Comprehensive Guide for Disabled Students Navigating College Life
The above picture is of a young man sitting in a wheelchair outside some buildings holding books and a pen and smiling.
The above picture is of a young man sitting in a wheelchair outside some buildings holding books and a pen and smiling.
College can be a thrilling period of
discovering new knowledge and finding oneself. When given the necessary
assistance and adjustments, students with disabilities can thrive academically
and join in on extracurricular activities. Sadly, these students often find
that access problems, such as non-functioning elevators, inaccurately placed
Braille signs, and damaged wheelchair ramps, hinder their ability to attend
classes consistently and fully participate in campus life.
To be more accommodating to all students,
including those with disabilities, universities should embrace the social model
of disability. This model emphasizes universal design, which entails the
creation of buildings and structures that are accessible and secure for
everyone. Additionally, if articulating your unique experiences and
perspectives feels challenging while seeking university admission, you can ask
DoMyEssay to write your admission essay. It's vital for students
with disabilities to confidently voice their needs and actively pursue the
support they require.
Oscar Gonzalez, currently serving as the
senior director of accessibility resources at Minnesota State University,
confirms that every student with disabilities has equal chances to pursue
advanced studies. He advises individuals to embrace their disabilities and
recognize their influence on their personal experiences. Remembering that one
is not alone and should be open to requesting support and accommodations is
essential.
Knowing Your Student Rights
Federal law protects students with
disabilities, allowing them to engage in American society fully. Acts like the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973's Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) safeguard these students from discrimination and impose obligations
on educational institutions and public entities.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA),
enacted in 1990, was designed to foster a more inclusive environment for those
with disabilities. The ADA offers a range of protections and sets standards for
accessibility in employment, public transportation, and telecommunications.
Title II and Title III of the ADA require that public and private spaces,
including college campuses, are accessible to everyone. This means that public
or private universities must ensure that disabled students can safely enter
buildings, fully participate in classes, and engage in extracurricular
activities. The ADA also outlines the accommodations colleges should provide,
such as communication aids for those with hearing, vision, or speech
impairments, reasonable modifications to university policies and practices, and
accessibility standards for new and renovated buildings.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
guarantees non-discrimination for college students with disabilities. Colleges
and universities that receive federal funding must provide accommodations for
disabled students, allowing them to participate in classroom activities and
educational programs fully. These accommodations may include extra time for
exams, recording devices, and sign language interpreters. In contrast, K-12
students receive more personalized support in identifying and welcoming
accommodations. College students are obligated to reveal their disability and
furnish their institution with formal medical records. Colleges usually have an
office or website that explains the steps students should follow to document
their disability. It is recommended that students begin this process early in
the school year to ensure that the necessary accommodations are put in place.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and
Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) is legislation passed by Congress to update the
telecommunications protections for individuals with disabilities. Previous laws
had ensured accessibility for telephones and televisions but struggled to keep
pace with advancing technology. The CVAA aims to ensure that individuals with
disabilities can access the latest technology, such as broadband, digital, and
mobile innovations, which the act is named after. The CVAA is divided into two
main sections. Title I mandates broadband products and services, including
smartphones, are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Title II
focuses on making it easier for individuals with disabilities to access video
programming on television and the Internet. This mandates the captioning for
programs and their replays on online streaming services. For college students
with disabilities, the act ensures equitable access to essential information
and communication tools, vital for academic achievement. The act's provisions
regarding internet-based communication technologies demand captioning,
descriptive audio, and other accessibility features for public-facing websites
and course materials. This ensures that disabled students, whether on campus or
online, can utilize technology for their education. The act supports specific
classroom accommodations and ensures all students have an equal opportunity to
learn and engage in campus life.
The Assistive Technology Act, initially
authorized by Congress in 1988, aims to increase knowledge and availability of
support services and tools that aid individuals in education, work, and other
daily activities. This legislation grants each state to assist in offering
services to people with disabilities. Examples of low-tech supportive tools and
services include wheelchair ramps, special parking permissions, and books in
large print. Medium-tech options include enlarged computer keyboards and
audiobooks. High-tech gadgets are computer-based and include voice recognition
software, screen readers, and voice-activated environment controls.
Evaluating Campus Disability Services
Choosing the right college can be difficult
for students with disabilities due to their unique requirements. It is
essential to thoroughly research a school before applying, paying attention to
its inclusivity, accessibility, and willingness to accommodate individuals with
disabilities.
