There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to chronic health impairment. Usually these health problems are systemic in nature, residing in the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, neurological, immunological, or muscular systems. Chronic health impairment can cause a range of academic or physical challenges including, for example, the ability to sit for long periods of time, to concentrate, to hold or manipulate items, or to be around certain kinds of environmental irritants. Side effects from medications can also impact cognitive functioning and energy levels. Chronic health conditions are often unstable, which means that the severity of symptoms and subsequent accommodations can change.
Common examples of chronic health issues include:
- Fibromyalgia
- HIV/Aids
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Cancer
- Back Problems or Injuries
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke or Heart Conditions
- Lyme’s Disease
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Respiratory Disorders
- Lupus
- Cerebral Palsy
Helpful Strategies for Students with Chronic Health Impairments:
- Communication is key – you know best how your health condition manifests and affects your academic pursuits. How much would be beneficial to disclose and to whom?
- Check in with the Academic & Disability Support Office (ADS Office) to see about disability accommodations.
- Consider a wellness plan with your medical provider that can keep you at your best as you pursue your studies. How will you fit in enough rest, exercise, and good food? How will you deal with the added stress of being in school?
- Check out assistive technology options. Would screen reader or voice recognition software be helpful? Ergonomic computer accessories?
- Do you have special housing needs? Be sure to notify the Plainfield, VT campus services staff or the Port Townsend, WA residency office staff and the ADS Office as soon as possible.
- Accessing audio books and/or recording lectures and residency events can address certain kinds of mobility and cognitive challenges.
- Pace yourself. Residencies are action-packed and quite stimulating. Remember you don’t have to go to every event. Check with your advisor about strategies for reducing your schedule when necessary.
- Will you have mobility issues on campus? Check with the ADS Office about the terrain and layout of the campus prior to the residency.
- Avoid comparing your progress to that of your peers who do not have chronic conditions. Know that you are doing your best.
- Check to see if your program has a three-quarter time option.
Considerations When Working With Students with Chronic Health Impairments:
- Student may need extra time or schedule adjustments.
- Student may record lectures or need a scribe or note taker. Have copies of lecture notes or outlines on hand as well.
- Work out a clear plan of study with the student that lists specific dates and activities so if the student has a flare-up they are clear about expectations and can negotiate reasonable adjustments.
- Student may need priority seating at residency events.
- Student may need extra time to travel between residency events or need to take breaks from activities to rest.
- Student may have limitations as to the kind of activities they can participate in. For example, it may be difficult to sit on the floor, or take a hike, or draw for a group art project. Be sure to check with a student on comfort level, and don’t pressure a student to do an activity when they tell you they can’t.
Selected Resources on Chronic Health Impairments:
Diseases, Disorders, and Chronic Illness
Coping with Chronic Illness
