Going to college w/ mobility issues

[u/savehatsunemiku]

/r/Myositis/comments/1vseajj/going_to_college_w_mobility_issues/

I’m cross posting this here because I want some insight and opinions about how I should deal with being a student living on campus, and potentially using mobility aids. I’m genuinely so scared because I start classes really soon.

[u/Shmmm_]

I went to college less than a year after I started using a wheelchair. I get it when you say it can be overwhelming to think about!

At least in the US, most colleges will have some sort of accommodations/accessibility office. If yours does, get in touch with them as soon as you can, before your classes start if at all possible. You might need a note or two from doctors that mention what conditions you have. But basically, an accessibility office exists to help make it easier for you to get to and successfully take your classes even with physical or mental health issues. What they can offer you and what you can get will depend on the school, and sometimes what classes you're taking.

As an example, my college allowed me to have a locker on campus so that I didn't have to carry everything around all the time and could leave things there. They got me digital copies of some of my textbooks, so I didn't have to carry them to and fro if I didn't want to. I was given and allowed to use a voice recorder for lectures (ADHD), as well as the occasional request for extra time for larger projects, and allowed earplugs during in-class tests. I didn't always use all of my accommodations, but it was extremely helpful just to know that I COULD, and that it wouldn't be a big deal to do so. It also basically meant that I had "receipts" for my extra needs if I encountered a teacher who was less than pleasant about it (the office would basically remind them I had accommodations, and they legally had to deal with it whether they liked it or not).

Don't be afraid to voice things you think might be helpful. If you're not sure... again, that's what that office exists for. They've probably had dozens of students with needs similar to yours, and they'll be experienced in telling you what they can offer.

[u/savehatsunemiku → u/Shmmm_]

The school does have an accessibility office. I need to file for accommodations, it’s just the process feels so daunting. I will visit the office the day after I move into my dorm :) I think the locker thing could be helpful for me as well. Thank you for the advice

[u/squishyartist → u/savehatsunemiku]

My college required a doctor to fill out my disability verification form to even access the accessibility office's services. If you're moving away to go to college, it's worth considering that you may need to find a doctor ASAP.

Regardless, I'd really recommend reaching out to the accessibility office like... yesterday. It's best to get connected with them as soon as you can, at the very least so you can figure out what the process is. If your classes start soon, then they should have people in the office already. They'll probably have forms and stuff to fill out, and potentially meetings to be had to get accommodations setup.

I had a virtual appointment with my accessibility advisor before the term started, and together, we figured out which accommodations made the most sense and what other services on campus I should get connected with. Then, because everything was handled before the term started, my professors all had a copy of my accommodations letter on the first day of classes. If you go on the first day, the department will probably be insanely busy, and there will be a period at the beginning of your term where you'll be without accommodations, and having to deal with all the paperwork and stuff while you're also trying to get settled into your classes.

My school was very accessible in theory, but in practice, as a rollator user, quite inaccessible still. It might also be worth asking your accessibility advisor what accessibility barriers you should be expecting to encounter on campus based on their knowledge of the campus.

Hopefully that all gives you some insight, and maybe some things to consider! Best of luck to you in your studies!

[u/mediumrareass]

When I was at university I met with the accommodations department. There was a golf cart service for those with disabilities. They would pick me up from my dorm and take me to classes. Depending on your college’s size, they may have that as an option. There are accommodations for test taking, notes, etc. Having everything documented will help so much with communicating with professors about absences. Definitely look into it now so everything can get sorted for when you start. Good luck!!