<p>Emaheevu, I think accommodations are still obtainable after the fact, for a medical or psychiatric problem that crops up, whether it is new or longstanding. Meaning, those who did not register with the disabilities office are not disqualified from accommodations, so to speak.</p>
<p>But, as you know, registering means a plan already in place, and so a crisis just triggers that plan, which makes things easier. The disabilties office, dean/administration, and professors are already informed and can respond quickly, and the student has potential accommodations already spelled out on paper.</p>
<p>Your last sentence is very important, too. Discrimination happens, and a student is in a much better position to complain or appeal if registered with the disabilities office.</p>
<p>Finally, the legal landscape at the college level is changing, but is still murky compared to high school rights for kids with disabilities, medical or psychiatric conditions. There is still a lot of variation from school to school, and still, at many schools, some discretion allowed on the part of professors. So registering gets the rights on paper, which can be discussed and even expanded before a crisis. And, at least, a student knows what will happen if a problem arises.</p>
<p>I will say that one of my kids goes on medical leave when her medical condition flares badly. Whether or not she could pursue more in the way of accommodations to allow her to stay, or to finish a semester in some cases, she has high standards for herself and her work and prefers to do academics when she can meet them- regardless of the school’s requirements or allowances. That said, for periods with less severe problems, minor accommodations like a couple of days extra for a paper make all the difference.</p>