As a graduate student with an approved disability accommodation, you’ve likely jumped through all the necessary hoops to ensure you get the support you need. You’ve
followed the process—submitted your documentation, met with your school’s Disability Services Office, and received approval for accommodations. But when professors choose to ignore those accommodations or outright refuse to implement them, it can feel like a punch to the gut. The hard work you’ve put into your studies and the promise of a degree suddenly feel out of reach. Worse yet, the consequences—academic probation, delayed graduation, or even dismissal—can set you back years.
But this isn’t just a case of academic frustration. It’s a violation of your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. You’ve done everything right, yet the university and its faculty are failing you. And that’s something you don’t have to accept.
It’s Not Just the Professor—The University Is Responsible Too
It’s easy to think that when a professor ignores your approved accommodations, it’s a problem that lies solely with them. After all, they’re the ones who directly impact your academic experience. However, the reality is that universities are responsible for ensuring their faculty adhere to disability laws. When a professor refuses to implement your approved accommodations, the university can be held liable for that failure. They can’t simply wash their hands of the issue and leave it to individual faculty members.
Universities must ensure that their faculty follow through on the accommodations approved by their Disability Services Office. When they don’t, and you suffer as a result, it’s time to seek legal advice. The institution may be guilty of disability discrimination and failure to implement reasonable accommodations.
The Damage Done: How Ignoring Accommodations Affects You
The impact of denied accommodations is more than a matter of inconvenience and frustration—it can derail your academic career. You may find yourself:
- Placed on academic probation because a professor refused to give you the time you need to complete assignments or exams.
- Forced to repeat coursework after being penalized for disability-related absences that weren’t excused.
- Delaying your thesis or dissertation because your professor ignored agreed-upon accommodations for deadlines or meeting formats.
- Facing delayed graduation or even dismissal from your program due to unfair academic penalties tied to your disability.
These aren’t hypothetical situations—they happen all too often. And they can have long-lasting consequences, from wasted time and money to lost opportunities.
What You Can Do If Your Accommodations Are Ignored
You’ve done the right thing by following the process, but when accommodations aren’t being followed, you have legal options to protect yourself:
- Document everything – Keep records of all emails, accommodation notices, and any correspondence with your professors and your school’s Disability Services Office.
- Speak up – Contact Disability Services and your program chair or department head in writing to inform them that your accommodations are being ignored.
- Request confirmation – Get written assurance that your accommodations are in place and will be enforced moving forward.
- File an internal grievance – Most universities have a formal process for handling accommodation disputes. Use it to escalate your complaint.
- File a complaint with OCR – If the issue isn’t resolved internally, consider filing a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to hold the university accountable. However, please be aware that recent changes to the OCR may result in substantial delays in their ability to respond to any complaints.
- Seek legal advice – If the failure to accommodate has resulted in significant academic harm, you may want to consult an attorney to explore your options for legal recourse.
Your Rights Matter—It’s Time to Hold the University Accountable
You shouldn’t have to fight for the accommodations that were promised to you. But when professors or universities fail to uphold those commitments, the consequences for you can be severe. Disability accommodations are not optional; they are legally required. Ignoring them isn’t just an oversight—it’s a failure of institutional responsibility.
If you’ve followed the correct procedures and your accommodations are still being ignored, you may have legal grounds to pursue a claim. The Education Litigation Group is here to help you navigate these challenges. We’re committed to ensuring that universities are held accountable for failing to provide the access and support you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.