Accommodations in Higher Education: Does It Affect the Achievement of Academic Degrees?

When discussing the academic accommodations provided to disabled students at colleges and universities, one important question often arises: do these accommodations change the nature of the degree awarded? The short answer is that no, the degree a disabled student receives is the same as that awarded to non-disabled students. This article will explore this topic in detail, examining the role of accommodations in ensuring equal access to education and the impact of these provisions on academic standards.

Understanding Academic Accommodations

Academic accommodations are designed to provide disabled students with the necessary support to succeed in their academic pursuits. These accommodations can vary widely depending on the nature and extent of the student's disability. Common examples include:

Extra time on tests Support from note takers Access to recorded lectures or materials Use of assistive technology Testing in a quiet or accessible environment

The primary goal of such accommodations is to ensure that disabled students have the tools and resources needed to demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively, without compromising the academic standards of the program.

Grading and Degree Requirements

It is crucial to understand that the degree awarded, including its title and honors, remains the same for all students who meet the established graduation requirements. This means that regardless of the accommodations provided, the academic rigor and standards are upheld. A disabled student must still meet the same performance criteria as non-disabled students, ensuring that the degree reflects the same level of academic achievement.

Personal Experiences and Insights

Matt Ramzzz, a self-proclaimed learning disabled individual, provides valuable insights into his personal experience with academic accommodations. Matt holds both a bachelors and a masters degree, earned after his disability set in. Matt attended a graduate school where the support and accommodations offered were considered insufficient, yet he achieved considerable success. He emphasizes that under most circumstances, accommodations are tailored to aid disabled students in meeting academic standards, rather than altering them.

For those interested in learning more or following up, Matt can be contacted at mattramzzz@ with "quora question" in the subject line.

Challenging Disabilities and Accommodations

It is important to note that while many accommodations can greatly assist learning and completion of a degree, severe disabilities may still present significant barriers. In cases of extreme physical or mental disabilities, the student may still be unable to complete the degree requirements. However, it is important to recognize that accommodations are implemented to mitigate such challenges, not to redefine the academic qualifications.

For example, a student with severe physical disabilities, such as operating an electric wheelchair with a single finger, would likely have assistance with note-taking. Such students would often pursue a degree that allows them to work in a desk-based role, as opposed to a field requiring extensive travel.

Additionally, students with medical conditions may seek a medical withdrawal during particularly challenging semesters. This option allows them to take a break and recover before returning to the program without academic penalty.

Conclusion

In summary, academic accommodations are provided to ensure that disabled students have equal access to higher education and can meet the same academic standards as their non-disabled peers. The nature of the degree awarded remains unchanged, reflecting the same level of academic achievement. Accommodations are designed to support, not redefine, the academic process, ensuring that degrees earned are valid and meaningful.