Disability Versus University

The barriers you will face by pursuing higher education and how you can self-advocate.

Higher education is one of the most inaccessible places for disabled and autistic people. Part of the issue is the stereotype that autistic people shouldn’t attend educational institutions. The concept of higher education is based on ego. It means that you have reached a level of intellect that puts you above others.

Disabled people are assumed to be unintelligent and incapable of successfully attending college. This terrible fallacy creates an inhospitable environment for disabled & neurodivergent folks that want to get a degree.

Many opt out of attending University because…they are not always welcome there.

Discrimination against neurodivergent and disabled folks shouldn’t be normalized in higher education. Every person that wants to attend college should have that right. Equality means you don’t discriminate based on neurotype or disability.

Misconceptions about access

People assume that accommodations are “extra” or “special”. It is not special treatment, it is filling the gap that has been created and put in place by a society that prevents fair education.

Nevertheless, here are some comments you may hear when fighting for accommodations at college or University:

• “If you can’t meet the requirements of the courses without accommodations, maybe you should be in college.” That is false. Everyone deserves the right to get a higher education if they wish. Even if some educators, staff, and even people you know may think this — they are wrong.
• “Instructors aren’t used to providing accommodations, so be patient with them and give them some extra time to get things done.” The point of accommodation is equal access for you. You have every right to advocate and speak up if a delay prevents you from getting your work done. You have the right to submit your assignments according to your accommodations. They have to accommodate you, not the other way around.
• “You have accommodations, so be grateful” Professors, advisors, and even people that handle the processing of your accommodations may not be supportive. You can report this, but self-advocating at the moment will have a lasting impact. If you hear this, retort it. The person speaking this is wrong and clearly has no understanding of disability or neurodiversity.
• “No, I won’t do your accommodation.” This is illegal, but you will still hear these words during your time in college. If this happens, make sure to contact the Disability Services department at your University/College and put in a complaint. The ADA may even need to get involved with the grievance. You do not have to accept discrimination at the hands of your professors, you deserve a quality education with support.
• “I don’t have time for this.” You may hear this a lot during your educational journey. It is not your job to make your instructors comfortable. They are there to teach and not to refuse you equal access to your education. If you hear this, speak with the accommodations department to put it on record. Retaliation for enforced accommodations could happen, but the instructor will face the consequences of that action if you go on record when the refusal/retaliation occurs.
• “Your GPA is great! Why do you even need these accommodations?” Educate them. This is a blanket statement of ignorance from people that do not know about neurodiversity. Intelligence and ability are two separate pieces of the human experience.
• “We might not be able to get you that accommodation, you’re too smart.” By law, if you have requested reasonable accommodations and provided all the documentation they require, this is a biased statement. They cannot refuse an accommodation based on a personal opinion or implicit bias against neurodivergent people.

Ways to help yourself

Documentation. Always keep records of communications in your school portal or via email. Any concerns need to be in writing. For information on filing grievances if you think your rights were violated, reach out to the ADA. for resources and to learn your options.

Find support. Getting support during this journey is important. Whether it is family, friends, or other connections in the disabled and neurodivergent community, reach out. If you struggle to find support, reach out on social media to advocates and organizations that support neurodivergent/disabled accessibility. Some options could be Autistic Self Advocacy Network or Administration for Community Living.

Mental health. The process of self-advocacy will be exhausting. Put your mental health first and take steps to prevent burnout. It will not be an easy journey, so finding someone to talk to like a counselor may be helpful. Lists of directories include Psychology Today Directory or Open Path Psychotherapy Collective.

Don’t give up, if it’s your dream.

As a disabled autistic person that is in college ourselves, we empathize with your struggles and also encourage you to pursue your education. If it is your dream to get a degree, don’t let the ignorance and obstacles of society stop you. It will not be an easy journey, but it will be a satisfying one once you reach your personal goal.