Advising Tips: Working with Students with Disabilities

When working with students in an advising capacity, it's important to be aware that students with disabilities may experience increased risks related to academic performance and overall ability to succeed in college. Disabilities may present challenges in both obvious and invisible ways, affecting the student's general coping abilities.

To reduce complications and stress for the student, it is helpful for all of us to work together to provide advising that incorporates information and resources that can lead to success. This may include the following ideas:

• When a student discloses a disability, encourage the student to meet with a Disability Resources Advisor to discuss possible accommodations.

• Part-time courseloads may be more manageable than full-time for some students with disabilities. Support ways to reduce heavy homework courseloads that may exacerbate disability-related stress or endurance issues. This could involve reducing credits and/or balancing the courseload with some less academically rigorous classes such as P.E., Music, or Art which exercise the brain in different ways.

• Moderate the pace of information you provide. It can be helpful to write down key points for students to take with them.

• Determine appropriate referrals for academic support based on placement tests and disability issues (i.e. D.R., ABSE, Tutoring, TRiO, Health Clinic, Counseling & Advising).

• If you suspect a student may have disability issues, but the student is not disclosing this, please see How do I Suggest Disability Resources to a Student in my Class?

• Review the term deadlines using the academic calendar (i.e. drop with refund, schedule changes).

• Remind students of the Financial Aid standards that will affect their status (Good Standing, Probation, Suspension).

• Arrange collaborative meetings with Disability Resources to discuss issues of concern and success strategies for the student.

• Questions? Contact Disability Resources at (541) 463-5150 or drop by Building 1, Room 218.