I have a physical disability, and when I entered Princeton, independent research was something that really daunted me. I have been surprised to find that independent research has been very accessible to me because of the flexibility and control it has given me over my work. Two years ago, I started an archival research project right after a surgery, which put increased limits on my ability. Since the project was self-managed, I was able to schedule archival research appointments around physical therapy appointments. I also received simple accommodations in the archive, like archivists moving boxes for me to support my limitations post-surgery.
That said, disability is diverse, as are research methodologies. Accommodations and approaches to research look different based on the kind of disability you have and the kinds of questions you want to answer. I spoke with Asha Nambiar, the director of Princeton’s Office of Disability Services (ODS), to gather advice on getting involved with research as a student with a disability.
Nambiar’s first suggestion was to “ask questions and advocate for yourself.” ODS can help connect you with resources to make research accessible, but they first need to understand your needs and the kinds of support that would be helpful. “Don’t be ashamed to communicate effectively,” Nambiar added. Be confident in expressing your challenges, and ask questions about the kinds of supports that are available to you. These conversations don’t have to start with ODS–if you speak with your residential college advisers, CPS, UHS, or any other trusted resource on campus, they can connect you with ODS or other appropriate resources.
As you begin crafting any research project, Nambiar suggests considering your disability. “Be smart about what research project you’re picking,” she said. “Flexibility in [independent] projects allows you to choose your topic and your modality.” As you consider your research question and methodology, also consider your disability, its impacts, and which modalities would be best suited to your needs. When you start a new project, Nambiar recommends creating a table that contains your disability and its symptoms, potential methods for your research topic, and the impact that your symptoms may have on each method. Then, talk through this table with a residential college dean or other trusted adviser who can help you brainstorm accessible ways to answer the questions that interest you.
With the condensed time frame of independent work at Princeton, it is also helpful to be proactive in “knowing yourself and the potential roadblocks you may face, anticipating them, and talking with your deans in advance.” In the fall, I had a partial draft of my senior thesis due the same day that I would be traveling for a big interview, and I anticipated that the travel might trigger a flare up of a chronic illness. As soon as I found out about the interview, I spoke with my residential college dean, and we discussed strategies that I could use to manage both commitments. While it is impossible to foresee every challenge that will arise during the research process, it is helpful to be mindful of the kinds of challenges you may face.
Lastly, Nambiar offered advice about discussing your disability with research advisers and outside organizations. As you craft your project or as challenges arise, it can be helpful to speak with your research adviser about your disability, but self-disclosure of a disability to faculty should only ever occur “to the extent that you are comfortable.” ODS can help advocate on your behalf if you do not feel comfortable speaking with your adviser directly about your limitations. If you’re partnering with an outside organization, ODS has less ability to advocate on your behalf. In that case, Nambiar suggests “first consider[ing] if your disability is going to impact the project at all.” You are not obligated to discuss your disability, though you may choose to, if it will affect your research project or you would like to request accommodations.
Disability can make independent research more challenging, but there are strategies and resources available to make it accessible. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and take full advantage of the support that ODS offers. Disabled perspectives are valuable, and disabled people belong in research.
— Alison Fortenberry, Social Sciences Correspondent
