Psychological & Chronic Disabilities

Psychological Disabilities

Definition

Psychological disabilities include schizophrenia, severe depression, anxiety and/or panic disorders, bipolar disorder, phobias, and personality disorders. These disabilities are cyclical in nature and symptoms often become more apparent as the academic term progresses. Many of these disabilities require medication for control of the symptoms which may intensify some of the characteristics listed below. Students have reported that changes caused by medication may be as difficult to deal with as the symptoms of the psychological disabilities.

Characteristics

• excessive procrastination
• drowsiness or falling asleep in class
• sporadic class attendance
• slurred speech
• difficulty concentrating, distractibility
• listlessness/ lack of energy
• social detachment poor preparation or inconsistent work habits
• poor preparation or inconsistent work habits

Adjustments

Student accommodations based on individual needs may include, but are not limited to:

• Lecture Classes
  • allow use of tape recorder and/or note taker
  • provide alternative assignment for a class absence
• Written Papers
  • maintain flexibility with assignment dates
  • facilitate good communication between faculty and student
• Examinations
  • provide for testing in an environment with minimal distractions
  • provide extended time to complete examination

Substance Abuse

Definition

Substances abused may include: alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, hero in, barbiturates, narcotics, hallucinogens, tranquillisers, or other mood-altering substances. Persons who abuse substances are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act only if 1) they are currently in recovery and 2) they are not harmful or disruptive to others

Characteristics

• fidgety behaviour and/or shakiness
• inconsistent behaviour, especially on Mondays and Fridays
• irritability
• argumentativeness
• inattentiveness
• withdrawal
• sporadic class attendance

Note: substance abusers who have been in recovery (not currently using a substance) for some time may not demonstrate any observable characteristics of the disability.

Adjustments

Student accommodations based on individual needs may include, but are not limited to:

• Lecture Classes
  • allow use of tape recorder and/or note taker
• Examinations
  • provide extended time to complete examination
• Other University Adaptations
  • refer students to university services such as tutoring, counselling, and the office providing services for students with disabilities

Chronic Illness

Definition

Any chronic illness is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act when it substantially impairs or restricts one or more of the major life activities such as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working, or learning. Chronic illnesses may include: multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, cardiac diseases, arthritis, neuromuscular diseases, and Crohn's disease, to name a few.

Characteristics

• fluctuations in academic performance
• variable emotional states
• inconsistent energy levels
• physical limitations
• sporadic class attendance

Adjustments

Student accommodations based on individual needs may include, but are not limited to:

• Lecture Classes
  • allow use of tape recorder and/or note taker
• Examinations
  • extended time to complete examinations
  • scribe to write examination answers
  • alternative form of testing to fit student's needs
• Other University Adaptations
  • academic advising for adequate physical facilities and best times of day to take classes
  • referral to university services such as tutoring, counselling, and the office providing services to students with disabilities

Epilepsy

Definition

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which may result in brief periods of altered consciousness, movements, or actions. Students may have few problems in the classroom and, in most cases, will have learned to manage seizure activity with medication, adequate rest, and proper diet. However, a student may be more likely to experience some of the following characteristics during exam periods when there is the increased likelihood of stress and a lack of sleep.

Characteristics

• fluctuations in behaviour and performance
• possible memory inconsistency, especially for names and places
• difficulty with concentration

Adjustments

Student accommodations based on individual needs may include, but are not limited to:

• Lecture Classes
  • discuss what to do in the event a seizure

Note: if a seizure occurs, clear surrounding area to prevent injury, loosen any clothing around the neck, turn gently on side. Don't attempt to hold the person down or put anything in the mouth. Call for emergency assistance. If further information about epilepsy is desired, or if you need assistance in determining what to do for a specific student in the event of a seizure, please contact the office providing services for students with disabilities on your campus.