Category: Cram Session
So this is all new to me. Those in college or who've are in already or already done, did you guys look at what the disabilitty offices were like? I've checked with 3 of the 5 colleges i've applied to and they seem to have a good center there, and i've heard good things about them, but i'm worried about the other 2 cuz although they look good on paper, i've heard things from one person but don't know how true it is..and it sucks cuz one of them is one i really want to attend if i get accepted.
Question: How do you know if the disability office is any good. like the school could say they have a good one, but when your there it could be a different story. What did you guys do? Any advice would be apreciated. Thanks <3
If you want to go to the college go meet with someone from the office in person and ask if there are any disabled students who would be willing to talk to you, preffibly blind ones.
Well, I come from an era where services for students with disabilities were just becoming more mandated by the Federal government. Because many things weren't in place when I went to college and grad school, I was forced to think through my own accomodations. Sure, it made life harder, but it taught me problemsolving. While decent services are important, I would just add that as one part of the puzzle that helps me decide where I'm going to go to school. I think RBM is absolutely correct. If you can find people who are blind receiving services at that particular college, they're the people to talk to. You also might check with the student affiliates of NFB and ACB in your area, assuming you're in the U.S., to see if any of their members attend a particular college and can talk to you about it. Just some random thoughts to throw into the mix. Good luck.
Lou
The best thing to look at is how equip they are when it comes to technology.
For example, I can get my textbooks emailed to me and many times we write our own answers on our laptops and when necessary we can ask for a reader and a scribe.
It’s good if they know about adaptive technology and have other V.I students that can help you.
I think Lou pretty much said everything I was planning on saying. Don't make a good DSS office your first consideration when choosing a school, though having at least a decent one definitely helps. Meeting with any other blind students at wherever you're planning to go is a good idea, but it is also important to sit down with the director of the DSS office to discuss your specific needs and accomodations. Remember, what works for one blind student may not for another. Pay attention to the attitudes of the DSS staff. Of course they're going to be nice to you on your first visit, but do they in any way seem condescending or unenlightened when it comes to blindness or disability issues? And remember that some of these people may have never worked with a blind or visually impaired student before, so be prepared to answer any questions they might have for you. Good luck on your college search, and if you'd like to talk college hunting (I've done quite a bit of it over the years) feel free to message me if you want.
The last poster made a good point about not expecting "enlightment" on the part of professionals. After working for our agency for nearly 25 years, I still have the nerve to be amazed at how much education I need to do with my "learned colleagues." It never really ends.
Lou
I checked out the offices here. The guy was completely confused but was eager to learn. I don't really have much contact with them though; I got all my equipment from services for the blind. The only thing the disability offices have done for me so far is translate a textbook and some pdf files into text.
Don't make a good disability office your priority though, and yes, try talking to other students there about their experiences.