A temporary condition can be an injury or illness that usually lasts less than 8 weeks but can cause unforeseen barriers impacting your academics and overall Rutgers experience. These barriers can come in the form of difficulty writing, walking long distances, and more. Our goal is to facilitate access to classes and services if you run into challenges navigating this process, however, it is essential that you take an active role in identifying your needs, engaging with offices, and providing the necessary documentation to help ensure your academic success.
Some examples of a temporary condition are: a concussion, broken bone, or the short-term effects following surgery. Because of the short-term nature of the condition, these conditions are not covered by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). If a condition persists past 8 weeks or becomes chronic, you may be eligible for Office of Disability Services accommodations.
Attend Virtual Drop-In Hours or Schedule an appointment to discuss. See Requesting Assistance for more information.
Academics
As always, contact each faculty member or Teaching Assistant if you have circumstances that affect your attendance, engagement and/or academic performance. Based on the structure of the course, they may already have strategies to assist you, or they may be able to identify new options. It is important to note that some requested strategies may not be feasible or available.
If a faculty member requests a Verification Notice for documentation of your condition, please see Absence and Verification Notices.
Transportation & Mobility
If transportation is a challenge, Rutgers offers a paratransit van for those unable to use the campus bus service. This service can pick you up from designated locations on campus and drop you off closer to academic buildings. If you have a parking permit for a car, but walking long distances is a challenge, you may apply for an accessible parking permit. More information about both of these services can be found: Accessible Transportation and Parking | Office of Disability Services (rutgers.edu)
If obtaining meals from the dining halls is difficult, please complete this form and a member of our staff will contact you.
Software
Use of computers are part of most academic requirements, and some injuries may make it difficult to fulfill requirements.
Dictation software can help those who are struggling to type and write due to their injury.
- Windows platform – click the Window key + H key to open the dictation function
- Mac platform – go to the Apple menu >System Preferences >Keyboard and select Dictation
- Chromebook Platform – go to Settings > Manage accessibly setting and turn on Enable Dictation
Notetaking software apps can help with getting notes when writing is difficult. Important: you should get your professor's permission prior to recording.
Free software
- Notes Recorder –free versions of this app can be found in the Microsoft Store and Apple App Store that will turn recordings into text.
- Voice Notes – free version can be found in the Google Play store
Additional options with a fee
- Note Taking Express - is a service that provides notes from lecture recordings. You can upload a recording from either your smartphone or computer. Typed notes will be returned within 24 hours. You can also upload PowerPoint slides, syllabi, and other course materials that may help the note taker with context, vocabulary, or references. More information can be found at https://notetakingexpress.com/
- GLEAN - is an application that can be used from a computer or mobile device for recording lectures. You can embed PDFs to accompany the audio recording. You can also add your own text notes alongside the recording and can highlight sections of the audio for future reference. More information and tutorial videos can be found at www.glean.com
- LiveScribe™ Pens – record both the audio of lectures and your own written notes, and the two are synced for convenient playback. Notes can then be stored and played back in a variety of applications, including Evernote and Google Docs. More information about the Livescribe pen can be found at www.livescribe.com
For an extensive list of strategies please go to: Temporary Conditions (rutgers.edu)
If you are running into difficulty navigating this process, please complete this form and a member of our staff will contact you.
