<p>I'm a junior in high school and the University of Central Florida is one of my colleges of interest because I have Florida Prepaid and it offers the major I am interested in. Now, because I am handicapped, I do have to take a few things into account. First of all, I walk with crutches, and I cannot walk for very long distances before I am fatigued. Are the buildings in close proximity to one another? Is the bus service considered convenient? I also worry that I will feel overwhelmed by the large size of the student body and that it will hinder my ability to get around the campus with ease. Naturally, another one of my concerns is safety. I've heard about theft being a reoccurring problem on campus and the rate of crimes like assault freak me out a bit. I don't know. The Orlando area is great, but the safety is just okay. Lastly, if anyone has any experience with Disability Services, I'd like to know how accommodating they are to students' specific needs. All throughout my student career, I have had an aide assist me by carrying my books to class and I also receive extra time on tests as part of my IEP. I don't know how this is going to work in college. I want to be as independent as possible, but also be accessible to help when I deem it necessary.</p>
<p>I do not know the answers to your questions, but I encourage you to start with a call to Student Disability Services.
Information can be found here:
<a href=“http://sds.sdes.ucf.edu/”>http://sds.sdes.ucf.edu/</a>
As you know, there is so much more to accessibility than just Universal Design. Only a visit to campus will give you the “feel” of acceptance and comfort that is just as important, if not moreso, than what is on paper.</p>
<p>No matter where you end up attending college, please be open to evaluating what determines real independence. It may be that you look at using different mobility aides in different situations. Do not allow crutches to be YOUR crutch. Many people use motorized assistance to cover long distance travel, reserving other items for shorter distances. Even a non-motorized wheelchair or walker allows for support and balance of a heavy bookbag, eliminating the need for a personal care attendant, aide, or friend to carry books and supplies for you. Obviously I do not know you or your specific needs. My advice is to just be open to things that may not have been utilized in the past, but might be useful in a new setting. Good luck!</p>
<p>I just wanted to share with you a University of Kentucky page that has everything that one would need related to being a student with a disability in one place. As you can see on the left side, they have accessibility maps, documentation requirements, accessible transportation information, etc.</p>
<p><a href=“Disability Resource Center | seeblue”>http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/DisabilityResourceCenter/</a></p>
<p>Just thought that seeing this would help you when looking at the websites of schools in Florida to determine how well they might meet the needs of students with disabilities.</p>