Other Health Impaired

A wide variety of medical disabilities are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act including any physiological disorder or condition affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, skin and endocrine. Students with illnesses such as cancer, lupus, HIV/Aids, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, hypertension and asthma may have educational limitations, which require accommodation. If a student in an instructor's class is experiencing a medical illness and is having difficulty meeting course requirements, they should refer this individual to the DSPS Office for assistance.

Common accommodations which instructors may be supporting for students with medical disabilities include: extended time on exams, flexibility with regard to attendance policies, allowing students water in class in order to take medications, and/or breaks during class.

All other verifiable disabilities and health related limitations that adversely affect education performance but do not fall into any of the other categories. There are some emerging disabilities such as environmental sensitivities and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which have recently begun to appear at community colleges in California. The Chancellor's Office facilitates the ongoing development of program requirements and funding of new disability programs. The DSPS Office will keep instructors informed on any implications for instruction at WHCL.