It is important to realise that some disabilities are invisible to others in the relatively close contacts of everyday life. However, conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, or psychiatric problems can powerfully affect a person’s daily routines. Some of the most commonly diagnosed long term conditions that can affect students are:

• arthritis
• asthma
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• narcolepsy
• chronic pain
• HIV/AIDS
• multiple sclerosis
• cancer
• muscular dystrophy
• cystic fibrosis
• head injury
• psychiatric disabilities
• Crohn’s disease

In many ways it is the side effects of the condition, rather than the medical condition itself, which causes distress.  For example, a student may be prone to fatigue or stress or special medication may cause drowsiness and/or poor concentration.

The drugs used to control different diseases and medical conditions need to be properly understood in terms of their possible side effects. Tutors will need to discuss these with their students and avoid springing unpleasant surprises like unexpected tests or assignment. Greater consideration may also be needed in granting extensions.

For a very few people, health and safety issues may need to be considered, though people with medical conditions tend to have a very realistic idea of their limitations.

Etiquette:

• Avoid discussing the student’s condition in front of other students - respect confidentiality.
• Be discreet, do not make an issue about students who may need to leave the room in order to need eat during a class or who need to make frequent trips to take care of personal needs.
• Some students need a place of privacy for taking medication including injections; others may need a place of for a short while.

Enabling Strategies:

• Stress from new situations or pressure may adversely affect people, for example, those with asthma. Try to make the student feel welcome, at ease and confident.
• The physical environment will affect some conditions, for example, dust, smoke, or dampness may trigger an asthma attack. Students are likely to have their medication with them, but tutors should know where to seek help if necessary.
• Students may be forced to miss classes as a result of health problems. Tutors can help by assisting students to keep up with course materials, ensuring that they receive back copies of handouts/class notes.
• If students are able to work for only limited amounts of time, allow extensions for submission of assignments - but take care - this can prove a two edged sword and students can end up with a large backlog of due work.
• Help students to manage their time and organise their work; break tasks down into manageable chunks.
• It maybe helpful to identify a “buddy” in the group who will supply their notes for photocopying by the student who has been absent.

Click here if you would like to download a full copy of Understanding Disability - a Good Practice Guide

Return to Understanding Disability - a Good Practice Guide menu