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Students with Medical Conditions

Teaching Students with Medical Conditions

Medical disabilities form a major group of "invisible disabilities" that the instructor may encounter in the classroom. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Environmental allergies
  • Epilepsy
  • Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea or narcolepsy

For many students with medical conditions, both pain and fatigue often affect their performance in the classroom and during evaluations. Many students with medical conditions require medication, and side effects such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue and a loss of concentration which may also cause difficulties. Depending on the condition, the student's mobility, vision and hearing may also be affected. Absenteeism may also be a concern.

Disability Services is willing (with the student's permission) to discuss with instructors any issues that serious medical conditions may have on the student's performance in the class; however, it is beneficial for the instructor to get to know the student so that they will be able to anticipate and meet their needs. Open communication enhances the relationship between the student with medical conditions and the instructor, and can often alleviate stresses the student may feel. While flexibility and understanding are key components in dealing with the chronically ill student in the classroom, the integrity and standards of the course should not be compromised.

Instructional Strategies

  • A student may need to leave the classroom. Establish an "I'm Ok" signal with the student
  • Provide a list of readings and course syllabus as soon as possible
  • Preferential seating in classroom–near the door or close to the front
  • Frequent breaks
  • Student may need to eat in the classroom
  • Student may need to get up or stretch during class
  • Note-takers may be beneficial
  • As the student may miss some classes, availability of the lectures as hand-outs or on the web is helpful
  • Student may need to bring Obus-Forme or pillow to class for comfort

    Exam Accommodation

  • May need extra time to write exams
  • Write exams on computer
  • Provision to take supervised breaks during exam
  • May need exams broken up into shorter units
  • Some flexibility with regard to due dates for assignments; also substitution of oral for written assignment, or vice versa