Bridging the gap: Empowering students with disabilities
Born with significant hearing loss in his right ear, Jacob Lowy spent most of his life without any accommodations. This was, in some ways, by choice. However, for a long time, Lowy felt he had to choose from an either-or set of options: either he get a hearing aid and risk needing to consistently overcome societal perceptions of his capabilities, or he could blend in.
November 27, 2023By Ella Loveland, Student Life
Early challenges and barriers
When Lowy was young, his family was urged not to pursue testing or accommodations for his hearing loss. This, Lowy presumes, was to spare his school administration from the burden of additional paperwork.
Although the University of Michigan Medical School alumnus (MD, '23) managed through much of his life without accommodations, medical school posed an entirely different challenge, with stakes that were too high to risk.
Lowy reached out to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) and was presented with a range of accommodation options tailored to his needs, helping him fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.
The accommodations transformed his educational experience, allowing him to focus on learning and achieving his goals without the constant struggle of managing barriers that could have been easily addressed.
New fund removes financial barriers
Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services (SAAS), a unit within Student Life that now houses SSD, recently launched the Removing Barriers, Providing Access: Neuropsych Testing and Clinical Evaluations Fund.
Created in 2021, SAAS unites four key resources: SSD, the U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness Program, Academic Support and Access Partnerships, and the Testing Accommodation Centers.
Neuropsych testing and other forms of clinical evaluations can be rather expensive and present an additional burden for many college students. This fund will allow us to help more students access the resources they need to receive the accommodations necessary for their academic experience.
Dr. Feranmi Okanlami
Director of SAAS
The reality of delayed diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis of a disability can affect students' academic success and overall well-being. Many students lack resources to afford testing and evaluations, and long wait times for free or reduced-price assessments hinder their access to accommodations.
During their first semester at U-M, Wang began to notice symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty focusing in noisy settings and over lengthy time periods. Currently on the waitlist for ADHD testing, Jess praises SSD for their support and providing accommodations throughout the process. "I am less stressed about timed exams and am able to focus on my academics more. This experience makes me feel like everyone here is trying to help me and listens to my voice."
I have been waiting for ADHD testing for one year and am still on a waitlist. As a college student, I can't afford ADHD testing outside of U-M.
Jess Wang
Second-year LSA student
Life-changing accommodations in action
The financial support of this fund grants a larger number of students the opportunity to access accommodations, impacting not only their academic experience but their life, similar to the profound effect that Lowy's accommodations had on him.
For Lowy, accommodations included:
Computer-aided real-time translation for lectures
Extra time during clinical evaluations
An augmented stethoscope to hear heart and lung sounds
Assistance with coordinating clinical rotations to ensure that professors and peers were informed about his hearing loss ahead of time
These accommodations made a significant difference, ensuring a level playing field between Lowy and his peers.
The fund ensures all students have access to necessary testing and evaluations
Expanding access and support
The fund addresses a significant barrier: the high cost of neuropsychological testing and clinical evaluations required for documentation of learning disabilities, ADHD, and other conditions that qualify students for academic accommodations.
These evaluations can cost thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, creating an insurmountable obstacle for many students who need support. The fund helps eliminate this financial burden, ensuring that all students have equal access to the accommodations they need to succeed.
Impact and future goals
Since its launch, the fund has helped dozens of students access the testing they need. The goal is to continue growing the fund to serve even more students and ensure that financial constraints never prevent a student from receiving the support they deserve.
Through initiatives like this fund and the comprehensive services offered by SAAS, the university continues to demonstrate its commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and student success for all.
