Faculty Handbook - Medical & Chronic Health Related Impairments

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Students with Medical/Chronic Health-Related Impairments

A wide range of conditions may interfere with stamina and mobility and affect academic functioning. Common conditions may include asthma, auto-immune diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or multiple chemical sensitivities. Functional limitations and abilities will vary widely, even within the same type of disability. Students may have difficulty getting to or from class, performing in class, and managing out-of-class assignments and tests. Accommodations vary greatly and can only be determined on an individual basis.

Things to Keep in Mind

- Occasional absence or tardiness may be unavoidable. These problems may be caused by fatigue, severe pain, illness, or other health-related concerns.
- Scheduling may be an issue. Special projects, testing etc. may need to be flexible to allow students to work during optimal time periods of the day.
- Chronic health problems may create secondary disabilities such as depression and anxiety.
- Progression of illness is unpredictable. Periodic remissions may allow for added energy and euphoria, while exacerbations may require hospitalization.

Things you Might Do

- Become familiar with the building’s emergency evacuation plan and insure that it is manageable for students with health concerns.
- Consider seating arrangements carefully. Individual considerations may be necessary.
- Arrange for the assistance of an aide to help the student in a lab course, if necessary.
- Flexibility with class work is especially helpful. The ODS will help individualize guidelines.

Accommodations to Consider

- Tape-recorded lectures and/or textbooks
- Note-takers, scribes, or tutor services
- Flexibility in classroom assignments and attendance
- Flexibility with exam accommodations (scheduling, computer-assisted exams, proctors)

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