3 replies to this topic

[magpie]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but couldn't find the answer in my brief search. I am applying for accommodations for a licensing exam I will be taking this summer and they ask you to list, “Major life activity impaired by disabling condition”. For me it’s staying awake and alert, but I’m not sure if that is the proper way to phrase it. I’ve only recently been diagnosed and so haven’t had to go through this before- I’ve also never taken a 4-hour test where they won’t even let you eat or drink on breaks in the waiting area,. Any examples that others have used are most welcome. Thanks in advance,
Maggie

[merrymom1013]

Maggie- check out some of the school related posts. You will want documentation from your doctor that includes your diagnosis & how it impacts a life activity. Such as your impaired sleep wake cycles cause you to have difficulty sustaining focus and concentration. You want to have your doctor suggest appropriate accommodations (extra time, extra breaks, a cool room, being able to drink water, whatever) and tie them into your condition. Because she has ongoing excessive daily sleepiness, she will require longer (more frequent, etc) breaks. Just getting extra time could make the exam more tortureous unless you also get extra breaks. Would you need a 10 min break every hour or a longer break for a nap halfway through? Is splitting the exam over 2 days a possibility? Can you find out some details about possible accommodations & how to apply before you ask your doctor?

[magpie]

Thanks for your reply, I've got the documentation part covered and the test is 170 multiple choice questions that you have 4 hours to complete. Based on what I've heard from others who have already taken it, you don't need all that time. I have IH, and although I have server EDS at times, I am able to keep myself from falling asleep so I don't need naps or extra time. I'm only asking for accommodations because the licensing board is so strict about the testing process. They scan your palm when you get there, and each time you leave and reenter the testing room, and if you need a bathroom break a proctor escorts you to/from the restroom (I just hope they don't come in with you). The rules say that even though you are allowed to take breaks, you are not allowed to eat or drink in the waiting area, unless you have prior accommodations set up. So I want to be able to have a snack some water or coffee, or take a dose of my methylin if I need to during the exam. The nurse who works with my neuro-doc was laughing at the request (in a friendly way I really like the office), and I told her it's not me, it's the testing protocols that are ridiculous.

The accommodation process is pretty straight forward and my doctor has already filled out his part starting I have narcoleptic syndrome and that I need to be able to eat and drink to stay alert, but I just want to make sure I have my part phrased properly since they seem so strict about everything. I mean the main "major life activity impaired" is me staying awake, but I don't know if that’s just what I should put. I haven't come acorss any examples to situations like mine. Most accommodations examples I've seen mention sitting, walking, breathing, but not just staying awake. I might be fine just putting that down, but I don' want to have to deal with an appeal so want to get all the info I can before submitting my request. I guess I can call my doctor Monday for some suggestions on what his office has done in the past for that question.

[ImSleepin]

Could you put occasional daytime sleepiness? Or just daytime sleepiness by itself? Daytime sleepiness due to sleep disorder. What about something along the lines of occasional drops in alertness related to daytime sleepiness or due to limited movement/activity for long periods of time?