Course Accessibility and Disability Statement
It is my goal that this class be an accessible and welcoming experience for all students,
including those with disabilities that may impact learning in this class. If anyone believes s/he
may have trouble participating or effectively demonstrating learning in this course, please meet
with me (with or without a Disability Resource Center (DRC) accommodation letter) to discuss
reasonable options or adjustments. During our discussion, I may suggest the
possibility/necessity of your contacting the DRC (240 Student Center; 734-487-2470;
drc@emich.edu) to talk about academic accommodations. You are welcome to talk to me at
any point in the semester about such issues, but it is always best if we can talk at least one
week prior to the need for any modifications.
Rationale for statement as written:
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Many instructors prefer that students talk to them about course concerns, whatever the
reason for those concerns. The goal behind this statement is to encourage conversation
even if disability is not a central issue. Furthermore, in promoting conversation, not
having an accommodation letter should not be a barrier that prevents communication.
Some instructors prefer to coordinate reasonable arrangements within a class without
the need for directive from the accommodation letter. Other instructors prefer that the
accommodation letter be the guiding document by which reasonable accommodations
are made. This statement offers flexibility to fit specific situations and allows the DRC to
be involved as necessary.
By stating “to discuss reasonable options or adjustments,” a limit is set as to what is and
perhaps is not possible with the instructor and the DRC as necessary playing a critical
role in defining those limits after considering the specific situation of the student.
Students should have a voice in the process but do not get to dictate the outcome.
o For example, it is not reasonable from an accommodation perspective for a
student to take exams for an 8:00am class later in the afternoon because the
student does not function well in the morning due to medication side effects. But
perhaps it might be reasonable to coordinate slightly more extended exam time
given the student’s sluggish abilities early in the morning.