As a student with low vision who uses a personal iPad for classes, I find it easier to use my own device when I am taking exams or other proctored assignments because my device is already configured with the accessibility settings I use every day.…

All about the Disability Services testing center and what to expect when using disability accommodations for testing in college, from a student with low vision

As an undergrad student at George Mason University, I was a member of the GMU Green Machine pep band and played bass clarinet in the stands for many home basketball games and other university events. Being in Green Machine introduced me to many amazing friends,…

When my university switched to using Canvas as its learning management system for hosting course websites, I had to quickly learn how to access Canvas with low vision and how to use tools like Canvas keyboard shortcuts or strategies for accessing Canvas content with large…

How to eliminate access barriers and create a bridge by converting course websites to shared folders for online classes, suitable for students with disabilities

When I was first approved to receive extended time accommodations for low vision, I remember wondering how that would work in a middle school or high school setting where students had a single class period to take an exam or work on a timed assignment.…

I frequently get questions about the most common classroom accommodations for low vision from parents, students, and support team members trying to figure out what accommodations they need for Student Assistance Plans (SAPs), 504 Plans, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and college Disability Services files. While…

I have an eye and brain condition affected by flashing lights. Here’s how I work with instructors to modify assignments and course content as needed

How my support team implemented “quiet place” accommodations so I could manage visual fatigue and sensory overload at school

When I was in middle and high school, many teachers and school staff members encouraged me to develop strong self-advocacy skills so that I could feel comfortable talking about my low vision and what accommodations I would need in the classroom. Talking to a substitute…

When preparing for an IEP meeting, a 504 Plan meeting, or a Disability Services meeting, parents and students will often be asked to come up with sample accommodations that can be used to provide services for students in the classroom. However, it can be very…

A prospective student recently asked me if they really needed to get a Disability Services file for college, because they didn’t want to go through the intake process or go to a bunch of meetings when they would primarily be taking online classes and could…