<p>Fifteen years ago I was a disabled college student well connected to my peers at campuses across the country. I knew about schools that did an amazing job supporting their students with disabilities. I heard about schools that failed miserably. My alma mater Vassar College fell somewhere in the middle. Issues existed, but they were addressed and resulted in a sincere commitment to be proactive. </p>
<p>Recently, I came upon the blog of a Mount Holyoke student that caused me to realize the issues confronting disabled students today have striking similarities to those we faced back in the day. The post that best summarizes her travails can be found at:</p>
<p>DOG</a> IN THE DORM: Life with Holden: Why do you blog?</p>
<p>Disturbed by what I read, I felt a need to write down the advice I'd like to give a disabled student applying to colleges. Since I don't personally know anyone in that situation, I chose to put it here.</p>
<p>First, as you begin selecting schools, realize that those around you may, with the best of intentions, not push you to apply to top colleges. Everyone around me thought middle of the road, so I thought middle of the road. I was third in a class of 100 students, with the best SAT scores of my cohort, had extensive extracurricular activities, and generally had a reputation of smart. I prepared to apply at good, average schools. Then a total stranger happened to say, "You know, you should be applying to Vassar." I did, they accepted me, I went, and it was the best piece of college advice I ever received. Nobody meant to limit my aspirations, it just happened without thought by anyone involved. </p>
<p>My second piece of advice is to speak with other disabled students who attend the school you are investigating. It goes without saying that you will have talked to Disabled Student Services or the equivalent. After that conversation, ask to speak with a few students, being clear that you want someone whose experiences have not been totally smooth. The problems that arise and the ways they are solved tell you much about the school. Should you happen to spy a disabled student on campus, approach them. Seek out any student groups formed around issues of disability. Go to the school's website and if it is possible search their campus newspaper or other such publications, because eager budding journalists sometimes cover the problems disabled students encounter. </p>
<p>I realize it seems negative to search out the problems, but the flaws show you the school's strengths. How a situation is resolved indicates whether or not they take disabled student's needs seriously. Even when the situation does not involve your specific condition, you can learn something useful.</p>
<p>Finally, compare the vibes of the school's you are considering. Go there if at all possible and explore campus. Look at dorms to see if "accessible" means the same thing to you as it does to the administration. A campus tour may not explicitly address your needs as a disabled student, but how the tour guide responds to your questions is informative. I'm blind and by the end of the tour, my Vassar student guide was telling me about stairs and other obstacles even though my mother was right there. Impressive. Even the reactions of students you randomly encounter gives you an idea of the climate you will be inhabiting should you attend. </p>
<p>And, when you finally get to college, find other disabled students. They are the ones who will understand how you feel when a professor stonewalls after you request an accommodation or your roommate treats what you need like it's a whim. If you cannot locate people on campus, use the wide world of the internet. The support you will receive is invaluable. Trust me. </p>
<p>Should you wish further input, this site provides means to contact me or use my blog at:</p>
<p>People</a> Aren't Broken: Disability from the Inside Out</p>