Temporary Disabilities

Documentation Requirements

To receive accommodations for a temporary disability, the student must submit documentation to Disability Support Services indicating the type of disability, severity, limitations, prognosis, and estimated duration of the disabling condition. It is also helpful to know any adverse side effects caused by medication and recommendations for accommodations. The documentation should be recent enough to identify current limitations. Additional documentation may be requested to verify the need for continued services after the estimated duration of the condition has expired.

The student should call and set-up an appointment with the first available Accommodations Counselor to review the available documentation of the temporary disability and discuss possible accommodation needs. The Accommodations Counselor will advise the student if any additional documentation will be required prior to setting up accommodations, as well as share information on potential resources.

Potential Accommodations for Temporary Disabilities

Academic accommodations are approved on a case by case basis. Examples of accommodations which may be available for a temporary arm, hand, or upper extremity injury may include:

• Scribe for exams
• Notetaking assistance
• Audio recorder for lectures
• Extended testing time
• Computer for essay exams

Students with temporary disabilities may want to meet with an an Accommodations Counselor to discuss:

• Potential classroom and testing accommodations
• Information on accessible routes and elevator access on campus
• Information on how to apply for a county-issued disabled parking placard
• How to hire a personal attendant to assist with personal care and getting around campus

Disability Support Services and Midwestern State University DO NOT provide personal assistance to students with temporary disabilities such as building-to-building transportation or the transport of books or other personal items. Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are considered personal devices and are not loaned by Disability Support Services.

Other Resources/Accommodations that Individuals with Temporary Disabilities may want to consider

• Parking and Transportation
  Students who are interested in obtaining a disabled parking permit must apply for one through the local county tax assessor-collector's office.
• Residence Life (on-campus housing)
  Students who have mobility concerns may inquire with the Department of Residence LIfe and Housing to be moved to a first floor room and/or to a room with accessible bathroom facilities (as space is available). Contact your Residence Hall Director or the Housing Assignments office to discuss availability and options.
• Kinesiology Courses (Physical Education Activity Program course)
  The Department of Health and Kinesiology typicallyhandles requests for consideration and adjustments to physical education courses due to temporary disabilities without students needing to register with Disability Services.
• Classes and Building Accessibility
  Disability Support Services should be contacted if a classroom is inaccessible. The DSS will make arrangements for class relocation (if necessary) and/or provide for adaptive furniture, such as a desk and/or chair. The DSS also has automatic door openers for use on handicapped accessible doors that can be checked out to students.