The disadvantages to disclosing to your professors include being viewed differently from other members of the class.  Certain disabilities may carry stigmas.  Also, some professors forget that the standards were not lowered when these students were accepted into Vassar.  Vassar students were accepted because they are bright and capable.  On the other hand, well-meaning professors may be too kind and too careful around a student who is registered with the office.

One of the advantages to disclosing your disability is that it may make professors rethink how they present their material.  Disclosing your disability may also be a way of developing a relationship with a professor.  When you disclose your disability to your professors you are sharing information that is personal to you.

Student says: Personally, I chose to disclose my disabilities because I wanted professors to have the best possible understanding of me as a student and as an individual.  I also fear that professors are more likely to question a student’s disability if it is not explicitly stated.

 

Student says: I partly disclose because I want my professors to know me.  The nature of my illness can make it look like I don’t care about academics (class absences, turning things in late, etc.), when in fact I love all of my classes and always appreciate and want to be there.  I think disclosing gives my professors a better idea of who I am, so even if I wouldn’t get in trouble otherwise, I think I would choose to disclose because I want them to know I care about their class and that any behavior that suggests otherwise is because of my disability not because of how I feel a bout their class.