What is Supported Education?
The primary aim of Supported Education is to provide the opportunities, resources, and supports
to students with psychological disabilities so that they may succeed in the pursuit of post-secondary
education.
Why is Supported Education needed?
Onset of mental illness often occurs between the ages of 18-25, interrupting an individual's initial college career.
The ADA and Section 504 mandate the university to provide reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
Individuals with a mental illness often have limited coping mechanisms and limited support systems which makes achieving educational goals more difficult.
What are psychological or emotional disabilities?
Psychological or emotional disabilities are linked to diagnoses of mental disorders as indicated
by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Disorders must have a
significant effect of functioning in order to be considered a "disability." Some examples of
psychological or emotional disorders include (but are not limited to) the following: mood
disorders (like depression and bi-polar), anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders,
and mood disorders (like obsessive-compulsive disorder).
What Services are offered?
Services are tailored individually to meet each student's needs. Along with the standard services
provided by SSD, the following services are also provided for students in the SEP:
Disability management counseling and information
Case management
On-Campus Advocacy
Group support
On and off campus agency referrals
Liaison services to student's primary therapist
Who is eligible?
Anyone who is at least 18 years of age and has appropriate documentation of a
psychological disability who is currently enrolled at UL Lafayette is eligible to receive services.
What is needed in order to receive services?
Documentation is needed by a Louisiana State licensed Mental Health Professional (i.e.,
psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, medical doctor, privileged licensed professional
counselors) who has conducted the assessment, has rendered the diagnoses of the specific
psychological disability, and has made recommendations for appropriate accommodations.
Documentation must specify the diagnosis, functional limitations (the more specific, the better),
and current medications (if applicable).
Suggestions for Managing Disabilities while Enrolled in Higher Education
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