DISABILITIES AND ACCOMODATIONS

What is a Disability?

• Related to conditions that are present at birth and may affect functions later in life, including cognition (memory, learning, and understanding), mobility (moving around in the environment), vision, hearing, behavior, and other areas. These conditions may include:

  • • Disorders in single genes (for example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy);

    • Disorders of chromosomes (for example, Down syndrome); and

    • The result of the mother’s exposure during pregnancy to infections (for example, rubella) or substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes

• Associated with developmental conditions that become apparent during childhood (for example, autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD)

• Related to an injury (for example, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury)

• Associated with a longstanding condition (for example, diabetes), which can cause a disability such as vision loss, nerve damage, or limb loss

• Progressive (for example, muscular dystrophy), static (for example, limb loss), or intermittent (for example, some forms of multiple sclerosis)

What Types of Accommodations Should I Expect From my University?

After high school, the rules change regarding the requirements under the law for accommodations. Colleges and universities are not bound by the same laws; therefore, it is very important that you understand the differences and realize that accommodations provided to you during your high school years may or may not be available or required in the college setting.

There are many types of accommodations available to you depending on your disability. When looking for a college, please check for the following:

• Alternative Testing

• Assistive Technology

• Alternative format textbooks and course materials

• Notetaking support

• Housing accommodations

• Classroom accommodations

• Student Support