Topic Progress:

Students with disabilities experience some challenges that are unique, but they also experience many challenges that are shared by the majority of college students.

Look again at the case-study for Katie, a student with bipolar disorder.

Online InstructionsFacilitator Notes

Download/print the Bipolar Disorder Activity Worksheet (doc) and fill it out.

Consider this – How could you adapt your classroom environment to accommodate the issues shared by a student with bipolar and many other students?

Heres a few suggestions:

  • Provide all assignments and deadlines at the start of the term, so that students can plan their time. Provide choices of assignments.
  • Create a classroom environment that reduces stress, promotes safety, and enhances cooperation rather than competition.
  • Have open lines of communication with students, so that concerns can be raised early, before they become serious.

Activity Details:

Download/print the Bipolar Disorder Activity Worksheet (doc) and ask participants to fill it out after watching the video.

Group Discussion Question:
How could you adapt your classroom environment to accommodate the issues shared by a student with bipolar and many other students?

Suggested Answers:

  • Provide all assignments and deadlines at the start of the term, so that students can plan their time. Provide choices of assignments.
  • Create a classroom environment that reduces stress, promotes safety, and enhances cooperation rather than competition.
  • Have open lines of communication with students, so that concerns can be raised early, before they become serious

Unique Characteristics of Students with Disabilities

Despite many similarities among students with and students without disabilities, it is helpful to be aware of some unique characteristics of students with disabilities as well.

  • Students with disabilities experience the same adjustment as all students but often need to make more academic or social adjustments

Click on each accordion to expand and learn more.

Students with a Longstanding Disability
  • Many students with disabilities accessing services at College have been diagnosed with their disability at an early age and have accessed supports throughout their schooling.
  • They are likely aware of what learning strategies and methods worked well for them in the past; however, as with other students, they may need to learn how the learning environment at College is different from past experiences, and how this will impact these strategies.
  • Most realize that they will need to take more time and put in more effort than the average student to reach their academic goals.
  • Most realize that having a realistic understanding of their areas of strength and weakness is critical to academic success.
  • Many know how to explain their learning style to others and know how to advocate for their needs.
  • Many recognize that there are services that can improve their performance, and have the attitude that it is appropriate to take advantage of the services available.
Students with a Newly Diagnosed Disability
  • For some students, a disability diagnosis may have occurred recently, or may be made while at College. For example onset of a chronic health condition, a traumatic brain injury, onset of a mental health condition, or a newly diagnosed learning disability.
  • These students may need time and support in understanding how their new situation will impact their learning, and life in general. In other cases, the diagnosis may help to explain difficulties they have experienced for a long time.
  • Some students may not know that their medical situation is recognized as a disability at the College.
  • Some students may struggle with accepting they have a disability, and may be less willing to access supports, or may wish to limit the services they access.
  • May also be concerned about maintaining confidentiality around their diagnosis.