A person with a disability is someone who:


  • has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission)
  • or is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn).


If a person falls into any of these categories, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects them, and as a student you may qualify for accommodations at Harrisburg University. 


What does "substantially limits" mean?

The term "substantially limits" is interpreted broadly and is not meant to be barrier to access or demanding standard. However, not every condition will meet this standard. An example of a condition that is not substantially limited is a mild allergy to pollen.


If you have received services at another college/university, had an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP), or had a 504 Plan, it is worth contacting Accessibility Services at ADA@HarrisburgU.edu to discuss possible accommodations. 


What does "major life activities" mean?

Major life activities are the kind of activities that you do every day, including your body’s own internal processes. There are many major life activities in addition to the examples listed here. Some examples are:

  • Actions like eating, sleeping, speaking, and breathing
  • Movements like walking, standing, lifting, and bending
  • Cognitive functions like thinking and concentrating
  • Sensory functions thinking and concentrating
  • Tasks like working, reading, learning, and communicating
  • The operation of major bodily functions like circulation 


What are some examples of qualifying disabilities? 

Below are some examples that may qualify for accommodations with Accessibility Services depending on the barriers experienced. It is not an exhaustive list and many are not included below:

  • Mobility impairments
  • Visual impairments
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Seizure Disorder
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • ADD & ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia


If you have received services at another college/university, had an Individualized Learning Plan (IEP), or had a 504 Plan, it is worth contacting Accessibility Services at ADA@HarrisburgU.edu to discuss possible accommodations.