Accommodations

Assistive Technology

Classroom Aids

Psychological Disabilities

Psychological disabilities cover a wide range of disorders, such as anxiety, depression and personality disorders. Depression and anxiety are among the most common psychological impairments of college students with disabilities. These types of disabilities may be invisible or latent, with little or no effects on a student's learning. Even through students with psychological impairments may not have direct learning problems they may exhibit behavioral problems. Some emotional disturbances may be manifested in negative behavior that could cause class disruptions. Dealing with conduct problems makes it hard to remember that these students have as little control over their disabilities as the student with a physical impairment. Patience and understanding are a key element in working with students with psychological impairments. However, there are types of conduct considered major offenses for any student and which may be punished by expulsion or suspension. These may be found in the College catalog under "Student Misconduct".

The majority of psychological disorders are controlled using a combination of medication and psychotherapy.  The medication they are on may interfere with the learning process.

More about psychological disorders:

Invisible Disabilities - Psychological disorders fall into the group of invisible disabilities that may have little or no impact on learning. With proper diagnoses and treatment, students with psychological disorders are productive and successful in the academic environment.

Depression - Depression is a common occurrence that may affect social functioning, concentration and motivation, and the ability to tolerate stress. Episodes of lower level academic functioning related to the disability may be time limited. In some cases the student may need to withdraw from school or take an incomplete in course work to allow time for the condition to stabilize.

Medications - Medications or changes in the medications that a student is taking may cause sleep disturbances, interference with concentration, diminished ability to attend class, or successfully complete assignments or test. Accommodations may be needed for the presenting disability and the side effect of the medications.

Behavior - Some students may exhibit negative behavior such as indifference or occasionally disruptive behavior. In the event of disruptive behavior, the student should be informed about the specfic limits of the acceptable behavior in the classroom and on campus.