A student is not required to disclose his disability to the college. The student must notify the college of the disability if he will be needing assistance or certain accommodations, such as a dorm room with wheelchair accessibility. The college will typically have certain protocol in place to verify the student's disability; the student will be asked to submit documentation from his physician, psychologist or other professional. This documentation should speak to the student's diagnosis and how it impacts their daily and academic life. In some cases, the student may be asked to show their previous education plan or they may be required to be tested.
The student is responsible for requesting any assistance with his academics. According to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, a student has the right to ask for early registration and a reduced course load. During class, he may also request a note taker, sign language interpreter, additional time for test taking and other learning aids. The school is not required to change the content of the course, nor is it obligated to make any adjustments that would change the fundamental nature of the program or service or result in significant spending or use of resources.
Under the ADA, colleges must remove or alter any physical barriers that would prevent students with disabilities from moving around or living on campus. Buildings and walkways must be accessible to students with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs and those who use service animals. Bathrooms, dorms, cafeterias, gymnasiums and other campus facilities must also comply with ADA regulations. Physical barriers must be removed unless the college can show it to be too complicated or expensive; in such a case, the college must provide an alternative for students.