HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

When Abby Dreyer, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), was choosing a college, she scheduled tours at ECSU and another college on the same day.

Abby lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and uses a power wheelchair, so she contacted the schools ahead of time to tell them about her accessibility needs.

“I told the other college that I need accommodations and an accessible route,” she says.

“I got there, and the elevator was broken in the building where you check in.

The tour started 20 minutes late.

The accessibility office was not helpful and didn’t understand my requests.”

 

PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY MUST BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

IT’S THE LAW (ADA & PROWAG) AND THE RIGHT THING TO DO

This barrier to safe pedestrian mobility for all is at one of Miami’s busiest intersections — Coral Way and SW. 22nd Ave.

Anyone who says wheelchair users can simply detour through the gas station is being foolhardy. That is dangerous and unacceptable.

FPL is notorious for projects that destroy mobility and endanger pedestrians.

When it did work around giant poles on SW. 22nd Ave. last year, sidewalk pathways were blocked for 90 days.

That can’t happen again.

This is why the City Of Miami desperately needs a chief mobility officer.

It does not require an engineer or certified planner or attorney.

It is best led by passionate person focusing each day on coordinating between city, county, utilities and businesses to guarantee, safe mobility for people with disabilities, children, elderly.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Scott Wiebe, MDA’s Director of Community Programs, is thrilled that applications for MDA Scholarships are opening soon.

The highly competitive scholarships pay up to $5,000 for first-year awardees and $2,500 for existing recipients who renew the scholarship.

“The scholarships are based on merit in leadership and community involvement,” Scott says.

Now in its third year, the program receives about 200 applications and awards scholarships to the top 10 ranked applicants.

MDA Scholarships are not just for high school seniors — anyone with a neuromuscular disease who is in college, a trade school, or a vocational program is eligible.

Scott is proud that MDA is making a positive impact by being part of the support system for scholars with disabilities who are tomorrow’s business leaders, disability rights attorneys, physical therapists, and more.

 

 

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Maxey Mapp, who lives with myotonia congenita, which causes episodes of muscle stiffness, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina. He plans to be a physical therapist.

In addition to an MDA Scholarship, he receives need-based financial aid through his school, and the university has helped him find paid summer internships.

Maxey built his financial support by being organized.

Before applying, he created an account on fastweb.com, an online scholarship database, to keep track of the scholarships he was applying for and when they were due.

“You need to stay on top of scholarship applications — most require essays and letters of recommendation.

Some ask you to create a 30-second video.

Pay attention to deadlines and the time you need to meet them,” he says.

 

 

 

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Grace LoPiccolo, who lives with Charco-Marie-Tooth disease and walks with leg braces, is a Saint Louis University senior, majoring in bioethics and Catholic studies. After graduating in 2026, she plans to attend law school.

The MDA Scholarship is her only disability-based financial aid.

She also receives a merit-based scholarship through her school and a tuition contribution for her service as student body president.

Even when applying for funding unrelated to disability, Grace advises not to shy away from framing your eligibility, skills, and goals through a disability lens.

“My general college essays were about my disability.

When I applied to law school, I mentioned why I want to be a disability rights attorney.

Communicate yourself as a real person who also has a disability,” she says.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Because she was in the National Honor Society, Abby Dreyer looked for honors programs at universities and learned that ECSU’s honors program pays full tuition.

She also contacted ECSU’s Office of AccessAbility Services, which linked her to a disability-focused scholarship that helps cover part of her housing and food costs.

“Always do your research on websites and via direct email to accessibility offices,” she advises, noting that each person knows their own needs best.

NAVIGATING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A DISABILITY

Abby Dreyer, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and uses a power wheelchair, is studying business administration at Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU).

She is an MDA Scholar and wrote a Quest Blog post about transitioning to college and living independently.

Her small-town high school was not helpful in her college search, so Abby took on the research herself.