Learning About Disabilities: Information on Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses that may qualify as disabilities:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Colitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
...and many more
Along with the diagnosis of one of the above illnesses, the condition must limit one or more life functions in order to be considered a disability.
Academic Accommodations
- Reduce Course Load. Students may fatigue easily or need time to manage their illness.
- Campus Transportation. Students may be unable to walk to classes and other campus activities.
- Handicapped Accessible Parking Students may need to park close to classrooms.
- Accessible Classrooms. Students may not be able to climb stairs in order to get to classes.
- Test Modifications. Students may need additional time or a modified format. For example, a student may need to take tests orally.
- Flexible Attendance Consideration. Students may be prevented from attending classes on some occasions. However, the student is always responsible for the missed material.
Since there is no specific list of appropriate accommodations for persons with chronic illnesses, the best approach includes a meeting between the student and instructor to discuss the course requirements and the student's limitation.
Students should also check-in with instructors mid-semester to review their progress and the appropriateness of their accommodations. The student or faculty member may contact the Coordinator of Disability Services for suggestions and assistance.
Creativity, common sense, and individual consideration will lead to the best methods for accommodating students with chronic illnesses.