I have a situation where a student has had some surgery and states that she needs 6 weeks rehabilitation. As this is related to her disclosed disability she has asserted that she should receive lecture notes or recordings for the period of absence as a reasonable adjustment under the DDA. The course director takes the view that 2 weeks absence is acceptable but if longer then the student should consider taking a Leave of Absence. The student responds that if she tries to attend when still not fully recoevered then it jeopardises her health and she has rights as a disabled person. This raises the question: who decides re an acceptable period of absence? Do you have a policy which gives clear guidance or is this sort of arrangement managed on an ad hoc basis in your institution? My view is that temporary absence for disability related reasons is acceptable-2 or 3 weeks but that half a semester is too long and LOA does exist as an option. What do others think?
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