Category: Daily Living
Hi,
So, I'm at the point in my life where I am beginning to prepare for college. In a few months, I will go on a tour of a campus.
When scheduling the appointment on the phone, are there any particular questions I should ask the admissions officer about mobility, their disability department and whatever else?
What about certain questions I should ask while I'm taking the tour.
And, I would like tips in general.
Since the admissions office and the disabilities service office are usually two separate offices, Admissions will probably tell you to ask them themselves if you have any questions. Try to see if you can meet with someone from the disabilities office on the same day of your tour so you can kill two birds with one stone. It might not be a long meeting, but at least they will have met you in person before you begin. I had to go and meet with the director of DSO again after I started to discuss accommodations.
As far as questions about mobility, that is kind of general. It is great though that you are going to have a chance to check out the campus beforehand. I got to check out this campus a couple weeks beforehand, and fortunately it isn't a huge one. Could you be more specific as to what you want to know mobility wise
I wouldn't ask questions while booking a tour appointment. Most of the people who are in chrge of booking them are just that--they dot' know much about a lot of the nonstandard things, especially not as they relate thto disabilities. Your best bet is to go there and then ask questions. And that's when you can get a feel of not only whether you can be well accommodated at that school, but also if you like the school, campus and setup in general.
Yeah, I know my mobility question wasn't great, but I dunno what to ask. That's why I'm asking I guess. And these things are great to know. Stuff the counselor didn't tell me, so.
Oh, one more thing, how do I deal with a sort of parent of mine pressuring me into going to a school they want me to go too?
The school I'm looking into is about 2 and a half hours from here. The school my sort of parent wants for me to go too is about 45 minutes to an hour from where I live. She believes I should go to the school that's closer because I'm blind and I can't cook.
I know enough about cooking, like how to make breakfast and I suppose baking shouldn't be too difficult and cane travel for me will be fine.
I'm just trying to make sure that if I go for what my heart says, I won't be wrong or be considered disobedient or whatever.
I don't know many college kids, blind or sighted, who leave for college already knowing how to cook. Are you planning on living in a dorm? If so, you'll probably eat your meals in the dining hall or order pizza every other night like most college kids. lol
I don't know the particulars of your situation and don't want to even get anywhere near a parental/young adult conflict, especially now that I'm a parent. lol However, I think you both need to truly examine the pros and cons of each school. You need to have an honest realistic discussion about your current skills, and the skills you will need to be successful in your current stage of life.
This will depend on if you're going to live in a dorm or in your own apartment. I recommend dorm life for at least the first year of college for anyone, blind or sighted.
Aw ok, you have a good point and that's good. I won't be alone then. lol
I'll try to respond to all your questions, but fogive me if I miss any.
As for mobility, most people at a college won't be able to answer that for you. It stems more from your skill set than anything else. If you're good at mobility, you'll do fine. The thing to keep in mind though is that every freshman to ever set foot on campus gets lost. Don't be afraid to ask for help, everyone else will be asking too.
I would call the office for students with disabilities and speak to someone. Ask them what accomodations they have and what you would have to do to avail yourself of them. You should also email your professors before the semester starts to let them know that you will need some special accomodations. Let them know you're coming and it'll go a lot smoother.
I also agree with your mother. You probably wouldn't be able to cook even if you knew how to. Most dorms don't have kitchens. You'll be just fine. Go to the school that fits your needs best.
I specifically told my parents that they were not allowed to visit me without me calling first, even though they can drive to my college. I made it clear that I'm independent and have my own life. You need to find your own way to make that clear to your parents also. It isn't easy.
I think that's all, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Great, thanks Cody.
Great advice, Cody. I would also suggest making sure that you have given your major that you are pursuing some thought, if you haven't all ready. Many people switch majors, me included. However, keep in mind that the later you switch the more you will have to catch on. It is fine to be undeclared at first, so don't let people try to convince you that you need to make up your mind immediately. This will also help considerably in your school choice. Colleges, unlike high school, have various programs that they are known for and are great, while other programs are less known and aren't always the best.
