Temporary Impairment

A temporary impairment (e.g., broken arm or leg, recovering from surgery, mononucleosis, etc.) "does not constitute a disability for purposes of Section 504 or the ADA unless its severity is such that it results in a substantial limitation of one or more major life activities for an extended period of time. The issue of whether a temporary impairment is substantial enough to be a disability must be resolved on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration both the duration (or expected duration) of the impairment and the extent to which it actually limits a major life activity of the affected individual." See Question #34 on the Office for Civil Rights web page.

Individuals with impairments expected to last less than 3 months are generally not eligible for services from the McBurney Disability Resource Center. McBurney can provide students with information regarding access, parking, snow removal, transportation, and wheelchair rentals, as well as academic needs. Please refer to the resources listed below.

If the impairment is expected to last longer than 3 months, please follow the procedure to become a McBurney client.

1. Where can I get information on physical accessibility to classrooms and/or events on campus?
   
   Refer to Facilities, Planning and Management’s Disability Resource Guide.



2. What options are available for parking close to my classes?


A temporary UW DIS permit may be purchased at any Transportation Services office with a University ID and written notification from a doctor. The temporary UW DIS permit is valid for a maximum period of one month and will not be extended without a State DOT permit. More information on accessible parking is available on Transportation Services web site.


3. How can I get help with snow removal on campus?


Refer to the Snow Removal Service for Individuals with Mobility Impairments.


4. If I can’t walk far enough to use standard bus routes, are there other options available?


Madison Metro's Paratransit Service provides curb to curb service from one building to another. Students with temporary mobility impairments can print out the paratransit service application from Madison Metro's web site. Just click on "Paratransit Service" on the menu bar near the top of the page, and then "Application Form (PDF)" under the "Getting Started" section on the left menu bar. Please note that completed applications must be mailed or dropped off at Madison Metro since an original signature is required on the application.

Your ASM bus pass can be used for paratransit services. Refer to ASM's web site. For additional campus paratransit concerns, contact Margaret Bergamini at mmbergamini@facstaff.wisc.edu.

Also Route 80, the campus bus, is wheelchair accessible and runs frequently. Refer to routes and schedules on Madison Metro's web site.


5. Where can I get a key for elevators in Van Hise, SERF, Humanities, Ingraham, and Computer Science?


Contact the McBurney Disability Resource Center, mcburney@odos.wisc.edu, 1305 Linden Drive, (608) 263-2741 (voice), (608) 263-6393 (TTY), (608) 265-2998 (fax).


6. Where can I get a loaner wheelchair or set of crutches?


Personal devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs, should be obtained through the student’s medical services. McBurney (see “5” above) does offer short-term wheelchair loans on a first-come, first-served basis.


7. Who do I contact to discuss accessibility issues in University Housing?


Contact Barbara Burchfield at barbara.burchfield@housing.wisc.edu .

If you have a temporary impairment that will impact your academic work, we recommend that you contact your professors as soon as possible. You should discuss issues such as notetaking, taking exams, writing/typing written assignments, and class absences.

Notetaking

1. Ask your instructor or TA if the course notes already exist and whether they would be willing to give you a copy or let you make a copy. Instructors may suggest other possibilities.



2. Find someone in the class who would be willing to let you copy his or her notes. The McBurney Center can provide you with a letter requesting your instructor’s help in recruiting a volunteer notetaker.



3. Tape-record the class. Talk with the instructor about this first.

Writing Projects

1. Seek assistive technology on or off campus (e.g., adaptive computer keyboard, voice-activated software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking, etc.). Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) is a software program that converts spoken words into words on a page. A voice file needs to be created. DNS is currently available in the McBurney Learning Resource Room at Memorial Library. Ask for the key at the circulation desk.



2. Negotiate extra time to complete papers or consider taking an incomplete.



3. Hire writing help. For example, post a listing on the UW Job Center website.



4. Get a volunteer to help with writing or to transcribe from tapes (the Morgridge Center could post flyers, with your contact information, in residence halls or you could ask someone from your class).



5. Negotiate a substitute for a written assignment (e.g., oral or taped presentation, weighing other course requirements more heavily, etc.).



6. Determine if the same course is offered by an instructor who doesn’t require as much writing.



7. Determine if the course is absolutely necessary or if there’s a substitute.



8. Check with the department chair, faculty, or staff for resources.



9. Be creative. Use a combination of these options. Be sure to involve your instructors in finding solutions.

Taking Exams

1. Work with your instructor to make informal accommodations (e.g., using a computer, tape-recording your answers to short-answer and/or essay questions, having someone in the department scribe the exam, using Dragon Naturally Speaking - see #1 under Writing Projects).