As a graduate student at Ohio University registered with Student Accessibility Services since 2020, I am writing to raise serious concerns about how the university has responded — or failed to respond — to my disability-related needs.
Over the past year and a half, I experienced a profound academic and psychological crisis related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and executive functioning impairments. This included multiple psychiatric hospitalizations and nearly daily visits to university mental health services. Despite clear documentation and visible signs of distress, I received no coordinated accommodations. There was no structured advising, no research continuity and no meaningful academic support.
After my condition stabilized, I reached out again — but my thesis advisor declined to resume his role. Even now, with an urgent Thursday dissertation proposal deadline having passed, I remain without a fully implemented accommodation plan and am at risk of dismissal. I have followed all university procedures, submitted timely requests and yet I am still waiting.
Students with disabilities should not have to struggle this hard just to stay enrolled. Federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require institutions to provide prompt and effective accommodations once they are aware of a student’s needs. In my case, OU has failed to meet that standard.
This is not just about me. It’s about the systemic failures that affect many others. I urge the university to conduct an internal review, improve coordination among departments, and ensure that no student with a disability is ever left unsupported.
