Learning disability accommodations question: Should I walk away from this Jr. college?

Question

I am registered with the office of disabilities for a learning disability in math (discalcula- reversing numbers and operations) and ADD. I was put in a small computer lab that was open to students while my test was in session. The door kept opening and closing which was as distracting as the typing at the computers. I thought my time was up each time I heard the door open which made me scramble. I emailed the disabilities accommodation coordinator after it happened and she just apologized and told me to schedule different room in advance. She said the college has been dealing with a shortage of testing areas for students.

I got my test back and did not do well. I had studied so much and meet with a tutor every weekend. The extra test time was of little benefit to me with the noise that day. My instructor only said that he understood my concern. I have another test in there tomorrow. Considering dropping

Answer 1

I think the coordinator is offering some solutions - life is not fair or perfect.  Sounds like they are willing to work with you on solutions - if you walk away evertime there is a setback or things are not 100% what you need - you will end up never accomplishing anything.

Write yourself a big reminder note that says - the door opening does not mean my time is up.  Arrange for whoever is going to tell you your time is up to use a different that typical sound so you are clear when your time is up.  Ask for a visual timer or an alarm clock - set the time and you will be in charge of determining that it is time to be done.

Ask your coordinator to help you problem solve as that is a good life skill to have.

Answer 2

Hang in there - and continue to work with the coordinator and your instructor.  Perhaps you could petition to re-take the test?

Answer 3

I suggest that you discuss this with the coordinator again and make sure that your test is scheduled in an appropriate environment.  The location and conditions you previously experienced were detrimental to your performance.  You needed accommodations were not provided, so you need to insist on appropriate provisions.  The fact that they have "been dealing with a shortage of testing areas for students" is a problem that THEY are required to manage.  You do not have to pay the consequences for their failure to fulfill their obligations.   Don't walk away.   If all the students they serve poorly just walk away, how will that help the students?  That will just make things easier for the school.  You deserve a chance to get an education too.   Just keep on advocating for yourself.  Don't give up!!   Don't be mean.  Just be persistent and insistent.

Answer 4

use earplugs during the test.

At the college level, you are also required to take charge of your education. I know this because I also have dyscalculia.

Doors are going to open and close.

They do that not to be mean, but  other people do have to enter/exit that sane disability accomodations complex while you are taking your test. It would be different if they were talking loud/screaming or blaring music.

Unlike a public k-12 school a college/university (including community college) does not have to accomodate every person with every degree of every disability.

Here the admissions and retention standard becomes only 'reasonable accomodation'.

I believe you studied for the test, but also consider that other people in the college community need to go on working while you are taking that test.

A campus office of any size cannot halt merely because you are testing.