Instagram account @disabledatqueensu shares students’ experiences with and difficulties using academic accommodations at Queen’s for their physical, mental, intellectual, and sensory impairments. 

Inspired by Stolen by Smith, the account allows students to make submissions anonymously through a Google form.

The account creator, MSc*, stated on the account’s first post that @disabledatqueensu’s goal is to highlight student experiences with disabilities at the university and identify areas that need to be changed or improved. This includes encouraging professors to be more understanding and restructuring mental health accommodations to better suit student needs.

One submission explains the lack of empathy a Queen’s professor had for a student experiencing “life-threatening mental health problems.” The post alleges a miscommunication from Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) cost the student a credit when they were promised they could catch up on a fall semester course after taking medical leave.

“After I worked to complete this work to get my credit, the prof refused to grade my work and give me the credit—not even a credit standing, or ‘NG’—because she said QSAS did not inform her of this situation,” the submission reads.  

Submissions on the account also detail a lack of institutional support for accommodating disabilities caused by traumatic current events.

In a written statement to The Journal, the creator of @disabledatqueensu said they wanted to provide an anonymous platform for Queen’s students with disabilities to share their experiences.

“I was inspired by my friend’s experiences with mental health support at Queen’s, but also wanted to provide a space for any students requiring accommodation for their disabilities physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments. I am hoping this account can point to areas for improvement at the institution and will inspire staff and students to be more considerate to those with disabilities.”

*Identity not disclosed.