Mobility Impairment - Steps to Register

Definition

To date, there are approximately 8 million Americans who have some type of mobility impairment that necessitates the use of adaptive equipment such as a cane, crutches, walker, wheelchair, or scooter. A person with mobility impairment simply uses different ways to get around. Often times, assistive devices help him or her overcome mobility obstacles. Mobility impairments may result from a number of different medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and paraplegia. Temporary impairments, like broken legs, can also result in mobility impairments.

Access is one of the major concerns of the student who uses a wheelchair. The student must learn routes to and from classes and across campus that do not present barriers. A barrier may be a stair, curb, narrow walkway, heavy door, elevator door that has no delay mechanism etc. Students use wheelchairs or other mobility aids as a result of a variety of disabilities including spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, post-polio, multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, quadriplegia, paraplegia, amputation, muscular dystrophy, and so on. The student with spina bifida may have short stature and may use a wheelchair, braces, or crutches. A number of individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy walk without assistance but may not be able to negotiate steps or other barriers. Other disabilities that can significantly affect students' general mobility include cardiac conditions, chronic back pain, active sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and respiratory disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

Documentation

Please send in the report pertaining to your diagnosis.

How to Register with SSD

The report can be faxed to 734-936-3947, emailed to ssdoffice@umich.edu, or brought to our office at G-664 Haven Hall.

Follow-up is necessary. Once our office receives the paperwork you will need to call Dan Measel at 734-763-3001 or email him at longcane@umich.edu to set up an appointment and/or to let you know of any additional paperwork needed.

During the initial meeting, the registration paperwork will be done. Dan Measel will determine your eligibility for services and identify reasonable and appropriate academic accommodations.

Please note that University Policy is two weeks’ prior notice for any academic accommodation.

More information about mobility impairment