Health Center: Health-Related Disabilities

Diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Epilepsy, Lupus, or Sleep Apnea can be debilitating to an extent constituting a disability under the law.  These diseases may affect attendance or the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner.  Accommodations for documented health-related disabilities are made on a case by case basis and may change from time to time as the disease progresses or goes into remission.

Due to medical advances, students who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) are now more often able to participate in post-secondary education.  TBI can result from external injuries, as in an auto accident; from internal bleeding, as in a ruptured aneurysm; or from swelling of the brain due to infection.  Head injury may affect one or more of the following:  memory, attention span, the ability to manage two or more mental tasks simultaneously, and speed of thinking; motor strength and control; vision or hearing; emotional stability and appropriateness; and communication skills.

Often, faculty can be of the most assistance to students with health-related disabilities by supporting their efforts to maintain an academic program.  Allowances in timelines or other means of reducing stress can be very beneficial to the student’s health, as well as to his or her academic progress.  It is important to discuss the minimum attendance requirements for each course with students with health-related disabilities during the first week of the semester, if applicable.