STUDENTS WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISABILITIES

DEFINITION

A working definition of psychological disability serves as the foundation for understanding the needs of a student with such a disability.

• A psychological disability is defined as a persistent psychological or psychiatric disorder or emotional or mental illness resulting in impairment of educational, social or vocational functioning as reported by a mental health professional, based on a diagnosis from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM V).

Some examples of psychological disabilities include bi-polar and depressive disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, etc.  Although diagnosed with a psychological disability, an individual’s functioning may be extremely variable relative to medication, stress or factors associated with the disability. Accommodations should then be based upon the diagnosis and the limitations imposed.

ASSESSING A PSYCHOLOGICAL DISABILITY

Psychological disabilities are diagnosed by clinical psychologists or psychiatrists in a process that may include assessment of historical development, observation and/or testing.  The diagnosis should be used as a starting point in defining appropriate accommodations.

THE COUNSELING CENTER

The South Dakota State University Counseling Center offers individual counseling services to students dealing with psychological disabilities.  These services can be beneficial in helping the individual cope with conflict or stress, to alter behavior patterns.

ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS

Due to a general lack of awareness and understanding, people often react fearfully to individuals with a psychological disability.  Their reactions may result from limited exposure or from media-embellished incidents.  While some believe people with psychological disabilities are dangerous, studies have found that they do not commit more crimes or act more violently than the general population.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS – WHAT FACULTY CAN DO

Because sudden changes may occur to a student with a psychological disability resulting from such events as changes in medication or occasions of extreme distress, the faculty member may need to make modifications in the scheduling of assignments or exams. This does not mean nor suggest that the requirements should be reduced or waived, but modified in such a manner as to remove obstacles to the student’s academic performance. All accommodations should be coordinated with the Office of Disability Services, and a continuing dialogue between the student and professor should be maintained.

• Suggestions for assignments, exams and lectures
• Allow for note-takers or tape recordings of class lectures
• Allow beverages due to effects of medication
• Provide time extensions for tests
• Provide a distraction free room for examinations
• Allow time extensions for assignments
• Permit late withdrawals