FAQ5

I have a chronic medical condition and have just registered with Disability Services. I understand that under the ODS Early Self-Identification Policy that it is my responsibility to self-identify my disability and related needs at the earliest possible point in the semester- but I'm a little nervous on how to proceed. Do you have any suggestions on how to do this?

Many students have found that an initial e-mail notification can provide a useful "door-opener" to a subsequent in-person disability discussion with each individual instructor. Here is a sample outline:

Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1999 11:24:50 -0400 (EDT)
From: **ODS student's name**
To: **names of all instructors for the term**
Cc: squinby@barnard.edu (Susan Quinby, Director of Disability Services)
Subject: Hello

Hello, my name is __________________________ and I am in your class this term. I am writing to inform you that I have ___________________, and that while I am currently in remission and foresee no problems or special needs, there is a possibility that I may need special arrangements in the event of a flare-up. Also, I am registered with Disability Services. I would like to arrange a time to meet with you briefly (we can schedule an appointment, or I can come by during office hours) to discuss my situation so that if anything were to come up, you would be aware of it, and it would have already been discussed. Thank you very much.

name
email address
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