Petition Letter
August 31, 2015
Associate Dean (Studies)
I am writing to request an extension of the deadline for submission of coursework for LING 202, LING 205, SPAN 344 and SPAN 381.
I suffered a concussion in early December 2014 and I continue to experience its effects. Specifically, I am plagued by persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, photosensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. I have particular difficulty with my visual functioning in that I have disturbances in my binocular vision, the result of which puts considerable strain on my eye muscles. This results in intense headaches, nausea and dizziness, which is particularly true when reading material both on paper as well as on screens, such as on my laptop. As a result, I am unable to read for more than a few seconds before these symptoms begin. The fatigue and difficulty concentrating also makes it very hard to focus on activities for any length of time. This is particularly true for engaging in school related work, which requires additional focus and mental effort.
As a result of these symptoms, I was unable to complete my last paper for LING 205 (taken in Fall semester) as well as my courses in the final term of my fourth year (Winter, 2014). During this time, I was in contact with a Concussion Clinic in Kingston (KOPI) as well as with Queen¿¿s Disability Services, but was not well enough to follow through with some of their suggested rehabilitation strategies. For example, extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating made it difficult to take advantage of some accommodations offered by Queen¿¿s Disability Services such as taking oral versus written tests and exams.
At the end of winter term, I was given an extension until September 15th with the hopes that I would be well enough to complete my course requirements over the summer months. Unfortunately, there has been minimal to no improvement in my condition.
I am currently being followed by the Post-Concussion clinic here in Ottawa, at the Rehabilitation Centre of The Ottawa Hospital. As well, I will be assessed and treated for my visual problems by a Neuro-Optometrist in the near future (I am on the waiting list).
While disappointed and very frustrated by my current predicament, I am still highly motivated to complete my courses and to graduate from Queen¿¿s. My goal is to complete the coursework required for each of the four courses as soon as there has been sufficient improvement in my symptoms. Unfortunately, my day to day functioning is unpredictable and the recovery time is difficult to estimate.
Associate Dean (Studies)
I am writing to request an extension of the deadline for submission of coursework for LING 202, LING 205, SPAN 344 and SPAN 381.
I suffered a concussion in early December 2014 and I continue to experience its effects. Specifically, I am plagued by persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, photosensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. I have particular difficulty with my visual functioning in that I have disturbances in my binocular vision, the result of which puts considerable strain on my eye muscles. This results in intense headaches, nausea and dizziness, which is particularly true when reading material both on paper as well as on screens, such as on my laptop. As a result, I am unable to read for more than a few seconds before these symptoms begin. The fatigue and difficulty concentrating also makes it very hard to focus on activities for any length of time. This is particularly true for engaging in school related work, which requires additional focus and mental effort.
As a result of these symptoms, I was unable to complete my last paper for LING 205 (taken in Fall semester) as well as my courses in the final term of my fourth year (Winter, 2014). During this time, I was in contact with a Concussion Clinic in Kingston (KOPI) as well as with Queen¿¿s Disability Services, but was not well enough to follow through with some of their suggested rehabilitation strategies. For example, extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating made it difficult to take advantage of some accommodations offered by Queen¿¿s Disability Services such as taking oral versus written tests and exams.
At the end of winter term, I was given an extension until September 15th with the hopes that I would be well enough to complete my course requirements over the summer months. Unfortunately, there has been minimal to no improvement in my condition.
I am currently being followed by the Post-Concussion clinic here in Ottawa, at the Rehabilitation Centre of The Ottawa Hospital. As well, I will be assessed and treated for my visual problems by a Neuro-Optometrist in the near future (I am on the waiting list).
While disappointed and very frustrated by my current predicament, I am still highly motivated to complete my courses and to graduate from Queen¿¿s. My goal is to complete the coursework required for each of the four courses as soon as there has been sufficient improvement in my symptoms. Unfortunately, my day to day functioning is unpredictable and the recovery time is difficult to estimate.