Northeastern University students are increasingly expressing concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Disability Access Services (DAS) as they navigate the stress of housing selection.
The housing lottery process can be daunting for all students, but it is particularly stressful for those registered with disabilities. Many in the Northeastern disabled community have voiced that DAS adds unnecessary burdens instead of providing clear support.
Students report that navigating DAS can be frustrating. For those who qualify for pre-selection housing based on their disability accommodations, the process begins with scheduling a mandatory meeting that can often leave them feeling bewildered. This initial meeting typically lasts only 20 minutes, during which students meet with a staff member who may not have a deep understanding of their specific needs.
Many students leave these meetings feeling overwhelmed and without adequate information. This lack of transparency contrasts sharply with the regular housing process, which provides a wealth of resources and clear steps for all students to follow.
Recent changes in the department, including a name switch from Disability Resource Center (DRC) to Disability Access Services (DAS), have not led to significant improvements. Despite claims that the new name reflects a commitment to accessibility, many students still find it difficult to locate DAS services on campus, especially since the Student Hub continues to refer to it as DRC Services.
The DAS approach, criticized for its one-size-fits-all mentality, fails to address individual needs adequately. When students begin their registration, they are assigned case managers, but the quality of support can vary significantly. Some have reported experiences with rude or dismissive managers, leaving them to feel invalidated when seeking assistance.
This inconsistency in case management raises concerns about how accommodations are determined. Students feel as though they are reduced to their diagnoses, rather than being seen as whole individuals deserving of tailored support.
Another point of frustration stems from the rigorous bureaucracy surrounding the accommodation approval process. DAS requires extensive documentation from mental health professionals, which can lead to delays in receiving needed accommodations. This process often provokes anxiety, as students feel judged on whether they meet DAS’s criteria for being “disabled enough.”
Compounding these issues, one student reported a denial of additional excused absences related to their disability, despite providing relevant documentation. They were told that such accommodations were typically reserved for students with physical disabilities. The lack of follow-up or explanation only added to the frustration.
In another instance, a request for accommodation related to high-stress activities in classes was denied, as DAS concluded there was no disability-related barrier that required modification—despite the fact that the student was addressing an anxiety disorder.
These inconsistencies in decision-making raise broader concerns about the criteria DAS employs for approving housing and academic requests. One student noted that despite presenting similar diagnoses to those of peers who were granted accommodations, their request for a single dorm room was denied, highlighting the arbitrary nature of the system.
As students continue to face challenges, they are calling on Northeastern University to take action and improve DAS. Many feel that ableism is pervasive in society, and the department that is supposed to support the disabled community should not add to this struggle.
Northeastern has the potential to create a more inclusive environment. With adequate resources and funding, the university can make meaningful changes that directly support students with disabilities. The current barriers and indifference from DAS are not acceptable, and students are eager for a more supportive approach that considers their unique needs.
As the conversation surrounding disability services evolves, it is vital for the administration to recognize these issues and commit to enhancing the resources and support available to the Northeastern disabled community.
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