Services for Students with Psychological Disabilities
The University of Georgia has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of students diagnosed with psychological disabilities. Some of the diagnoses commonly seen among college students today include major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders . The symptoms of a psychological disorder can be chronic, episodic or may occur only once in a student's lifetime. Often, psychological disorders onset in the late teens to early thirties. As a result, accepting the disability and its functional limitations may be a new experience for many students.
The Disability Resource Center professionals are particularly sensitive to the stigma and misconceptions often associated with psychological disorders. Although students may be hesitant to disclose their disabilities to faculty, they are encouraged to develop self-advocacy skills. The Disability Resource Center works with students and faculty to dispel many of the myths and stereotypes and to assure appropriate accommodations are available.
Services include:
- Auxiliary Aid Services
- Curriculum counseling regarding course selection and scheduling
- Regularly scheduled meetings to monitor academic progress and issues related to the disability
- Assistance in consulting with faculty to advocate for student needs
- Restructuring class assignments
- Student support groups
- Priority registration
- Access to the Assistive Technology Lab
- Referral to campus and private tutorial services
- Referral as needed to other campus resources
- Referral as needed to community agencies and resources