91ÉçÇø recognizes the impact that a temporary disability can create. Temporary disability includes medical conditions that temporarily interfere with a student’s ability to fully participate in academic activities (e.g., the ability to attend class in a timely manner, take notes, write papers or complete exams independently). If a student believes they have a temporary disability, they are encouraged to reach out to SSD as soon as possible.
Concussions
Students who are experiencing post-concussive symptoms beyond 5–10 days may consider seeking assistance from SSD. The symptoms may include but are not limited to headache, dizziness, irritability, diminished concentration, sleep disturbance and intolerance to stimulation such as lights and sounds. These symptoms may rise to the level of temporary disability accommodations.
Students eligible for academic accommodations based on symptomatology will be authorized for accommodations on a temporary basis for one semester. Students whose symptoms continue beyond one semester should reach out to SSD for follow up. If there is a change or worsening of symptoms during the semester authorized for accommodations, student should reach out to SSD to schedule a follow-up meeting.
Temporary disabilities
Depending on the nature and functional limitations of a student’s documented temporary disability condition, they may be eligible for accommodations. SSD engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. Examples of temporary disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Torn ligaments
- Injuries requiring surgery
Accommodations are determined and approved on a class-by-class and case-by-case basis and are dependent upon the nature of each course and the method of instruction as it relates to the student’s functional limitations.
Accommodations are extended to students with temporary conditions for the duration of their functional limitations associated with the condition, typically one semester. If a student's temporary condition lasts longer than one semester, it is the responsibility of the student to reach back out to SSD to schedule a follow-up meeting. Temporary accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Accommodations for speech-to-text software for taking exams and/or quizzes if the student is unable to write
- Accommodations for arriving late to class
- Referral to campus and/or community resources
Temporary conditions can occur at any point during the semester, and the timing can significantly impact the accommodation options available to a student. Students should reach out to SSD as soon as possible to determine accommodation options. It is important to note that accommodations authorized are not retroactive and will not apply until a student has completed the interactive process with SSD.