Working with Students who have a Chronic Medical Condition

Download this Information Sheet : PDF : 85KB.

Overview

Many students study with a range of chronic or long term medical conditions which have a significant impact on how they manage life and their time at University. Many conditions fall under this category such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, asthma, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Many of these conditions are lifelong, others such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, may only be present for several years. Some conditions are stable and well managed, others are degenerative and/or terminal.

To be eligible for DLU services

A report from a relevant treating professional such as GP or specialist is required. Depending on the nature of each illness and its impact on the individual, students may be required to regularly update their medical documentation to ensure DLU staff are aware of current health issues. DLU staff also collect a detailed history of the student with regard to previous education and/or employment participation.

Common barriers at university

A student who has a chronic or long term medical condition may experience one or more of the following barriers to learning and inclusion. Please note this list provides only a sample of common barriers.

• Significant levels of fatigue and/ or pain due to the impact of the medical condition and/or treatment
• Maintaining regular attendance may be difficult
• Difficulty in meeting deadlines due to the ongoing impact of the illness
• Difficulty maintaining a heavy subject load or meeting intensive attendance requirements (e.g. placements, field trips)
• Performance under timed assessment is often significantly compromised.
• Social isolation as students often are able to attend functions, meetings beyond scheduled class times due to fatigue.
• Issues with concentration and organisation due to fatigue and/or pain.

Common examples of assistive technology

Not all students with a long term or chronic medical condition use assistive technology to support their studies. Some common examples of assistive technology are:

• Tape recorders to record classes due to inability to focus and take notes at the same time
• Word prediction software
• Use of computers to replace handwritten activities
• Use of i-Lecture facilities to review classes and consolidate learning, especially if attendance is irregular

top of page

Common Academic adjustments

• Extensions on assignments
• Alternative Examination Arrangements e.g. additional reading time, additional writing time, rest breaks, use of computer
• Copies of overheads, lecture notes, information available on web or i-lecture - this allows students to focus on content rather than notetaking tasks
• Flexibility with attendance hurdles
• Advance notice of field trips with discussion of alternatives if the task is not appropriate for a student with a medical condition to participate in.

top of page

Useful Links and Resources

Creating Accessible Teaching & Support (CATS) - click on the practical strategies section

Australian Disability Clearing House on Education and Training (ADCET) is a web based information source that provides up to date, accurate and comprehensive information about inclusive teaching, learning and assessment strategies, accommodations and support services for people with disabilities.

Individual disability organisations will have resources available outlining the impact of a particlaur health conditions. Disability On-line is a web resource that can link you to specific agencies for further information.

top of page