Ableism at University and Reactions to It

Yesterday was my second day of classes this semester. I was taking two language courses; a second level Spanish and Introductory German. As a disabled student who receives accomodations through an accessibility resource office, I am required to speak with all of my professors about what I'll need in each course. Language courses are very structured so I rarely require accomodations. My German prof was eager to help me out in any way possible and even reticent to deny me any of the listed accomodations. She only agreed to not force them on me after I assured her that I would inform her immediately if I was having difficulty.

This first situation certainly shows how people may think disabled people need help to succeed whether the disabled person does or not. She obviously didn't understand that my needs are not static and can therefore change depending on the situation. The encounter was at most annoying not least because I didn't feel that I could admonish her for trying to give me help I didn't need. This scenario also pales in comparison to what occured when I approached my Spanish prof.

I was already nervous about taking my second Spanish class because several years had passed since my last class. I had intended to take them back to back but every time prior to this semester, any course I enrolled in had been cancelled. I had excelled in the first class and was hoping that I would be able to catch up quickly. When I approached my Spanish prof to discuss any necessary acccomodations and identified myself as a disabled student she immediately yanked me out of class into the hallway and told me that in light of my disability it might be better if I repeated introductory Spanish. I was shocked and had no idea what to say. I tried to defend my right to be in her class but ultimately decided after that days course was over that I was now to uncomfortable to continue in her class.

The part of this situation that makes it so unforetunate is that she could have sad the same thing without citing my disability as the reason. She could have suggested that in light of my long absence from learning Spanish that I might benefit from a refresher course as she wasn't sure I could catch up during class time. Instead I was made to feel that my disabilities would always hold me back academically not because they affect my ability to learn but because others think that they do.

I would be interested to hear from others about their experiences with being disabled and a student.

Later when I posted about the second encounter on facebook, I was further disheartened when people began defending the prof, saying she probably didn't mean it like that. When I asked how the comparison of my disability with poor academic achievement could be interpretted as harmless they said I was reading to much into it.