Temporary Disabilities

The DLRC recognizes that individuals with temporarily disabling conditions that are a result of injuries, surgery or short-term medical conditions may need access to services and resources similar to individuals with permanent disabilities. Examples of temporary disabilities may include, but are not limited to: broken limbs, hand injuries, or short term impairments following surgery or medical treatments.

Documentation Requirements

To receive accommodations for a temporary disability, the student must submit documentation to Disability 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 DLRC to review the available documentation of the temporary disability and discuss possible accommodation needs. The DLRC 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
• Note taking assistance
• Audio recorder for lectures
• Extended testing time
• Computer for essay exams