Students with disabilities that are the result of a psychological condition or a chronic health condition may not feel the need to disclose this to you.  Often the primary manifestation of the condition is that the student may miss class when a flare-up of the condition occurs.  Taking courses via distance education can be very helpful for these students.  However, some accommodations may need to be considered.

• Additional time to complete assignments may be necessary when the condition precludes the student from participating in class.
• For various reasons, these students may require extended time on exams.  If this is the case refer the student to DSD to assist in the provision of these accommodations.  If you use Inqsit for online exams, DSD can simply program in the necessary extended time for the student.  If you use Blackboard and a student needs extended time for an exam, you will need to create a separate section of the exam for the student and extend the time allotted for the test.  This is a quick and simple process.  Hamid Tabariasl (285-1844; htabaria@bsu.edu) can assist with this.
• Often students with a psychological disability or chronic health condition might request flexibility in the attendance policy as their primary academic accommodation. Often times the side effects of medication, counseling/mediation appointments, and the difficulty of keeping a structured schedule interfere with the student's attendance.  However, since many distance education classes do not meet at all or meet only a few times during the semester, it is important that the student works closely with the instructor to make up any work missed.  It is also necessary that the student understands that missing class may result in being unable to complete the course requirements or possibly withdrawing from the class.