HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

“Any college that receives federal funding has to be ADA compliant, but what that looks and feels like can be different from place to place,” says Annie Tulkin, MS, CEO and Founder of Accessible College, LLC.

She advises students with disabilities to search for the right academic fit while also balancing the college’s built environment and dedication to being inclusive.

Historic buildings are not exempt from the ADA, but they may have alternative accessibility requirements.

The ADA requires colleges to reduce barriers for students with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure they can access the classroom.

In some cases, this may mean moving the class to a more accessible building.

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

“Investigate the attitude of the accessibility office — if they don’t get it, they are not going to fight for you, and it will be harder to advocate for yourself,” says Abby Dreyer, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Along with the basics of finding a good college match — location, affordability, size, academic and cultural fit — students with disabilities must do some extra digging.

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

Abby Dreyer, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University, had a very different experience at ECSU.

“When I toured ECSU, the Office of AccessAbility Services was very understanding.

The person who runs the office actually has multiple disabilities.

The college even has a disability cultural center,” she says.

Now, Abby is studying business administration at ECSU.

Her advice to college-bound students with disabilities is to make on-site visits and ask lots of questions.

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.