Services for Students with Psychological Disabilities

A psychological disability is a diagnosed mental illness or disorder that substantially limits one or more major life activities. It is important to note that a mental disorder in or of itself does not necessarily constitute a disability. Many psychological disorders can be controlled using a combination of medication and psychotherapy so that they do not "substantially limit" a student in the academic environment.

Students who have been evaluated for a psychological disorder and need to request accommodations should follow the procedures under Guidelines for Students with Disabilities.

Psychiatric disabilities may include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. After review of current medical documentation, accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. The Disability Resource Center may make the following recommendations:

• Allowance to use tape recorder in classroom
• Supplemental note-taker service
• Testing accommodation (such as reduced distraction area)
• Allowance to sit where most comfortable in the classroom (such as near the door or at a distance from others, depending on student's comfort zone)
• Support of student's petition for late withdrawal if medical absence prohibits student from completing coursework
• Reasonable flexibility with medical absence when possible

For additional information, contact:

Cathy Patus, Director
Disability Resource Center
119 Stevenson Hall
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
(502) 852-6938
cathy.patus@louisville.edu