We suggest numerous accommodation questions related to individuals with mental health impairments studying/working successfully. Although there are various definitions and list of impairments, this document covers those that are received the mostly in CBR projects.

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• Bipolar disorder sometimes referred to as manic depression, "is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children."

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is "an often misunderstood, serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self image, and behavior. It is a disorder of emotional dysregulation. This instability often disrupts family and work, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity."

• Major depression is "persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health.”

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) "occurs when an individual experiences obsessions and compulsions for more than an hour each day, in a way that interferes with his or her life."

• Panic disorder occurs when a person "experiences recurrent panic attacks, at least one of which leads to at least a month of increased anxiety or avoidant behavior. Panic disorder may also be indicated if a person experiences fewer than four panic episodes but has recurrent or constant fears of having another panic attack."

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is "an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event that caused intense fear, helplessness, or horror. While it is common to experience a brief state of anxiety or depression after such occurrences, people with PTSD continually re-experience the traumatic event; avoid individuals, thoughts, or situations associated with the event; and have symptoms of excessive emotions. People with this disorder have these symptoms for longer than one month and cannot function as well as they did before the traumatic event. PTSD symptoms usually appear within three months of the traumatic experience; however, they sometimes occur months or even years later."

• Schizophrenia "often interferes with a person's ability to think clearly; to distinguish reality from fantasy; and to manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others."

 

Accommodating Students with Mental Health Impairments

 

People with mental health impairments may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people with mental health impairments will need accommodations to perform. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.

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Questions to Consider:

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1.            What limitations is the student experiencing?

2.            How do these limitations affect the student and the student’s job performance?

3.            What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?

4.            What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all   

                possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?

5.            Has the student been consulted regarding possible accommodations?

6.           Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the student to

               evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional

               accommodations are needed?

7.           Do supervisory personnel and students need training?

 

 

Key Accommodations:

Managing Panic Attacks: For individuals with mental health impairments, having accommodations to help manage panic attacks can be helpful.

• Flexible Schedule

• Modified Break Schedule

• Rest Area/Private Space

• Support Animal

• Support Person

• Identify and Reduce Triggers

 

Rest Area/Private Space: An individual may need space to rest, take medication, or perform hygiene associated with activities of daily living. An area reserved as a rest area or private space could be a reasonable accommodation. For example, during or after a seizure, people with epilepsy may exhibit behaviors such as crying, drooling, spitting, or urinating. As a result, the person may need time following a seizure to engage in activities of daily living such as grooming and changing clothes. This type of space might also be helpful to those who have sleep disorders, diabetes, or who struggle with panic attacks.

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Identify and Reduce Triggers: Some disabilities or medical conditions may have specific triggers that exacerbate symptoms. If triggers are present in the workplace, it can be helpful to identify what they are and explore accommodations to help. A variety of medical conditions may have associated triggers including migraines, seizure disorders, anxiety/panic disorders, PTSD, and fibromyalgia. The process of identifying triggers is individualized. Common examples are noise, light, and stress.