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The alternative testing option, with state of the art assistive technology, helps me effectively and efficiently complete my academic requirements.
-Barbara, Friendship Memorial Scholar

Chronic Health Disabilities

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Welcome

Students, faculty and staff affected by chronic health disabilities differ from those with other disabilities as many chronic health disabilities may fluctuate in severity. This type of disability may affect one or more of the body's systems including the respiratory, immunological, neurological and circulatory systems. Since a person's health condition may change, the nature of and need for reasonable accommodations may also change.

Full-time disability specialists coordinate disability programs, and are also available for consultation to evaluate and address the needs of students, faculty and employees.

Eve Lares, a recent MSU graduate and former RCPD student, on her graduation day.

Getting Started with RCPD (MyProfile)

Log on to the MyProfile page with your MSU NetID and password to register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. MyProfile provides online forms and initiates communication with a Disability Specialist.

Documentation

Documentation of a disability must appear on official letterhead from a licensed medical or diagnostic professional and include a diagnosis, scope or degree of involvement, and summary of related functional limitations. RCPD provides a downloadable Chronic Health Condition Documentation form that may be used by medical providers to document conditions.

After documentation of a disability has been provided and a needs assessment is completed, reasonable accommodations are determined. RCPD will provide a verification letter that includes: (a) verification of disability and status as a student or employee registered with the RCPD (b) an outline of reasonable accommodations.

Students will receive a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations letter, otherwise known as a VISA.

Employees will receive a Statement of Employee Accommodation Determination letter, otherwise known as a SEAD.

Confidentiality

RCPD adheres to strict standards of confidentiality in the management of student information. Since RCPD is the only holder of disability documentation, all disability-related documentation should be directed to RCPD (not other campus departments).

Accommodations

RCPD recognizes that accommodations may be required in order to assist individuals in maximizing their educational and workplace experience at MSU. While the university is required to provide reasonable accommodations, it is not required to change essential academic requirements or job functions.

Before Requesting Accommodations, students and employees must Identify and Register as a person with a disability and provide appropriate documentation of their disability to RCPD. Employees should refer to the Reasonable Accommodations Policy for University Applicants and Employees, for the procedure on requesting worksite accommodations.

Students and employees with a chronic health disability may be eligible to receive the following accommodations facilitated by RCPD:

Resources

Building Community

MSU provides many venues for collaboration and community building on disability issues. Please consider becoming involved in organizations including:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions that have not been answered on this page, please refer to the FAQ Page.

The Specialist Spotlight

Thought you should know...November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Those who experience seizures understand the importance of maintaining good sleep hygiene (getting plenty of sleep, and having similar times for going to bed and getting up each day), and staying healthy in order to manage Epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Often, increased seizure activity can affect memory, focus, and concentration, which can make studying and completing academic tasks more time consuming and challenging. I've listed a few resources below regarding epilepsy and care and management.

First, consider joining MSU's Neuro Network for a meeting or social event! Neuro Network may be a great opportunity for you to advocate and educate
regarding neurological illness, disorder, and injury, as well as meet and share experiences with some great new people! Meetings are typically held every other Thursday at 5:15 in Bessey Hall. Send me an email for more details!

A few websites

Have other suggestions? Feel free to forward them on and I'll add to the list!

 

Contact Information

Shani Feyen

Shani Feyen

Chronic Health Disabilities
(517) 884-1902


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