Resource Library

Going to College with a Disability

Having a severe injury or chronic medical condition sometimes makes an adolescent (and his or her family) question whether he or she will be able to go to college. The dream of going to college is a very real one for many of the teenagers we see at Children’s Hospital and we often work with adolescents to help make that dream come true. Below are some of the questions that teens and their families ask and answers that may help many of you make your decisions and plans for the future.

Q: In high school, I was able to get special assistance when I needed it. Am I going to be on my own in college?

A: Most colleges now have a department that provides a variety of services from guidance in selecting courses to arrangement of accommodations. The most important thing is to ask for the assistance you need and to find someone who is able to help you problem solve about how to get your needs met. As a student with a disability, you need to be informed about your rights and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities the colleges have toward you. You do not have to inform the college that you have a disability, but if you want the school to provide an academic adjustment, you must identify yourself as having a disability. You are responsible for knowing and following the necessary procedures to receive an academic adjustment. An academic adjustment should be requested as early as possible.

The Student Health Center is often available to help with medication or medical follow-up, or can direct you to physicians in the college community. Often, students who have been coming to Children’s Hospital for care will request that copies of their medical records be sent to the college they will be attending so that the information is available, if and when, it is needed. During high school and grade school, a law known as IDEA is applied to you. The law guarantees a student’s entitlement to a free and appropriate education, including remedial services to help improve any deficiencies and classroom accommodations. In college, your rights are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. While this law guarantees your access to college (and many community services and buildings), it does not guarantee your success in college. The law is designed to create equal opportunity rather than equal achievement. The law requires, for example, that a class be moved to an accessible classroom if you are unable to negotiate stairs. However, it does not require that you be given extra time to complete a course simply because you could make a better grade by doing so.

Q: What adjustments can a college provide?

A: Examples include additional test taking time, wake up calls if you sleep soundly, priority registration, substituting one course for another, providing notes or note takers, recording devices, sign language interpreters, a TTY in your dorm room and adaptive software or hardware.

Q: Do I have to take a full course load?

A: At almost any college, there are full and part-time options for attendance. Many students attempt to “test out” college or make a slower transition into college by taking courses at a community college first. This option gives you the opportunity to see how much of a caseload you can take. Part-time college is typically less demanding so you may find it easier to make good grades and learn the material. You can try out different strategies to see what works for you. Some students tape record classes or read materials ahead of time so the classroom time will be repetition. Others arrange to receive tutoring. Vocational or career schools are other options.

Q: If I don’t go to college, what can I do instead?

A: Many students feel that they are not suited to college because they did not enjoy or do well in high school. Others choose not to go to college immediately after high school, but wait a year or more. Many students want to save money by getting a job first. Others feel that they need to improve their academic or study skills before attending college. Some just want some life experience after having been in school so long. Having a job can help you save money as well as develop skills you will use later in college or life in general. Some of the skills you can learn and practice on the job include memory skills, initiation, people skills, organization and problem solving. You can also practice good habits such as promptness, good hygiene and politeness. If you choose to work before attending college, you may be able to find a job that relates to something you would like to study in college; for example, working at an art museum if you plan to study art, or in a retail store if you plan to study advertising or retail merchandising. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities if you would like to develop some skills in a job-like setting without holding a job.

Q: Is there any funding to help me attend college?

A: Colleges have financial aid offices to help you understand and explore the options for financial assistance so you can attend college. If you are still in high school, your high school guidance counselor will also be able to help you identify and apply for funding sources. Searching on your own in libraries or on the Internet may be a good way to find numerous small scholarships and grants available to students attending college. You may wish to contact the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services to find out what services and help they may provide.

If you have your heart set on college, consider meeting with a vocational or career counselor and begin to explore your options. There are many resources out there to help you get started and consider all the options.

Written by Ann Deaton, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Reviewed and updated by Gail Argenbright, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist (November 2007).

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The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.