Definition
Students who have a temporary injury or illness that may impact their academics are encouraged to talk to their instructors about any accommodations they may need for the duration of their impairment prior to contacting Disability and Access. Students may consult with D&A after talking with their instructor to determine if any additional accommodations are needed beyond what is being provided by the instructor.
In many cases, students with temporary disabilities do not need to come to D&A and can work informally with instructors to get the support they need. Examples of support that could be provided by an instructor without needing an Accommodation Letter from D&A could include note-taking support (for students with hand/arm injuries) or leniency with arriving late (for students temporarily using crutches or wheelchair).
If a temporary injury and need for accommodation is obvious (cast, sling, crutches, etc.) instructors are encouraged to informally work with students related to their impairment. If an instructor is unsure about an accommodation being requested by a student or the need for accommodations is not obvious instructors are encouraged to contact D&A.
Conditions lasting 2 weeks or less are not considered temporary disabilities. Examples might include:
- Hand/arm injuries (sprains, broken bones, surgery, etc.)
- Leg/ankle injuries (sprains, broken bones, surgery, etc.)
Conditions lasting more than 2 weeks that may qualify for temporary accommodations through D&A. Examples include:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Mononucleosis
- Complex/multiple injuries
Students with temporary disabilities who need to register for formal accommodations must provide documentation of their disability. Documentation must include a diagnosis, prognosis, expected duration and current functional limitations/impact. Once appropriate documentation has been submitted, an intake appointment can be scheduled.
Considerations and Tips for Improving Accessibility
Instructors are encouraged to work informally with students related to the temporary disability. The following list includes examples of potential informal accommodations:
- Accommodations/adaptions for note-taking (peer note-taker, access to class slides/overheads, etc.) and/or written assignments & exams
- Flexibility with time to complete assignments
- Physical Accessibility: Flexibility with arriving late, seating etc.
Resources
- Student Emergency Services
- Texas Disability Parking Placards & Plates: https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates
- ADA Parking at UT Austin
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