Faculty Guide
Chronic Health Disorders and Hidden Disabilities
Many people assume that disabilities are always obvious, manifested by the use of a wheelchair, walking cane or guide dog. In reality, the largest group of students with disabilities on college campuses are those whose disabilities are not visible.
Many students with hidden disabilities have chronic medical conditions such as back injuries, arthritis, lupus, cancer, seizure disorders or HIV/AIDS. Students with these conditions often cope not only with functional limitations, but also with the frustration of having to prove their "invisible" disabilities.
Symptoms of some hidden disabilities may appear intermittently or cyclically. A student's fluctuating performance or irregular class attendance may reflect the cycle of exacerbation and remission of disabilities such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. The effects of prescribed medication for disabilities such as back injuries or seizure disorders can also cause variations in students' academic performance.
Students with fluctuating abilities sometimes experience lack of acceptance by faculty and peers because they are confused by shifting symptoms.
Chronic Health Disorders
Chronic medical conditions faculty and classmates may encounter include the following:
- Arthritis
- Asthma and Allergies
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Head Injury
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
Classroom Accommodations
- Be aware that variations in a student's performance caused by medication may present problems that require appropriate academic modifications. It is appropriate to discuss with the student the effects of his or her medications on class performance.
- Students whose hidden disability affects concentration or dexterity may require a note-taker or tape recorder during class.
- Some students may need additional time to finish assignments and class projects.
- Should a student's disability cause interruption in coursework, assign an Incomplete rather than a failing grade.
Examinations
- Because of their susceptibility to fatigue, poor concentration and anxiety, students with hidden disabilities may need extended time and a separate site for examinations. These test accommodations can be arranged through DS, which assigns trained proctors to administer tests and return them to division offices upon completion. It is the student's responsibility to arrange these test accommodations with DS.
- Typically, DS grants time-and-a-half or double-time for extended test periods, depending on the course material and the nature of the student's disability.
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