Workshop sheds light on some hidden disabilities

If the only things that the word "disabilities" brings to mind are wheelchairs and seeing-eye dogs, it may be time for a broader definition. A new class of disabilities is on the rise, disabilities that often cannot be seen and are sometimes not even suspected by those who have them -psychological disabilities.

A workshop held Nov. 7 as part of Disability and Diversity Days 2006 sought to address psycholgoical disabilities.

Moderated by Counseling Center Director Ruperto Perez and Disability Services Specialist Tameeka Hunter, it was attended by several campus administrators.

The workshop sought to create a basis of understanding and foster support for people at Tech, especially students, with psychological disabilities.

"Psychological disabilities are known as one of the hidden disabilities because it's not necessarily visible. They are usually not apparent, not even to the people who have them," Perez said.

According to Perez, a psychological disability is a diagnosed mental condition that significantly impacts major life functioning.

"We're talking about a student who has shown a pattern of decline in academic performance, social well-being and physical health," Perez said.

"This is a disability that affects a number of different life spheres," Perez said.

Specific types of psychological disabilities include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Pointing to the fact that 86 percent of students with psychological disabilities withdraw from college without completing their degrees, Perez emphasized the importance of identifying students with these disabilities and providing them with the services they need for support.

"A common misconception [about psychological disabilities] is that students affected by them are unable to do well in college. This is simply not true. Given adequate accommodations and medical or therapeutic services, students can be successful," Perez said.

Other widespread misconceptions about these types of disabilities are that they do not count as "real" disabilities, or that students who have psychological disabilities pose a danger to other students.

"Actually, the student is probably a much greater threat to him or herself," Perez said.

However, the need for greater awareness and understanding of psychological disabilities may be greater now than ever before.

Perez cited statistics that indicate college years are the "right time" for psychological disabilities to emerge, with many of them developing in people between the ages of 18 and 25.

Tech is no exception. According to Perez, 35 percent of the students who come to the Counseling Center are dealing with depression and 25 percent are dealing with anxiety.

However, there are still many students who may not be getting the help they need.

"There's a considerable social stigma attached to having a psychological disability. It's difficult for students to come to terms with [it]. They're competitive, they're used to being among the best and brightest...to be labeled with a psychological disability undermines their self-esteem. We at the Counseling Center try to help them overcome that," Perez said.

Denise Johnson, the Assistant Dean of Students and director of Disability Services, provided further insight on the extent of the stigma.

"The number one question students ask us when they register [with our disability services office] is will this go on my transcript, will people know I have this disability? The answer is, of course, no," Johnson said.

Tech provides several resources for students with psychological disabilities.

In addition to the Counseling Center, the ADAPTS (Access Disabled Assistance Program for Tech Students) Office specifically provides students with information and support regarding their disabilities.

In order to receive help from ADAPTS, a student must self-identify him or herself as having a disability and show official documentation of the disability.

Documentation for psychological disabilities must be less than a year old, and are sometimes required to be renewed on a semi-annual basis because of the constantly changing nature of the disabilities.

Once students have submitted their documentation and register with ADAPTS, the office's staff serves them as full-time advocates.

ADAPTS staff help students secure adequate accommodations for their disabilities and obtain access to all college programs.

Common accommodations for these students include having extended time on exams, note takers, permission to record lectures and additional absences without penalty.

Hunter stressed the need for these accommodations to be reasonable.

"If a student is being impacted by the psychological disability such that [he or she] cannot function to the point that they need treatment, then [ADAPTS] can intercede on the student's behalf and talk to the faculty. Usually, the accommodations are very individually based...what they are depend on the student and their condition," Hunter said.

However, it has sometimes proven difficult to secure needed accommodations for students with psychological disabilities.

"One thing we get a lot from professors is that they say ADD [attention deficit disorder] is not a real disability, or the students couldn't be at Tech if they had ADD or they're just lazy and slacking off. That's when I go into data mode, talking about the biopsychosocial processes involved, the specific effects of the disorder on the frontal lobe...and then they understand," Hunter said.

"It's necessary to give them the hard and fast facts of the case, explain this is why the [accommodation] is needed for this student," Hunter said.

A section about psychological disabilities is included in mandatory orientations for new faculty, but there is currently no such mandatory training for faculty and staff already at Tech.

"It's important for professors to be educated about and aware of [psychological disabilities] so they're prepared when they have students with those disabilities...This is why we hold workshops like this one...We'd like to move to the point where all faculty receive training [about psychological disabilities]," Hunter said.

Students who have been diagnosed with a psychological disability or believe that they may be affected by one are encouraged to visit the Counseling Center and register with the ADAPTS office.

For more information about ADAPTS, please visit www.adapts.gatech.edu.