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Types of Disabilities

We recognize that a student's particular condition or impairment is not necessarily disabling. Rather, disability arises when a student's condition intersects with a barrier in a class, an institution, a building, or other setting. Our goal is to eliminate barriers at SUNY Oswego that may keep a student from getting equal access to the university's programs. Learn more about how we work to eliminate barriers for students who experience different types of disabilities.

This content will cover Temporary Disabilities, Ongoing Disabilities, Episodic Disabilities, Permanent Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Mental Health Disorders.

If you are unsure where your disability or impairment falls into the categories listed above, Contact the Accessibility Resources Team to schedule a meeting!

Temporary Disabilities

A Temporary Disability could be a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities for a limited period of time.

Whether you're recovering from an injury, surgery, illness, or managing another serious condition, Accessibility Resources is here to support your academic success. These impairments may arise from situations such as surgery, injury, illness, or medical treatments and typically improve or resolve with time. Unlike permanent disabilities, temporary disabilities are expected to last for only weeks or months rather than a lifetime.

  • A broken limb that affects mobility or writing
  • Recovery from surgery that restricts class participation
  • Short-term mental health conditions due to trauma or illness
  • Pregnancy-related complications (though pregnancy itself is not a disability, associated impairments may qualify for temporary support) these complications may affect access to SUNY Oswego programs or coursework (The Office of Accessibility Resources works in coordination with the SUNY Oswego Title IX Office)

If you're experiencing a temporary condition—whether listed here or not—please don't hesitate to contact The Office of Accessibility Resources at 315-312-3358 or [email protected]. We're here to help you navigate your options and maintain your academic progress.

Episodic Disabilities

While these disabilities are chronic in condition, they become episodic due to symptoms fluctuating over time. These are often characterized by periods of of wellness and impairment that may vary in frequency, duration and intensity.. Below are a few examples of episodic disabilities we have encountered in our office:

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Chronic Pain
  • Crohn's & Colitis
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Schizophrenia
  • And more...

 

Ongoing Disabilities

An ongoing disability refers to a long-term or chronic condition that may vary in severity over time. This disability often requires continuous management and persists over time, often significantly impacting a person's daily life, work, and overall well-being. Ongoing disabilities may improve with treatment or fluctuate over time.

  • Autism
  • Blindness and other visual impairments
  • Cancer
  • Deafness or hard of hearing
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • and more...

Permanent Disabilities

These types of disabilities are a lasting impairment, injury, or medical condition that significantly affects a person's ability to work or perform daily tasks; and are often characterized by a condition that will not improve or resolve completely. Examples of these include:

  • Arthritis
  • Back Pain and limited lifting ability
  • Certain Cancers
  • Chronic Heart Diseases
  • Loss of a Limb
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • and more...

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that originate in brain development and typically manifest early in life. They affect cognitive, behavioral, social, and academic functioning, and many continue to impact individuals into adulthood. Examples include:

  • ADHD
  • Learning Disabilities
    • Dysgraphia
    • Dyscalculia
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Motor Disorders
    • Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Communication Disorders
    • Language Disorder
    • Speech/Sound Disorder

Mental Health Disorders

A mental health disorder is a medical condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior, and may cause distress or impair daily functioning. These disorders can influence how individuals relate to others, handle stress, make decisions, and cope with life’s challenges. Examples include:

  • Depressive Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Eating Disorders