When I was in grad school, I had a terrible flare up in my hands. I talked to Disability Services about it and they gave me a note to give my professors at exam time so I would have extra time to write my essays. That helped a lot.

Yes.  I'm registered with the disability center - got my AS doctor to fill out the paperwork.  I do take advantage of distraction-free environment and time and a half on my tests.  I attribute that due to the anxiety produced from the pain and having to sit still.  I also have permission to record my lectures, get up and leave class and sit in the "special" desk up front.  And although the disability center can't change a teacher's absentee policy, they do put a notice on my form for them to be as considerate as possible.

I like having school documentation that I can bring to the teacher at the beginning of the semester.  Depending on the teacher, I disclose as much information as I want.  Legally, they can't ask and we're not required to say.  However, I find that it lays a great path of communication with my professors. I explain what my situation is like and that on "bad days" I can't even get out of bed.  I like to let them know if I get up and leave, it's not because I'm answering my phone or something, but because of pain.  This lays a great groundwork with the professors and so later in the semester, if I do miss a lot of classes or am late on an assignment, they already know my situation.  I have had very positive experiences with this.  Also, get their email or phone number and make sure that you communicate with them about how things are going and find out the best way to contact them.  I've never had a problem with a professor.  Like I said, if you go at the beginning with paperwork to back you, then the ground work is laid.  I never know what my physical health is going to do, so this is a great safe guard and an excellent way to separate yourself from all the slackers who will try and pull some lame excuse on the prof. Later in the semester.  Oh and btw, I've sat on the floor in classes, or in the back of the room and propped my feet up on an empty desk... Anything to keep my comfortable enough to stay in class.

Good luck!

In the words of one of the administrators at my university's student services program, "Take full advantage of every possible avenue open to you, whether or not you end up using it."

I am a college student...36 yr old college student...I have not as of yet. So far all my classes are easily accessible, and I haven't needed to take advantage of any concessions at present. However, they do offer them at my University, and I know of people who utilize them.