Remember once you are done with high school and on to college, you are now an adult. Parents and family are a great resource to be close to in case of something happening. When Hurricane Sandy hit last year, I had to be evacuated from campus and fortunately I was only about 45 minutes from a relative's house. Something else to keep in mind for you. Maybe they would have a place to go for those who are not close to home or who come from another country. They have to I'm sure as there is this kid who goes here who is from Zimbabwe, and I'm sure they wouldn't just tell him he was shit out of luck then.
Best of luck.
Just to clear something up, I meant I disagree with your mother. Sorry.
the best thing I think can and should be carried with you, is that you won't be alone in feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of things/yourself. everyone feels that way, at various times in life, whether it's due to college, or other things.
so, know that people are here for you to talk to, bounce ideas off of, and what have you, if you feel that'd be helpful.
Absolutely. Sighted people struggle with similar things when they face college; it's scary for every student, not just blind students. I'm here as well if you need any advice. I moved from a tiny little village way out in the middle of nowhere to a rather large city to go to university, so I had to learn how to navigate street crossings and other basic stuff while also balancing college life. So i've basically run into every problem imaginable. Send me a PM if you'd like.
I've moved several times now, and while it's been a bit since the first time I went to university or moved out of my parents's house, I remember those days. You have time between now and college to brush up a bit on your cooking, even if it's something as simple as getting used to a microwave and/or an oven. You can do quite a bit with those alone if you know how.
Best of luck to you. And like others have said, it's okay to be nervous. Just about everyone gets lost and gets in over their head.
I agree with much of what's been said here. Most young people know very little when they move out. In my opinion, that's precisely why you move out. The fledgling may flap its wings all it wants, but it only learns to fly and forage properly when it leaves the nest.
But also, have a little patience with mom and dad: they're learning to let go now. And we parents have been picking up after, feeding, sheltering and generally looking out for the kids in ways we and they don't even realize.
It depends too on if you are even allowed to cook in the dorm you stay in. Here we are not even allowed to have a microwave in the rooms, but we are allowed to have a coffee pot if it has an automatic shut off that shuts off after two hours. Lol I wonder if they even enforce this rule. I mean what CA (or in most other colleges it's called an RA) is going to waste their time to see if the pot has an automatic shut off? some of the rules are stupid, and you can easily sneak in stuff if you really want to, but don't be stupid enough to leave it behind like on a winter break because they usually check the rooms when you are away.
Good thinking...I never even thought of that. To be fair, most dorms will allow you a microwave or even a toaster oven if they'll allow you a coffee-pot, though that's not a guarantee by any means. Check that out before breaking rules, or before committing and then realizing that you've got no means to really feed yourself.
One thing I had in the dorm was an electric kettle. With that, I could boil water for coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, oatmeal, and of course the staple of all college students, Ramen noodles. lol Best thing I had in my dorm, well, other than my minifridge.
Aw, well great advice. Thank you all.
I believe I have everything I need except, when it comes to voc rehab, at what point will I need to call them?
what do you need to call them for?
For getting equipment.
I'm not sure what state you're in but in my opinion, the sooner the better. It wouldn't hurt to at least call and ask. If it's too soon, they'll tell you. If not, then they'll get the ball rolling for your application. It's not like you can just call and say, "hey, I need a computer and a braille display." and then leave their office that day with one. There's an application process, eligibility determination, evaluations, and then they'll write your Individual Plan for Employment. Then, they'll possibly purchase the technology you need. I would go ahead and give them a call to learn what their process is. If nothing else, you'll at least have the information and will gain confidence in advocating for yourself as well as show that you're learning to be self reliant and prepared for handling things on your own.
Don't worry. VR folks are just normal folks who put their pants on one leg at a time too. They're basically under-paid, over-worked people who's hearts are generally in the right place. They won't bight ya. lol
Good luck. Now, go call and get your info.