What is a Disability?

According to VIU's Policy 32.02, the institution has a duty to provide reasonable accommodation to students with documented disabilities. Students not yet connected to Accessibility Services, please see Steps to Connecting.

Disability is defined as:

Permanent Disability

A functional limitation caused by a physical or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a student to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a post-secondary level and is expected to remain with the student for the student’s natural life.

Examples of permanent disabilities include:

  • Learning DisabilityStudent T. Shepo
  • ADHD
  • Low vision/blindness
  • Hard of hearing/Deaf
  • Chronic Health conditions such as chronic migraines, arthritis
  • Mental Health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc. 
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Neurological conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
  • Auto-immune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis
  • Cognitive Disability, such as Mild Intellectual Disability. Please also see the Workplace Essential Skills and Training (WEST) program website

Temporary Disability

A functional limitation caused by a physical or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a student to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a post-secondary level and that is expected to remain with the student for a time limit as determined by an appropriate medical professional.

Examples of temporary disabilities include:

  • concussion
  • broken arm

Next: Documentation