Psychiatric disabilities refer to a wide range of behavioral and/or psychological problems characterized by anxiety, mood swings, depression, and/or a compromised assessment of reality. These behaviors persist over time; they are not in response to a particular event. Although many individuals with psychiatric disabilities are stabilized using medications and/or psychotherapy, their behavior and affect may still cycle. - Students with psychiatric disabilities may not be comfortable disclosing the specifics of their disability.
- If a student does disclose, be willing to discuss how the disability affects him or her academically and what accommodations would be helpful.
- With treatment and support, many students with psychiatric disabilities are able to manage their mental health and benefit from college classes.
- If students seem to need counseling for disability-related issues, encourage them to discuss their problems with a Disability Coordinator.
- Sometimes students may need to check their perceptions of a situation or information you have presented in class to be sure they are on the right track.
- Sequential memory tasks, such as spelling, math, and step-by-step instructions may be more easily understood by breaking up the tasks into smaller ones.
- Drowsiness, fatigue, memory loss, and decreased response time may result from prescription medications.
- Extended time for exams
- Quiet, distraction-free testing area
- Exams divided into segments with rest breaks
- Note takers, readers, or tape recorders in class
- Use of a computer or scribe for essay tests
- Extensions, incompletes, or late withdrawals in the event of prolonged illness
- Some flexibility in the attendance requirements in case of health related absences
- Modification of seating arrangement (near the door or at the back of the classroom)
- Beverages allowed in class due to medications which may cause extreme thirst
- Referral to a counselor for assistance with time management and study skills
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