medical devices, I will need to take breaks during classes or assessments and might require extra time to complete the task at hand. 
3. My phone is used as a receiver for my continuous glucose monitor and must remain within the classroom and within 10 feet of my body to effectively capture my blood glucose level. 
4. In high school, I received 50% extended time on exams. 
5. I also need water, food, and insulin equipment in the room with me. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about this, and I have attached my doctor’s note here. I am super excited for school to start! 

Sincerely,
Name, phone number, and email 

Many colleges may require documentation from a healthcare provider to verify your need for accommodations. This may include a doctor’s note outlining your specific requirements. Reach out to your doctor and let them know which accommodations are most appropriate.

If you have a 504 plan from high school, it can serve as a valuable reference point for the accommodations you might need in college. However, be prepared to adapt and modify it to suit your current needs. 

After contacting the disability office, you will collaborate to make an accommodations letter. This may entail a meeting with an advisor, completing a form, or just providing a doctor’s note. 

Here is a sample accommodations letter:

I am writing to confirm that X, a student enrolled in your course this quarter, is registered with the Office of Accessible Education. We have on file documentation of X’s disabilities. Based upon review of X’s functional limitations, I am stating that the following academic accommodations are appropriate and necessary: 

1. 50% additional time on any timed assessment (e.g., quizzes, exams) that is 24 hours or less. 
2. Exam breaks, as needed. Student’s need for breaks has been factored into their additional exam time. 
3. Exam time window restriction: exams should end no later than 8 P.M. 
4. Reschedule exam in case of time conflict with another class or exam. 
5. Permission to bring food, water, medication, and/or medical device(s) into exam room and use as needed. 
6. Ability to take breaks during class, as needed. 
7. Student needs iPhone present at all times, including exams, for medical monitoring.

Accommodations are determined on an individualized basis. Your input as the instructor is important in the process, as academic modifications should in no way compromise the essential elements of the course.

Please contact me by phone or by e-mail if you have concerns about the accommodations stated above as they apply to your specific course. If you believe that the accommodations stated above need to be modified because they may fundamentally alter your course, or if you have any questions about the implementation of these accommodations, please contact me as soon as you can so that we can resolve your concerns before we get too far into the quarter. 

Effective communication with your professors is crucial for the successful implementation of accommodations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them early in the semester to discuss your needs. 

Here is a sample email to professors:

Hi, 

I hope you’re having a nice day! 

I just wanted to let you know about my accommodations letter that I just received today. I have type 1 diabetes, so my pancreas doesn’t work as well as it should. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since I was X years old, and I’m pretty good at managing this. During class or exams, I may need to change medical equipment, monitor and manage my blood sugar from my phone, or eat sugar to bring my blood sugar back up. During exams, I have 50% extra time, where I can take breaks to manage my diabetes as needed. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’m happy to talk to you about this during office hours sometime this week, if that’s helpful. 

Thanks! 

Name, phone number, and email