A disability is an impairment (permanent or temporary) that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The major categories of disabilities that the department provides services for include, but are not limited to:

Cognitive Impairments - information processing issues that are often described as specific learning disabilities or secondary effects associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders.

Visual impairment - legally blind (low vision) to no light perception (totally blind): an inability to access printed information without the use of assistive technology or auxiliary aides.

Hearing impairment - an inability to understand spoken language with or without an assistive listening device or the use of manual communication (sign language/cued speech transliteration)

Physical/Mobility impairment - - limited, restricted or effective use of one or more body parts, due to paralysis, lost of limb(s) or arthritis, which may require the use of aids/appliances for independent movement in specific activities

Traumatic Brain Injury - An acquired injury to the brain that manifests limitation in any of the above categories as well as cognitive impairments

Chronic medical - a variety of medical conditions that may restrict a student's full participation in all activities of the University. These conditions include but are not limited to:

• hematological: hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, acquired immune deficiency


• respiratory: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis


• cardio-vascular diseases


• neurological: seizure disorders, tourettes, migraines

Psychological/Psychiatric - Conditions (other than learning disabilities, ADD, and ADHD) having a diagnosis under DSM-IV. These conditions include but are not limited to:

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is obligated to assure that programs and facilities of the University are accessible to students with disabilities. The Department of Disability Services works with students to provide services and accommodations that insure students with disabilities have equal access. These services and accommodations are designed to meet the individual needs of the students and are provided at no charge.

If you have a disability/chronic medical condition, we encourage you to complete Self-Identification form and return it directly to the Department of Disability Services. Upon receipt of this form, we will request that you provide documentation from your primary care physician or other professional care provider about the disability and the functional limitation(s) it imposes on you while you are enrolled at UNC Chapel Hill. This documentation will be held in confidence and be used to determine whether you need reasonable accommodations.

Questions, comments? Email us at disabilityservices@unc.edu
(919) 962-8300