6 replies to this topic

[bgrenee]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and joined as a supporter and administrator on my campus for students with disabilities, in particular working with students who have various spinal cord injuries and helping on an individual basis with various student support needs. I've recently gone from a campus that was very progressive in working with students who use chairs (the univ. of Wisconsin - Whitewater), to one where, we can just say that it's lacking.

Basically, as I'm working with students, I'm trying to understand and anticipate the various experiences they may be facing, some of whom have always used a chair, other who have recently had an injury, so I know that may create some variance in how comfortable they are on campus. I'm wondering if anyone could share some of their experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, that may shed some light on the college experience for students with spinal cord injuries. Whether this pertained to being in the classroom, in the residence halls, meeting people, etc., any information you can share would be appreciated. Any other resources you can point me to would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

[Joed]

It was while attending college that I swallowed my pride and began using my scooter, which made a huge difference in my energy conservation throughout the day, although the first couple of weeks using it was very difficult for me, psychologically speaking.

The main problem I remember was getting to classes on the snowy/icy days. Our dean was always the last one to call off school, and I doubt that he considered what a hardship (and dangerous!) it was for those students with disabilities to, not only get there, but to navigate on campus. I had to call security more than once to come and rescue me from being stuck on slabs of ice.

I used the services of our on-campus disability advisors a couple of times, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated them.

[Nichole]

I'm actually just getting ready to start college this coming semster. I've got to tell you i'm so excited, but i'm also terrified! I was injured over two years ago during my junior year of high school. I finished high school on time, but i took a year off before college so i could work on my physical therapy. I'm excited to start school becuase i think it will help restore some since of "normalness" back in my life. I'm also excited just for the college experience that all my friends talk about. I'm honesly scared though, mostly of what people will think of me. See, i went to high school in a pretty small town, so everyone basically knew what was going on. Actually, probably 1/3 of my class come to see me in the hospital. Anyway, I know it sounds bad, but my biggest problem is i'm almost embarassed about myself. I used to be a really outgoing person, who loved to go to parties, and meet new people, and just have a good time. Well now i get so nervous about what people will think, how people look at me in stores, i've lost most of my ability to be outgoing But i'm hoping once i get used to school, maybe it will help me come out of me"shell" i've been in for so long....

[bubbleandsqueak]

The hardest time I have at college and in high school was the desks there just not wheel chair friendly at all.

[RYAN68]

Well i'm at college right now, was just injured this past february, so about 9 months post injury...anyways, it really wasnt all that bad, i used my powerchair to drive across campus since i couldnt drive yet. Everything here is handicap accessible for the most part. I had went to this college before i was disabled too, so I knew what I was getting into.. Now that I am driving it is pretty easy, although I hate pushing myself all the time, especially since I was using my powerchair.

Only problem I have is that the computer desks are too short for me to get under with out dangling my feet off the front, which aint a big deal...most kids are pretty good about it too, of course a few people will stare, but who cares, just stare back and make them feel bad...haha

only mishap i've had was haulin ass down a big hill infront of our bookstore right at passing time, so there was a bunch of people outside, anyways, i decided I was gonna cut across the grass between sidewalks, and when i was popping back up onto the sidewalk, my footrest on my powerchair caught the cement and stopped the chair instantly, and I went flyin out onto the concrete. People were freakin out, i was laughing the whole time, but all was well, i got help back into my chair and was on my way...

[rkzenrage]

Auditoriums almost never have access. I have this problem from a teachers perspective.

[Nichole]

RYAN68, on Dec 12 2006, 05:25 AM, said:

Well i'm at college right now, was just injured this past february, so about 9 months post injury...anyways, it really wasnt all that bad, i used my powerchair to drive across campus since i couldnt drive yet. Everything here is handicap accessible for the most part. I had went to this college before i was disabled too, so I knew what I was getting into.. Now that I am driving it is pretty easy, although I hate pushing myself all the time, especially since I was using my powerchair.

Only problem I have is that the computer desks are too short for me to get under with out dangling my feet off the front, which aint a big deal...most kids are pretty good about it too, of course a few people will stare, but who cares, just stare back and make them feel bad...haha

only mishap i've had was haulin ass down a big hill infront of our bookstore right at passing time, so there was a bunch of people outside, anyways, i decided I was gonna cut across the grass between sidewalks, and when i was popping back up onto the sidewalk, my footrest on my powerchair caught the cement and stopped the chair instantly, and I went flyin out onto the concrete. People were freakin out, i was laughing the whole time, but all was well, i got help back into my chair and was on my way...

Okay, that is pretty funny! I find it to be a good thing when you can laugh at yourself I do it all the time!