What is a Temporary Disability?

A temporary disability is a short-term condition that significantly impacts your ability to engage in academics (or other parts of your program here at Cornell). It could be something like a broken bone, a concussion, or a significant surgery recovery.

Connect with SDS as soon as possible if your ability to engage in academics may be impacted by a temporary disability. We could discuss appropriate short term arrangements (accommodations) with you. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration how your condition impacts your academics, as well as your expected timeline for recovery.

Not sure if your condition may be a temporary disability? Contact our office. We welcome a discussion with you to advise on the best path forward. 

Short-term Illnesses and Other Conditions

When you are sick, or have a sudden situation, you should communicate directly with your instructors to discuss options for staying on track with your coursework. Neither SDS, nor Cornell Health (pdf), will provide documentation for excused absences. In many cases, your instructor(s) can offer flexibility or guidance.

If you are experiencing a short-term illness or condition (cold, flu, mononucleosis, a sudden distressing situation like a death in the family, etc.), this is not considered a disability. Therefore you would not be eligible for disability accommodations.  

We encourage you to review the general tips below: 

• Review your syllabi. Often, instructors have policies regarding short-term absences and missed work, and procedures for how to let them know if you need to use them.    
• Communicate with your instructors (see example email template below). They may be able to work with you to provide short-term flexibility, such as makeup exams, extensions to submit assignments, or support during office hours for class time you might have missed.  
• Assistive technology can help with things like writing, taking notes, and reading. Many options are free or low cost.  
• Check in with your College/School Advising staff. They could connect you to academic support resources.
• Contact Student Support and Advocacy Services. They provide support to students navigating sudden situations.    

Example Email Template

Here is an example email template you can use to communicate with your instructors or course staff:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],  
 
My name is [Name] and I’m enrolled in your course, [Course name]. I am currently experiencing symptoms related to recent injury/illness that are preventing me from [GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: turning in an assignment on time / taking an upcoming exam].  

This course matters to me and I want to be able to still participate and perform the work in the course to the best of my ability. However, my recent condition is going to impact me for a few days. I am asking to [GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES: have a two day extension on my problem set / get a three day extension on the paper]. I am happy to connect about my progress so far.

Thank you for your help and support during this time.  
 
Sincerely,  
[Your Name]