Physical & Chronic Health Disabilities

Supporting Students with Physical and Chronic Health Disabilities

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 with disabilities which affect mobility may need accommodations that address physical barriers. Keep in mind that a student's ability to complete in-class work may be affected by their physical or health disability.

Access

Check to be sure that doorways and aisles are free of obstacles.

Assistive Technology

Students with physical impairments that affect their ability to write, may use a word processor, a scribe, or speech-to-text software to complete assignments and exams at Disability Services.

Attendance

Students may require flexibility in attendance requirements. A student must still be able to 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 in advance for accommodating a wheelchair or other mobility needs.

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.

For Additional Assistance:

  • Call us 206-296-5740
  • Email us DS@Seattleu.edu
  • Join us in the Zoom Disability Services Virtual Lobby (between 9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
  • Visit us at our Disability Services Office at Loyola 100 (open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, except holidays)