FORMING A BOND WITH HIGHER EDUCATION FACULTY AS A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY

By Toby Tomlinson Baker, PhD

ARE YOU A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY AND HEADING TO COLLEGE? ARE YOU A PARENT OF A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY? HERE IS MY ADVICE BASED ON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ORIGINAL RESEARCH FINDINGS.

As a college student, the best way to figure out what you want to do with your life is to look to others, particularly professors. Who are the models that you admire? What have they done? Who are the professors who teach your favorite classes? These professors may become your lifelong mentors.

Research studies show that one aspect that strengthens the academic advancement of a student with a disability (SWD) is their ability to form a relationship with faculty. The best way for an SWD to connect with a professor is to place a simple phone call. Reach out to each professor with a brief phone call, email, or a short Zoom session. The SWD may have to devote an hour and make four phone calls, but this step is crucial, and these phone calls or emails could change their semester or their life. Many professors become lifelong mentors and friends and may even provide a recommendation for a job.

For postsecondary SWDs, meeting new faculty, particularly professors with PhDs, can be particularly daunting. Effectively communicating your needs is key. Even if every other step goes as planned when SWDs go to college, they face the barrier of the stigma associated with having a disability. Since many postsecondary SWDs yearn to avoid negative interactions with faculty, they hold back requesting their accommodations. But receiving support from higher education faculty is necessary to their academic success.

It is always advisable for the SWD to follow up with each of their professors. Ask the professor directly if they received your email or letter from the accessibility department regarding your accommodations (never say “my disability”). Make sure they know what accommodations you will need within the first two weeks of the scheduled classes.

Most professors are willing and eager to support their students with disabilities because they want to see them become successful. If you feel that you are not getting enough support from your professors, reach out in an email. Follow up with your campus accessibility office and keep track of your email correspondence. Your professors know of your future plans and ask for their advice. These conversations may lead to a greater connection with your professor.

Toby Tomlinson Baker earned her PhD at Pepperdine University in Leadership and Global Policy. She is a lecturer at California State University—Los Angeles (CSULA), and she teaches special education with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Dr. Baker was awarded the Harrison Sylvester Award for her research by the Learning Disability Association (LDA) and has been CHADD’s 2018 Educator of the Year.

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