Each semester, there are over 300 students at NMU registered with Disability Services. These students experience a wide range of disabilities and 90% of them are in good academic standing. Students with disabilities at NMU study abroad, are NCAA athletes, work as RAs in the residence halls, work on and off-campus jobs, are involved with student leadership opportunities on campus, and are involved with their communities. Their disabilities are a part of who they are but do not define them. They are individuals.

The following are some tips for general awareness and disability etiquette:

 

  • Legally, students are not required to disclose the nature of their disability, and faculty cannot ask a student if they have a disability.
  • If a disability is suspected, ask the student about their strengths and challenges and if they had any academic adjustments in high school. It would be appropriate to say something like, “I can see you know the material, but your test scores don't reflect your comprehension of the subject.”
  • Students with disabilities have to meet the same standards as any other student; they are here because of their abilities, not their disabilities.
  • Reasonable accommodations are put in place so that students with disabilities can be evaluated on their understanding of course material without the interference of a disability.
  • Non-visible disabilities are just as real as visible disabilities.
  • Ask first before offering assistance.
  • Avoid saying “disabled person;" use “person with a disability.”
  • If there is difficulty understanding a student’s speech, ask them to repeat or write it down.
  • When speaking to someone in a wheelchair, try to get to their level… pull up a chair!
  • Refer to someone as hard of hearing instead of hearing impaired.
  • Try to face the class when speaking; someone may be reading your lips.
  • Close the door to the classroom to reduce distractions.
  • Repeat discussion questions and statements made by other students.
  • Keep interactions regarding disability issues confidential.

If your department would like a personalized training session regarding any aspect of providing accommodations, please contact NMU Disability Services at 906-227-1737 or disability@nmu.edu.