Accommodations at CMU

Hi! I’m LiLi, a fourth year student pursuing degrees in Literature & Culture, Creative Writing and Psychology (with a concentration in Child Development). I also am pursuing minors in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Music. Outside of academics and being a Tartan Ambassador, I am involved in things such as Infant Cognition research, All University Orchestra and Spring Carnival Committee. 

Having numerous chronic illnesses and daily health struggles, I identify as being part of the disabled community. One of my top priorities when picking a college was finding a place that was able to provide me the accommodations I need to be able to succeed. I was asking questions like: Do accommodations exist in college? What kinds are available? How are they similar to 504 or IEP plans from high school? I was able to navigate through these questions all due to the help of the Office of Disability Resources (ODR) which is our on campus center for initiating and managing accommodations. More specifically, I have felt a very strong connection to my individual ODR advisor named Patrick. He has helped me navigate difficult situations, always prioritizing my health and wellbeing before academics. I know that he always has my back and is here to be an advocate for me in difficult times. Furthermore, he has even helped me navigate the more unfamiliar territory of having a service dog that is with me both in on campus housing and in classes. (His name is Cannoli. I hope you enjoy our pictures together.)

Each student is assigned their very own ODR advisor who acts just like your regular advisor but on an accommodations standpoint. ODR is responsible for all different accommodations ranging from housing accommodations such as mandatory air conditioning, mandatory elevator or having an emotional support or service animal. Some other academic accommodations can include extra time on exams, flexibility with deadlines or even transcriptive technology. There are so many academic accommodations available whether you have test anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness and more. Although 504 and IEP plans do not transfer directly, coming in with a copy is definitely useful to act as a guide for making your new accommodation plan with your advisor. Additionally, medical documentation is required for all accommodations. 

Like all resources at CMU, ODR is here to support and ensure that you are part of a community that strives for inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. This resource has not only helped me in logistics of being a student with accommodations, but it has also made me feel more comfortable being myself and accepting the disabled identity. It can be really hard to reach out for accommodations, especially when you have “invisible” disabilities. However, ODR is here as a resource for anyone and everyone to use whether that is at the very start of your CMU career or in the last semester. They have truly eased my worries about having the right resources to support my needs. They have also changed my outlook on what it means to even have accommodations and how that can look different for everybody. I know that I will never have to navigate accommodations, health issues or emergencies alone thanks to ODR!