HIV /AIDS

An individual with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is considered as having a systemic disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protect individuals who are HIV positive, have AIDS, or AIDS-related conditions.

Qualified Person with HIV Infection:

Although HIV Disease/AIDS is considered to be a protected disability, affected persons also must meet the legal requirements for a "qualified individual with disabilities" to be eligible for protections and rights available. For purposes of receiving services, education or training, a qualified individual with disabilities is a person who meets normal and essential eligibility requirements of the University.

To Receive Disability Services:

To receive services from Disability Support Services, medical documentation must be provided. See the Documentation Guidelines for Physical Disabilities and Systemic Illnesses. Because symptoms of HIV Disease/AIDS are dynamic, current documentation is required. As accommodation needs change, DSS may also require updated medical information.

As with all disabilities, the individual must request accommodations.

Possible Issues And Disability Accommodations:

Some possible issues associated with HIV disease/AIDS that may affect the academic/work setting are listed. The issues are then matched with appropriate accommodations:

Fatigue and/or HIV disease/AIDS Related Illnesses/ Physical Symptoms:

  • reduced course load (may be eligible for part-time financial aid)
  • Wheelchair or Health Related parking permits
  • limited transportation (academic purposes only)
  • extended course/program deadlines
  • flexibility with class attendance when student's disability exacerbated, or when s/he is December 6, 2006> communication with professors and DSS is critical
  • taped textbooks
  • volunteer note takers and/or taping of lectures
  • special seating
  • ability to leave the class to take care of medical needs
  • test accommodations: extended time, use of a scribe and/or reader use of technology, and a quiet environment 
  • housing accommodations: quiet roommate, single room, quiet floor in the Residence Hall, quiet Residence Hall

Medicine regimes/doctor appointments may restrict class times:

Early registration for choice of appropriate classes and times to maximize attendance

Emotional and Social issues:
 Counseling Center Referral

Accommodations are based on an individualized and reasonable basis.

CONFIDENTIALITY -Even though Disability Support Services requires medical documentation, the student does not need to disclose the specific diagnosis with the campus community (i.e. faculty, administrators, and staff), only the impact the disability has on the individual.

Call (970) 351-2289 for additional information