Temporary Disabilities

Students who experience a temporary short-term medical disability unrelated to a documented disability may require temporary academic accommodations. A temporary disability is defined as a disability that affects an individual for a short period of time. These conditions usually keep you incapacitated for a few days, weeks, months, or years but typically result in the eventual recovery. Temporary disabilities are considered to be in the medical domain and require the diagnosis by a professional with expertise in the area of the particular illness or disability. Students are encouraged to provide their clinicians with a copy of these guidelines.

To initiate the accommodation review and determination process, appropriate documentation must include the following:

• A clearly written comprehensive statement of the temporary disability diagnosed by a qualified professional trained in this area including current functional limitations relevant to academic functioning or any aspect of University life.
• A description of the severity, longevity, and/or expected progression or stability of the temporary disability or condition and date(s) of examination.
• Medical information relating to the student’s needs within a specific time frame, including the impact of treatment on the student’s ability to meet the demands of the post-secondary environment.
• Suggestions on specific types of accommodations which may minimize academic barriers.
• Clinicians name, credentials, phone number, address and should be a signed original copy.
• The University has the right to request additional documentation if the original documentation is incomplete or insufficient in determining a qualifying disability or reasonable accommodation(s).
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the request is deemed unreasonable or presents an undue hardship.
• The University has the right to deny accommodations in the event that the documentation provided does not support the specific accommodation request in accordance with the ADA.
• Documentation must demonstrate a direct correlation between the diagnosed disability, the barrier to access caused by the disability, and the requested accommodation.
• Reasonable accommodations cannot fundamentally alter any program or course requirements.
• Any cost incurred in obtaining additional information must be borne by the student.