Other Disabilities

Although less common among the students who register with the Disability Support Services, the following represent Symptoms of the following illnesses and the types of interventions required may resemble those covered elsewhere in this manual. It is important to discuss with the student both the manifestations and the required conditions of the disability.

Cancer

Because cancer can occur in almost any organ system of the body, the symptoms and particular disabling effects will vary greatly from one person to another. Some people experience visual problems, lack of balance and coordination, joint pains, backaches, headaches, abdominal pains, drowsiness, lethargy, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, weakness, bleeding or anemia.
The primary treatments for cancer--radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery--may engender additional effects. Therapy can cause violent nausea, drowsiness, and/or fatigue, affecting academic functioning or causing absences. Surgery can result in amputation, paralysis, sensory deficits, and language and memory problems.

Chemical Dependency

Chemical Dependency is a condition of physiological and/or psychological dependence on any of a variety of chemicals, such as illegal drugs, some prescription drugs and alcohol. Individuals who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse or who are in treatment programs to assist with their recovery are covered by anti-discrimination legislation and are eligible for college services for students with disabilities. These students may experience psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. They may exhibit poor behavioral control, and if they are using medication as part of their treatment, they may experience undesirable side effects.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Although most students with diabetes do not need accommodations in the classroom, in some cases students may need additional breaks during an exam or long class period to eat or take medication.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's disease are characterized by symptoms of abdominal inflammation and discomfort or pain, usually in the lower abdomen (although the location and intensity are variable, even at different times within the same person), and altered bowel habit, chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both in alternation. Although gastrointestinal disorders can flare up due to stress, they are not caused by stress or any other psychological condition. Be sensitive to the fact that students with these types of disorders may be embarrassed about discussing their disability. Typical accommodations include extra time on exams to allow for restroom breaks. Although faculty members are not required to excuse absences, it may be appropriate to allow attendance flexibility.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Multiple chemical sensitivity is typically the result of exposure to dangerous chemicals, causing the person to become hypersensitive to chemicals in an everyday environment like cleaning products, pesticides, petroleum products, tobacco products, perfumes, inks, and other scented products (University of Minnesota, 1996). Accommodations include limiting exposure to everyday chemicals, tape recording lectures, books on tape, and providing an assistant to perform some activities when exposure to chemicals is necessary (such as lab or library assistance).

Respiratory Problems

Many students have chronic breathing problems, the most common of which are bronchial asthma and emphysema. Respiratory problems are characterized by attacks of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing, sometimes triggered by stress, either physical or mental. Fatigue and difficulty climbing stairs may also be major problems, depending on the severity of the attacks. Frequent absence from class may occur and hospitalization may be required when prescribed medications fail to relieve the symptoms.

Sleep Disorders

A growing number of college students experience abnormalities during sleep that lead to a diagnosis of a sleep disorder (i.e. narcolepsy, etc.). Some sleep disorders can cause the individual to inadvertently and suddenly fall asleep at an inopportune time (i.e. in the classroom), which may be mistaken as a lack of interest or disrespect for the class or professor. Sleep disorders can also disrupt normal sleep patterns and cause an overall disruption in body rhythms. Encourage open communication so that any misperceptions or concerns can be addressed. Accommodations include extra time on exams and notetakers.

Speech Impairment