chronic migraines and visual impairment
Jon suffers from chronic migraines and visual impairment. When he expressed this to his professors and to the Assistant Dean they did not believe him; they believe Jon is lazy and looking for a way out. The Assistant Dean told Jon that his ‘disability’ is not substantially limiting and can be fixed by simply wearing his glasses and taking Advil. Jon’s primary concern is that no one believes him, and his creditably from the faculty and staff standpoint is quickly diminishing. His professors are characterizing Jon as being a terrible student that does not do the work required of him. Jon turned to me as his HEOP advisor because I was his last hope for justice before he gives up on himself and possibly drops out of school.
The definition of a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; a record or history of such an impairment; or being regarding as having a disability. I believe Jon qualifies for a disability because of his vision impairment. Jon cannot see words on a computer screen and powerpoints because of his low vision. Plus, his chronic migraines makes it impossible for him to focus on work and be attentive and engaged in class because he going through such hardships. I would direct Jon to the Center for Academic Success and the Health Center for further review and tests. I would have Jon go to the Health Center for his migraines and seek counseling if needed. I would also tell Jon to wear glasses to improve his vision which will maybe limit the number of migraines. In terms of technology, I would suggest to Jon the text-read software were the computer reads the text out-loud to Jon so he does not have to look at the computer screen which will alleviate his migraines.
According to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) there are several laws being broken. This first is, ‘substantially limits’ requires a lower degree of functional limitation than the standard previously applied by the courts. Jon has a vision impairment which requires him to receive accommodations in order to learn equally with his peers. I would tell Jon his vision fits the description of a disability. Another law that is being broke is, “extensive analysis should not be required to determine disability.” I would explain to Jon that none of his professors or the Assistant Dean has the right to diagnose any student of a disability. Also, there should not be a long procedure to determine someone’s disability. The last law I would make Jon aware of is, “an impairment lasting a short amount of time can still receive accommodations and considered a disability if it affects major life activities.” I would make Jon aware that his migraines could fit the description to this law. His migraines causes him to miss class and not do school work which can affect his everyday life.
Overall, my primary concern regarding Jon is his retention. I believe if this keeps up Jon will not return to school and his problems will not be addressed, maybe it gradually becomes worse. I am concerned that Jon has depression issues because no one is being empathic to his situation and continue to deny Jon when he tries to seek help. I will encourage Jon to continue to advocate for himself so he can get the proper accommodations.