UVA’s Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) supports, in its own words: “The University’s commitment to accessible education.” Each year, the Center provides special attention and adjustments for students with physical, mental, and learning disabilities to ensure a smooth and equitable experience throughout the course of their education. For some of us, however, the standards by which SDAC and the University’s schools provide these accommodations have held back students from demonstrating their full potential.
My Story
As a person who has been diagnosed with both learning and anxiety disorders, coming to UVA was unsurprisingly terrifying. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits disability discrimination in federally assisted activities, I had received a tailored education plan since elementary school. It held me on track with my peers and allowed me to make my way to one of the most prestigious public universities in the world. During this transition, my family and I communicated my needs and history with SDAC. I hoped to have the whole process over within a month so that I would only have to worry about my dreaded midterm essays. Little did I know that my troubles would continue throughout the next two years…