An invisible student population: Accommodating and serving college students with lupus.

BACKGROUND: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder. Individuals with lupus face unique psychosocial and emotional challenges such as living with the unpredictability of the disease, symptoms such as fatigue, pain and depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, and coping with stress.

OBJECTIVE: This article attempts to shed light on the role that lupus plays in the lives of college students in their academics and other unique psychosocial needs.

METHOD: The author uses a single case study method based on the lived experience of a student with lupus. The method adopted is used as a means to provide anecdotal information about specific areas to consider when providing services to students living with this condition.

RESULTS: Findings from this one case study identified some of the accommodations available to help students in higher education that may even vary for two students with same diagnosis of lupus.

CONCLUSIONS: The paper presents some of the innovative strategies that can be used by practitioners while working with these students in higher education. These strategies can provide helpful support for students with lupus with the recommended academic accommodations.