Proper terminology should be used when referring to a person who uses a wheelchair. Do not assume that all people who use wheelchairs have the same limitations. If a person who uses a wheelchair has a service animal, do not pet or play with the animal. A service animal is working and should not be interrupted. Dispel any myths about working with students with psychiatric disabilities.
Mental illness is a disease and can be treated.
People with severe and persistent mental illnesses can be productive members of society. Remember your obligation to keep disability related information confidential. Remind students through disability statements on syllabi and if asked, that academic accommodations are given when the student has completed the process to document a disability and a request for accommodations has been received. The risk may not be speculative or remote and must be based on objective medical or other factual evidence concerning a particular event, contact or individual. Adapted by the EKU Office of Services for Students with Disabilities Tips for Handling Confidentiality Faculty should be prepared to handle questions from non-disabled students who perceive accommodations provided to students with disabilities as unfair advantages.