10/24 Accessibility Gaps at Duke

Last year, we opened an honest conversation about Duke’s attendance and withdrawal policies — and how they often fail students living with chronic illness and neurodivergence.This year, we’re expanding that discussion.

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for a student-led forum on the systemic barriers that still make Duke an inaccessible place for many disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent students.

Because accessibility isn’t just about extra time on tests — it’s about whether you can live, learn, and belong here without burning out or being punished for existing differently.

We’ll discuss:

• How inflexible attendance and withdrawal policies continue to harm students with chronic conditions

• Inaccessible classroom spaces, labs, and residence halls that fail to accommodate sensory and mobility needs

• Limited flexibility in course delivery (e.g., mandatory attendance, participation grading, lack of hybrid options)

• How campus healthcare and mental health systems fall short for students with complex medical needs

• The emotional toll of repeatedly having to “prove” your disability or illness