Student Disability Services

Tips on Talking with Your Instructors

General Guidelines

• First, define the goal of the interaction with your instructor. What outcomes do you wish to have from the meeting? Do you want to get/give information, get/give advice, gain/give understanding? A clear goal helps you prepare your approach and keeps you on task.
• Whatever the specific purpose of the meeting, every interaction with instructors should leave them with a favorable impression of your motivation, preparation, and overall interest in learning, as well as your interest in the specific course content.
• Anything you do that demonstrates this to your instructor is usually appropriate.
• Make an appointment. See your class syllabus or the department secretary for contact information, i.e., phone numbers, office hours, etc.
• Be on time. Or, if unavoidably detained, call. You may want to offer the option of rescheduling the appointment, so the instructor's time isn't wasted.
• Introduce yourself. Also, tell the instructor which class you are in, including which section, and/or any other information which will help them identify you and respond to your situation specifically.
• Be calm and courteous. Address the instructor by their title and surname (Dr. Sanchez, Mr./Ms. Jones) unless specifically invited to do otherwise.
• Be prepared. Bring along any material you wish to discuss or examples of problems you want the instructor to review, etc. Generally, any materials, notes, or books relating to the class, as well as the syllabus or course outline, are handy to have along.
• Respect the instructor's time. Don't ask questions which can be answered by the course readings, assignments, or the teaching/lab assistant. End your meeting at the agreed upon time, or ask permission to stay a bit longer.

Discussing Your Disability

• Make an appointment with each of your instructors early in the semester to discuss with them any accommodations you may wish to use. Tell them you have a certified disability and be prepared to show some documentation. Your "Authorized Accommodation" form is provided to you by SDS for these types of situations. Or, you may take "Disability Documentation" letters, also prepared by SDS, to these appointments.
• Describe any other accommodations you may need, explaining the rationale for their use if possible. Answer any questions or concerns they may have by providing the information yourself and/or referring them to the SDS office.
• Ask for any advice they might offer on learning the material, studying for exams, or otherwise performing well in the class. Then, listen to the advice and follow it--at least on a trial basis.
• It is also appropriate to share with them what helps you (or doesn't help you) in the course and to compliment them on any techniques that you find aid your learning:

• Example: "Your quick reviews after every lecture are very useful for me in organizing and remembering the material...."

• Example: "When you are writing on the board, I miss part of the lecture because.... Could we we work out a way to...."

• Use your SDS counselor as a resource for discussing any other questions or concerns you have about talking to instructors about your disability.

• Your Success Is Our Success!