Temporary Medical Conditions: Injuries, Surgeries, or Illnesses

Although the University of Colorado would like to be able to serve students recovering from temporary medical conditions such as injuries, surgeries, or acute illnesses, our resources are limited to serving students with permanent disabilities. A temporary medical condition does not qualify as a disability and is not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 or under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act because the extent, duration, and impact of the condition is not permanent. However, the University recognizes that temporary medical conditions can occur during the school year and may adversely affect a student’s ability to fully participate in classes. Below are strategies and resources for finding needed support during a difficult time.

Proof of Temporary Medical Condition/Injury
Ask your doctor or medical provider what to expect regarding your condition relating to the severity of your condition, impact on your mobility, ability to care for yourself as well as the impact on your ability to attend classes and keep up with your academic workload. Obtain a dated letter from your doctor or medical provider who can provide information about your condition or injury. Information about the duration and limitations of your condition should be included. You may need to distribute copies of this letter campus staff (e.g., professors, Bursar, financial aid, Disability Services, Residence Life, etc.).

Contact Your Professors
Your professors are your most important allies. Keep them informed of difficulties you may face (e.g., getting to class on time, seating, extra space to store crutches or other implements, need for note takers, additional time or scribes for exams).

Attendance and Academic Performance
Be aware that decisions regarding class attendance, and making up missed work is at the discretion of your professors.

• Talk with your professors about your situation and determine what agreements can be reached about the classes you are going to miss or have already missed.
• When you return to class, make sure to speak with your professors and teaching assistants and find out about any missed work or assignments.
• If you missed or will miss the assignment deadlines, try to work out an agreement with your professors about time extensions.
• Discuss how you might make up for any class participation or labs required. There may be other sections of the same class that you can attend in lieu of the one in which you are registered.
• If you missed a quiz/test/exam/assignment, consult with your professor as soon as possible. Remember professors have deadlines for posting student grades.
• Allow additional time in your schedule for schoolwork and rehabilitation.
• Consider reducing your course load.
• If your condition has caused you to miss a major part of the semester, discuss this with your professors. It may be necessary withdraw or to request an incomplete.

Class Notes
If you cannot write due to a hand or arm injury, find a student in your class who is willing to take notes for you. There are several ways to work out the logistics.

• Disability Services can provide you with carbonless notepaper (at no charge). Your note taker can take notes as usual, using this paper, and give you a copy immediately after class. Disability Services office is located in Center for Community, N200. You can also ask for a photocopy of your classmate’s notes for any missed classes.
• If you cannot find a note taker yourself, ask your professor to find you a volunteer from the class.
• Get permission from your professor to tape record lectures.

Written or Typed Assignments
Find a volunteer, friend, or family member to write or type your assignment. If this is not possible, you may have to hire an assistant to assist you.

Exam
Depending on your specific needs, below are some strategies for taking exams. You should discuss your needs with your professors:

• Complete multiple-choice portions of exams by placing a mark next to your selected answer directly on the exam rather than on a Scantron sheet.
• Request additional time to complete your exam. Do this before the day of the exam.
• Get permission to take rest breaks during your exams.
• Tape-record your answers.
• For exams that requires use of your hands such as science lab experiments or projects, ask for permission to orally describe what you would do, why you would do it, what you observe, etc.
• Use a scribe (provided by your professor, TA or Disability Services).

If your professor is not able to accommodate you with additional time or a scribe, you or your professor may contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 to arrange to take your exam in our office.

Personal Assistance (personal care assistance, carrying books, etc)
Contact the fraternities or sororities as they may have a volunteer to assist you or:

Colorado Home Care (303) 442-5701
Family Care at Home (303) 430-0339
Professional Home Health Care (303) 444-1981

Field placements/Professional Practicum
If you are scheduled to go out on a field placement experience or practicum during your recuperation, contact the appropriate faculty advisor to discuss your situation.

Campus Accessibility
Our campus accessibility guide will provide you with information regarding accessible entrances, restroom and elevators for all campus buildings.

• Allow more time for getting to and from classes.
• Inform your professors you may be a bit late to class.
• Ask library staff for research assistance or if you need helping get books from the shelves to your table.
• While navigating around campus, consider having someone to accompany you.

Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals

 NOTICE: Information on wheelchair and scooter rentals is provided as a public service and Disability Services has no liability for any changes made to the rental price, business phone number or address, etc.

Snow Removal
For information on snow removal from campus paths of travel, visit the Facilities Management Snow Removal webpage or contact Alan Nelson, Campus Snow Marshall, at 303-492-5522 or 303-492-5524. You can also send an e-mail to snowremoval@fm.colorado.edu.

Transportation
There is no shuttle service on campus or assistance getting to and from classes. Boulder community transportation resources include:

• Special Transit 303-447-2848
  a private, not-for-profit organization providing door-through-door, wheelchair accessible transportation to individuals who cannot access or afford other transit alternatives, might be of assistance to you.
• RTD 303-441-3266
• Yellow Cab 303-777-7777

Parking
For information regarding campus parking, please contact Parking and Transportation Services. Their phone number is 303-492-7384.

Revised 9/13/10