By Michael Johnson, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Planning

We can hardly keep up with all the articles exploring the pandemic’s impact on the education system. Before the pandemic, no one had heard of Zoom© video conferencing. In March of 2020, many Pioneer Valley students and teachers had just weeks to learn this new technology and transition from classroom to remote teaching and learning. Suddenly, quality high speed internet and access to computers with cameras became a necessity. These transitions were sudden, expensive, and affected students and teachers more profoundly than imagined, especially for those in communities of color.
Now compound all these infrastructure issues with having a disability. For those individuals with a disability, the transition has turned out to be more detrimental and has opened the eyes to many that may have previously self-accommodated or been undiagnosed. These disabilities may include ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, learning issues, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more. It is important for students, teachers, and employees with known or recently discovered disabilities to explore if their school or workplace has a disability, equity and inclusion, or accessibility office. If so, this office may help them navigate through the transition and procedural changes in academia or the workplace in the era of remote education. On July 26, 1990, after years of advocacy within the civil rights and disability communities, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to protect against discrimination for those with disabilities. To comply with the ADA, schools (and most workplaces) provide opportunities for their students or workers to submit individualized assessments which will help give them equal access and the opportunity to succeed regardless of disability. These services may have significant influence on whether students and workers acclimate and adjust to the everchanging policies addressing the pandemic while recognizing the need for individual assessment for those with disabilities. ADA.gov., medical personnel, school disability/accessibility offices, or Human Resource offices are excellent resources to learn where to start the process to obtain an approved accommodation.
Researching the school or workplace disability offices is important because students will learn that adequate documentation, diagnosis, cost, and treatment are important aspects for success in receiving an accommodation for a disability. It is also important to note that there are limitations on the services that schools or workplaces are required to provide. By example, in some cases, the cost may be absorbed or supplemented by the school, workplace, or health insurance. Additionally, departments that handle disability requests will have procedures to follow and an appeal process for their decisions. But most departments will gladly walk students or employees through the process and provide the information needed to apply for accommodations.
Everyone should have an equal chance to succeed. The ADA will offer much needed insight about the protections and rights a person with a disability might have. As society navigates through the pandemic, constant inquiry about resources should not only be made, but also used. ■