Mobility and Health Impairments

Many physical and health conditions can affect the way a student functions in an academic setting. Conditions such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, and paralysis may necessitate accommodations. Students who have impairments which affect mobility may need accommodations which address physical barriers. Keep in mind that a student's ability to complete in-class work can be affected by his/her physical or health impairment.

Access

Check to be sure that doorways and aisles are free of obstacles. If a student using a wheelchair has difficulty in the space where your class or program is held notify Disabilities Services right away.

Assistive Technology

Students with physical impairments that affect their ability to write, may use a word processor, a scribe, or voice activated software from the Learning Center to take tests.

Attendance

Students with physical and health impairments may require flexibility in attendance requirements. However, a student must meet the learning/skill/participation requirements of the course/program.

Communicating

If you are speaking with a student using a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, sit down so that you and the student connect at eye level.

Field Trips

If your class or program involves field trips, make arrangements well in advance for accommodating a wheelchair or other mobility needs. Contact Disabilities Services for mobility resources and suggestions.

Laboratory

If your class or program takes place in a laboratory setting, make sure such modifications as under-the-counter clearance, aisle width and horizontal reach will work for the student.

Timelines

Flexibility in timelines may be necessary in certain cases due to health conditions such as fatigue, effects of medication, etc.

Voice activated word processing, an enlarged screen reader, scribes and resource information for physical accommodations are available in the Learning Center.