Information for Students About Accommodations for Temporary Disabilities

What Students Needs to Know About Accommodations for Temporary Disabilities from the Office of Disability Services

What is a Temporary Disability?

A temporary disability is a short-term, mental or physical, impairment that affects a student’s ability to function normally in an academic setting. Some temporary disabilities may include, but are not limited to, injured limbs, surgeries, and short-term illness. Such conditions may require temporary accommodations.

What type of accommodations are available to students with Temporary Disabilities?

The following non-exhaustive list contains several potential accommodations and services that can be provided to students with temporary disabilities:

• Alternative Text 
  If a student’s temporary disability impacts their vison, the student may be eligible for textbooks, assignments, and exams in an alternative format or the use of voice recognition software.
• Note Takers 
  If a student’s temporary disability prevents them from taking notes, the student may be eligible for a note taker or PowerPoint notes.
• Test Taking 
  If a student’s temporary disability impacts their ability to complete exams (e.g. broken hand), the student may be eligible for accommodations such as additional time, frequent breaks, readers, writers or adaptive technology.
• Classroom Relocation 
  If a student’s temporary disability prevents them from getting to their classroom (e.g. going up a flight of stairs), the student’s classroom can be relocated to make it more convenient for them.
• Attendance 
  Attendance is expected according to the syllabus for each particular course. However, if a student’s temporary disability impacts their ability to attend class, they may be eligible for an exception to the attendance policy.
• Accessible Parking Spaces & Temporary Parking Permits 
  At Cleveland State University, there are a number of parking lots on campus with accessible parking. If a student’s mobility is limited by a temporary disability, a student may receive a temporary parking permit to park in an accessible parking space near their classroom.

What is the processes for Students seeking accommodations for their Temporary Disability?

If a student feels that they are struggling from an injury or temporary illness, they should contact the Office of Disability Services, in a timely manner, to schedule a meeting with one of our Disability Specialist. After meeting with the student, and reviewing their documentation, the Office of Disability Services, depending upon the student’s functional limitations in an academic setting, will then determine what appropriate accommodations are needed. If a student is granted any accommodations for their temporary disability, the student will then have that accommodation for the duration of their functional limitations associated with their temporary disability.

If a student would like more information about the process for seeking accommodations, and their responsibilities in doing such, they may access the Handbook for Students with Disabilities by using the following link: http://www.csuohio.edu/sites/default/files/media/disability/documents/H…

Cleveland State University wants student to be successful. If a student is struggling because of an injury or temporary illness, the Office of Disability Services can help!