Medical Disabilities

Medical disabilities include a wide range of chronic health conditions and illnesses, such as migraines, irritable bowel disorders, narcolepsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer and epilepsy, among many others. Students with medical disabilities are often skilled at managing complex, unpredictable circumstances while staying focused on their academic goals. Most medical conditions are invisible, and symptoms may fluctuate unexpectedly throughout the day or across a semester as a result of treatment, medication side effects or changes in condition.

Barriers to Access

In a college environment, you might find some of these things more challenging:

• Unexpected changes in symptoms affecting attendance or deadlines
• Slowed focus or cognition due to symptoms or side effects from medication or treatment
• Sitting or remaining in one position for extended periods
• Accessing restrooms or medication when needed during class
• Completing physical tasks like walking, writing or typing during a flare