A Guide to Asthma Accommodations for College Students

I never really thought of my asthma as a disability during my time at university. Although asthma caused me trouble a time or two, my professors were fairly accommodating. For example, people were generally understanding when I had to reschedule two midterms because of an asthma exacerbation. They were also helpful when I had to observe gym classes from the sidelines because my asthma was flaring up.

It wasn’t until after I was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability that I registered as a student with a disability. Only then did I consider the support available for my respiratory health. I soon learned there were several asthma accommodations students can use through college disability services.

What asthma accommodations are available at colleges?

Fragrance-aware classrooms

I won’t say “fragrance-free” because adhering to the rules depends on your peers. However, your university accessibility department likely has dealt with fragrance sensitivities before. This is especially true for those of us with asthma, allergies, or migraines triggered by scents.

If you experience health issues from fragrances, it is important to document them! Your campus may place signs on your classroom door to advise others of your health needs. A representative may even speak to your class about what students need to avoid. They should not single you out during this process.

Allergy-aware locker banks

At the University of Winnipeg, there is a bank of lockers designated as nut and peanut-free. The neighboring lockers are often left empty to ensure the area remains allergen-free.

While this is not a guarantee against airborne particles or cross-contamination, it adds a layer of precaution. This can make people with severe allergies or a risk of anaphylaxis feel much safer.

Allergy and fragrance-aware lunch spaces

The Accessibility Resource Centre (ARC) at the University of Winnipeg used signs to keep all students safe. It was both fragrance-free and allergen-free. Finding a safe lunch spot on campus can be difficult if you have food allergies. Your college disability services department may have a dedicated space available, or they may be able to create one upon request.

These spaces usually have fewer students, making the environment more controlled. Additionally, other students using these areas often have their own university accessibility needs. They are likely to be more respectful of your requirements if you speak up.

Who can help students with asthma advocacy?

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Maybe you’ve self-advocated, but your instructor keeps wearing cologne to class. Perhaps the person beside you slathers on scented lotion during the lecture. You might even find yourself in a lab surrounded by latex or food allergens despite reporting your allergy.

This is where registering with college disability services becomes vital. If you have documented your issues but are still struggling, they can advocate on your behalf. I had several instances where I needed an advisor to speak with my instructors. They advocated for me so compassionately that I felt silly for ever hesitating to contact them.

How can students access asthma accommodations?

My experiences with receiving disability and asthma accommodations as a student have been better than I ever expected. If you have any medical issues, I highly recommend investigating the options on your campus.

I recently received a summary of my accommodations from Athabasca University. Since I am studying via distance education, asthma wasn’t my top priority. However, I now realize that having my asthma on file is a great "just in case" measure.

Have you accessed support for your asthma as a student? Share what’s worked and what hasn’t in the comments!