A school's capability to support students can
be determined by the size of its disability services department. A more
extensive staff in this department indicates a higher likelihood of offering
vast resources and accommodations.
Go to the school's website and check out its
social media pages. Look for information about the disability resource center
and any clubs or groups that cater to students with disabilities and those who
have neurodivergent conditions.
Students choosing to visit college campuses physically
can make the most of their visit by acquainting themselves with the institution
and its disability services department. Moreover, they can check out the
financial aid section, cafeteria, and health services units. The school might
provide virtual tours if an in-person visit is not feasible.
To arrange a meeting and inquire about some
issues, please email or call to set up an appointment with specific
departments.
Gonzalez suggests that you inquire about the
following things.
●
Can you schedule a meeting with a
campus representative to discuss your accommodations? In what ways will they
assist you? Additionally, which specific resources do they provide?
●
Are there suitable programs
offered by this college or university for your requirements? Is there a
community available for students with disabilities on the campus?
●
Are any scholarships offered to
students with disabilities who wish to enroll at that college or university?
After determining the specific accommodations
you will require, Gonzalez advises assessing the institution's level of support
services in terms of quality. These services encompass:
●
Academic or career guidance and
preparation
●
Professional development and
employment opportunities that match your passions and abilities
●
Providing shelter, job
opportunities, and assistance with money matters
●
Services that promote well-being
about one's social, physical, and mental health.
Regarding how family and friends can assist
disabled students, Gonzales mentioned several vital ways individuals can
provide support while the student is transitioning to college. It is critical
to foster independence and self-expression by assisting students in organizing
their schedules and tasks, communicating with professors, and seeking
assistance whenever necessary.
Furthermore, it is crucial to have open
conversations about how disabilities affect students' lives and identify their
requirements for success while fostering a safe environment for others to share
their personal encounters. When accompanying a student to their initial
disability services appointment, it is crucial to prioritize the student's
perspective and encourage them to be their advocate.
Paying for College
Many financial aid and scholarship
opportunities are available for students with disabilities. Help is accessible
at both the federal and state levels. As an example, Federal Pell Grants do not
necessitate repayment. Students with disabilities might also benefit from
government aid programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or
Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Scholarships are also provided by nonprofits,
schools, and other businesses, which can be added to the financial aid received
from the government and state, resulting in a significant decrease in college
costs.
Scholarships, including the Sertoma Hard of
Hearing or Deaf Scholarship and the National Federation of the Blind
Scholarship Program, are accessible to students with disabilities.
FAQ
What
term do you use to address students who have disabilities?
The disability community is divided when it
comes to language. Some individuals favor using identity-first language,
referring to themselves as disabled individuals. On the other hand, some prefer
person-first language, referring to themselves as individuals with
disabilities. Using the language of an individual's choice is the ideal choice.
It should not be assumed that everyone has the same language preference.
What is
a disability resource center?
Disability services offices are commonly found
in colleges and universities, providing assistance and accommodations such as
assistive technology, note-taking support, and extended exam time.
Instructors and other campus departments can
collaborate with these centers and offices to offer various services, including
smaller class sizes, priority registration for classes, and unique
accommodations for housing and parking, alongside other benefits. Students can
also find tutors and attend workshops at specific colleges to acquire study
skills.
Is it
possible for students who have disabilities to enroll in college?
Certainly! Having a disability does not imply
incapability. It suggests that students may need to discover innovative methods
to overcome obstacles. Individuals with disabilities frequently pursue and
successfully graduate from college, venturing into the professional world. This
is the reason for the existence of disability laws, enabling students with
disabilities to be educated together with their peers who do not have
disabilities. Familiarize yourself with the different types of assistance
provided by various colleges. By receiving the appropriate support, students
with disabilities have the potential to thrive academically.
What
difficulties do disabled students encounter?
There is a diverse range of disabilities,
encompassing learning, physical, and psychological disabilities, as well as
health issues and impairments related to vision, hearing, and speech.
Students with disabilities might encounter
difficulties while studying in conventional educational settings for different
reasons, such as sensitivities to sensory stimuli, limited physical mobility,
or challenges related to subject-specific coursework. Students who have
disabilities may encounter individualized transportation requirements as well
as financial hardships and discrimination based on their disabilities. These
students must seek assistance from the disability offices, campus groups,
organizations, and other support systems within their school.