Disability Services for Temporary or Short-Term Conditions
When people consider the types of situations that would be handled by Student Disability Services at Penn State World Campus, they likely often think of major, permanent conditions or serious injuries with long-term effects. While those certainly do qualify for assistance, there is also a broad range of other conditions that would fall under the umbrella of Student Disability Services (SDS).
Many Conditions Are Eligible for Support
Some students who are experiencing a sudden or temporary medical crisis may assume that they don’t have a condition that is considered a disability and, as a result, do not contact the SDS team for assistance that may be beneficial to them. These students might be surprised to discover that they are, in fact, eligible for a range of support services and resources, which may include certain accommodations that can help them succeed in their courses.
Here are just a few examples of the temporary situations or conditions for which Student Disability Services can offer assistance:
- broken bones
- pregnancy with complications
- injuries that impact any functional abilities or create physical or mental limitations
Conditions involving concussions or post-concussion syndrome are also now among the most common situations that prompt students to contact SDS for assistance.
Types of Support Accommodations
The specific types of accommodations that may be appropriate or available will vary depending on the student’s specific needs and circumstances, but some common accommodations that are routinely approved for students include:
- extended time for tests or assignments
- course materials in alternative formats
- access to assistive technology
How to Get Help
If you’re a current World Campus student and would like to request assistance from Student Disability Services or speak to a Student Disability Specialist to find out if you’re eligible for support services, the first step is to complete the Disability Services Registration Form. After you submit the form, someone from the Student Disability Services team will be in touch with you to explain the next steps or gather any additional information that may be needed.
Related Content:
- How the Student Disability Services Team Helps World Campus Students — find out how this team supports students with a wide range of services and resources
- World Campus Students Can Use These Adaptive Technology Tools at No Cost — explore free resources available to all World Campus students