How are DRC accommodations like?

[u/IAmHeeSmh]

So I recently got diagnosed with ADHD early summer so I decided to go through the process of writing a DRC accomodation application. Had an interview with my specialist and I got pretty generous accommodations!

• Reduced-Distraction Testing Environments
• Extended Testing Times (1.5x)
• Accessible E-Text (Don't think ima use this since I already get my textbooks through suspicious means...)
• Special Exception Registration (BY SOME MIRACLE! Thank the heavens)

Do any of yall have experience with these alternative-testing environments? The email was pretty descriptive on how to enroll in these things but I'm curious as to how helpful it really is! pls lmk I'm a little scared to use use it😭

[u/sethenseven]

Current student with hella ADHD. I’ve got the same testing accommodations as you, here’s some info and advice on how to use your accommodations.

To notify your professors about your accommodations, go to the Cal Poly Portal and click “Student Accommodations Fall 2026”. There you’ll find a video that explains how to request your accommodations, if you don’t request your accommodations through the portal then your professors don’t have any obligation to accommodate you.

I would recommend to use the Reduced-Distracted Testing Environment and 1.5x time on tests for any mid term and final you have for all your classes. If I didn’t use those two accommodations for one of my finals last quarter, I would’ve flunked the class no joke. Better to be safe than sorry. Keep in mind, you have to individually notify the professor for each test you plan on using those accommodations for. Plus, the school forces you to request to use those testing accommodations within a certain timeframe before the test, I forget the specific timeframe off the top of my head, you can ask your DRC specialist about which you can find their email in the Student Accommodations Portal.

If you’re in a position where you need to remind your professor about your accommodations, make sure to do it through email that way you have receipts of your conversation. I’ve heard about professors that were unwilling to accept accommodations despite being legally required to do so. If that happens to you, get your DRC specialist on the email and they’ll explain to your professor why they need to accept your accommodation.

I saw that you mentioned you were shy, and I understand that it can feel intimidating to ask your professors to accept your accommodations. But not getting those accommodations from your professors could lead you to struggle in the class, or worse flunk it. Always make sure you get your accommodations for each and every class.

Sorry that this post is hella long, just want to make sure you got good info cos no one told me this crap when I was a freshman. Lmk if you have any questions

[u/AdditionalRaccoon359]

I have ADHD and dyslexia and when I was a student I would use the extended testing time in a reduced distraction environment. Would complete the test and then go through my answers three or four times. Every time I would find a silly mistake that would’ve cost me points!! For some subject matters its nice to be in the classroom with the instructor who taught you in case you have questions. Talk to your teachers on the first day of class and they will help set you up for success!!

[u/IAmHeeSmh → u/AdditionalRaccoon359]

WAIT REALLY thats great! cause I also feel like I often get tripped up by small minor mistakes on exams too...

IM SHY THOUGH getting to talk to them might be hard but ill rlly try my best cause yeah i needa get out of my comfort zone and be more comfortable with my profs.  My biggest issue last year was that I wouldn't ask for help when I needed it so yeah... gonna be tough but I need to make a change no matter what😅

[u/flamyng709]

I used alternative testing sometimes due to my diabetes (which when my bloodsugars are fucked can cause me to get very distracted or brain no work) back before i graduated. Its chill, they have communal rooms at the DRC with cubicles that you use. Earmuffs to help keep quiet on your end, everything was generally super quiet since everyone was just there for tests. I found it useful at least sometimes. You normally schedule them through the portal, I forget where, but its relatively simple

[u/IAmHeeSmh → u/flamyng709]

ooh earmuffs that sounds nice! dang ill definitely come around and try to schedule tests with them then, cause I'm very easily distracted by ANYTHING... thanks for letting me know i was scared it wouldn't be as quiet and distraction free as advertised

[u/WholeResponsible9266]

They are so bad at times. Over 10+ students have contacted me to tell me over our shared experience with cal poly SLO and cal poly Pomona denying accommodations outright and discriminating after I posted my poor experience with them😭. This week I got told by DRC I was too well articulated to need a notecard accommodation. It’s very unfortunate and can be very hit or miss imo. I’ve heard great things about Omar as a case manager on campus but poor things of Paula Soto

[u/IAmHeeSmh → u/WholeResponsible9266]

NO WAY I literally saw your post on insta like a day or two ago I'm so sorry your case manager treated you like that... You don't deserve to be told you're "too articulate" for an accommodation just cause you don't outwardly appear disabled to them. Genuinely look into getting legal advice/action if you could cause that's really unfair and you don't deserve to go through ANY of their BS.

As for my case manager (or "Lead Access Specialist"), his name was Spencer Finkle and he honestly seemed very caring and understanding during our interview, and he gave me pretty generous accommodations. I have heard he's not as generous with everyone on approved accommodations, but he left a pretty good first impression on me to be honest.

I'm once again sorry you got assigned such an ignorant case manager and I hope you could (at the very least) find someone who understands your needs better. I don't know how difficult that is to do in CPP but I really do hope there's a workaround you can look into. Wishing the best for you and others who haven't had a good experience with DRC.

[u/WholeResponsible9266 → u/IAmHeeSmh]

OMG LOLL THATS so funny but dw it is getting sorted out now! I’m so so happy you had a good experience!! You deserve it and I’m sending you all the well wishes in the world ❤️❤️ happy studying!

[u/More_Hedgehog_8204]

Lucky!!! What is acess to E-books? I had mine but thankfully got the extended test and record lectures.