Health disabilities cover a wide range of disabilities, from cancer to AIDS. In addition, some of the accommodations needed for physical disabilities may be necessary for some students with Health disabilities, depending on the nature of their disability. Symptoms and severity vary from person to person when Health disabilities occur. In addition, these students are more likely to have their abilities to function in class and on assignments and exams vary day by day, depending on their health situation.
Health disabilities will also include accommodations for Environmental Illness/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Some students with Health disabilities may be sensitive to certain environmental changes as well.
Students who have Health disabilities need certain considerations and accommodations in the classroom. The Office of Disability Services may need to remind instructors of such requests. Considerations and accommodations include:
Attendance flexibility may be requested. Students with Health disabilities may ask to be allowed to miss more than the maximum number of classes in the semester due to the nature of their disability. This is something the instructor and student will need to work out in order to determine how many absences result in a failure to meet the attendance portion of the course.
Custodial and Maintenance Staffs timelines may need to be altered as some students may have difficulties or reactions in the classroom if any of the following occur in or around the building before or during the class period. If the following cannot be avoided, try and notify the student ahead of time/ post signage so students are aware of any potential problems that may arise. The Office of Disability Services and the Custodial and Maintenance Staffs should work together to ensure cooperation with the following:
Remodeling fumes or materials used can cause difficulties or illness if used. Whenever possible, schedule remodeling jobs when school is not in session or fewer students are on campus.
Pesticide Sprays fumes can cause difficulties or illness if used. Whenever possible, schedule pesticide spray jobs when school is not in session or when fewer students are on campus.
Cleaning fumes can cause difficulties or illness if used. Whenever possible, schedule cleaning assignments towards the end of the school day, or weekends. Painting fumes cause difficulties or illness if used. Whenever possible, schedule paint jobs when school is not in session or when fewer students are on campus.
Ventilation System which are unkempt or unclean can cause difficulties or illness. Whenever possible, make sure ventilation systems are in good working order before the semester begins.
Drink in classes may be requested by a student with a Health disability if medications make that person thirsty.
Extended Exam Time may be requested by students who have Health disabilities. In addition, some students might request breaks during exams if necessary.
Extended Time to complete assignments and projects may be requested by students with Health Disabilities.
Fragrance-free/smoke-free environment may be requested by some students who are sensitive to fragrance or smoke. While the school environment cannot prohibit other students from the use of cologne or perfume or smoking, the instructor can ask students to refrain from using such products before or during the class period. In addition, signs can be posted around the school asking students to refrain from the use of fragrances or from smoking close to the building entrances.
Notetaker may be requested by some students who have Health disabilities.
Placement of the student close to the classroom door, so they can leave if needed during class, may be helpful for students with Health Disabilities.
Verbal Instructions and Written Materials such as assignments, due dates, class discussion and blackboard materials may need to be written out for students who have Health disabilities.
Tape Recorder may be requested by someone who has a Health disability for the use of notetaking in class.
Time Management/Study Skills may need to be taught to students with Health Disabilities. Some students may benefit from a time management course or instruction. Some students may benefit from a study skills course or suggestions. Some students work well with scheduled appointments so the Office of Disability Services can be updated on
