It is useful to know more about the implications of specific disabilities and health conditions in order to better meet the needs of students. The following sections offer insight into the experience of living and studying with an impairment, and explain terms you may encounter.
Impairments result from injury, illness or genetic disorders - but our focus is the implications of the impairment for learning, not the specifics of the impairment itself. Our responsibility is to make reasonable adjustments to teaching and assessment practices in order to minimise the impact of the student's impairment.
Although wheelchairs and guide dogs are familiar indicators of disability, people's disabilities are most often "hidden" or inconspicuous. Rather than make assumptions about the impact of a student's condition on their learning, ask them what assistance or accommodations they need. Remember, it is always the implications of impairment that are of concern, not the "diagnosis".
Specific Impairments: