Why You Need to Use the Word “Disability” When Requesting Accommodations

Colleges provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws protect students with disabilities and ensure equal access to education.

Legal Protection Requires a “Disability”

Legally, an accommodation is something the school provides because of a disability.

If you don’t describe your condition as a disability, the school may not be required to provide formal accommodations.

Clarity for Disability Services

Using the word “disability” helps the ADA office or disability services staff understand that your request falls under federal law.

It ensures your needs are documented correctly and that you receive appropriate support.

It’s Not a Label, It’s a Tool

You don’t have to identify as an individual with a disability to anyone outside of the disability services staff.

The word simply signals that your request is covered by federal law, so the school must provide support.

The only individuals at your school who know you requested accommodations on the basis of disability are those that are involved in approving your request and putting your accommodations in place. Even then the details of your condition are limited.

There is no special notation on your graduation certificate that says you received accommodations.

Accommodations are about equal access. The expectations and standards are the same for you as someone requesting accommodations as someone who doesn’t request accommodations.

Future employers will not know you requested accommodations in college, but the same law that applies to students in college applies to the workplace. Therefore, if you need accommodations at work, I suggest you request them after the job offer.

If you request accommodations, you aren’t required to use them. Although, I suggest that you do.

Tip: You don’t have to disclose every detail about your medical history. You only need to share enough documentation or information to explain why an accommodation is necessary. The office that completes accommodation requests will guide you on what’s required.