Re: question regarding college accomodations

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice. Does she already receive accommodations at her college? Is this

the only one they are fighting? My dd is a junior in high school so I don't have

experience yet at the college level. I am sure my dd will need

accommodations, though, because she really struggles now with bipolar/OCD and

it

significantly impacts school for her. I hope you are able to get the answers you

are

looking for. Good luck. Kim

In a message dated 1/12/2008 3:32:16 P.M. Central Standard Time,

aklinge@... writes:

I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

private university.. don't know if that makes a difference..p

I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

prefer....it gets so tiring.

Alice

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice. Does she already receive accommodations at her college? Is this

the only one they are fighting? My dd is a junior in high school so I don't have

experience yet at the college level. I am sure my dd will need

accommodations, though, because she really struggles now with bipolar/OCD and

it

significantly impacts school for her. I hope you are able to get the answers you

are

looking for. Good luck. Kim

In a message dated 1/12/2008 3:32:16 P.M. Central Standard Time,

aklinge@... writes:

I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

private university.. don't know if that makes a difference..p

I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

prefer....it gets so tiring.

Alice

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

I wondered about this too. I think there are tons of kids that would

have anxiety from public speaking, that wouldn't have a disability per say,

but may try to get out of the class. Alice, I am wondering how did you tell

them OCD would impact this class? I am trying to learn for my own daughter.

Thanks. Kim

In a message dated 1/12/2008 4:11:37 P.M. Central Standard Time,

@... writes:

I think if you can relate the class to her disability in some way

besides anxiety, which even I was bad about, and shy, no self-

confidence..confidence..<WBR>.tie it more to *her* disability and not so

others (like me, LOL) may feel, then you might have a chance.

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

I wondered about this too. I think there are tons of kids that would

have anxiety from public speaking, that wouldn't have a disability per say,

but may try to get out of the class. Alice, I am wondering how did you tell

them OCD would impact this class? I am trying to learn for my own daughter.

Thanks. Kim

In a message dated 1/12/2008 4:11:37 P.M. Central Standard Time,

@... writes:

I think if you can relate the class to her disability in some way

besides anxiety, which even I was bad about, and shy, no self-

confidence..confidence..<WBR>.tie it more to *her* disability and not so

others (like me, LOL) may feel, then you might have a chance.

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

Hi, Alice. I'm curious to see if you get any answers to this too.

I've seen a lot about school accommodations, but nothing concerning

college. That's never been an issue for us because we homeschool, but

once he goes to college it might be.

Ironically, it was my niece (non OCD), rather than my nephew (OCD),

who had a meltdown about having to give a speech in front of her

college class. She asked me if she could have one of Josh's anxiety

pills (Klonipin), and it helped her. She's awfully shy and I think it

just overwhelmed her to the point of immobilizing her. Anyway, do you

think your daughter might be able to get that requirement out of the

way if she could take something to take the edge off of her anxiety,

like my niece did?

Just a thought.

BJ

>

> Hello All,

> I am wondering about negotiations with colleges - I spend a long time

> with the head of disability services at my daughter's University this

> afternoon, trying to help her understand that because of my daughter's

> OCD, she would have a very hard time taking a public speaking class. (

> not sure why it is required for her nursing major) Already, she was

> told in high school that she shouldn't have to read out loud, but that

> was when she was just diagnosed with dyslexia, not the OCD...

> any advice>?

> thanks,

> Alice

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Alice. I'm curious to see if you get any answers to this too.

I've seen a lot about school accommodations, but nothing concerning

college. That's never been an issue for us because we homeschool, but

once he goes to college it might be.

Ironically, it was my niece (non OCD), rather than my nephew (OCD),

who had a meltdown about having to give a speech in front of her

college class. She asked me if she could have one of Josh's anxiety

pills (Klonipin), and it helped her. She's awfully shy and I think it

just overwhelmed her to the point of immobilizing her. Anyway, do you

think your daughter might be able to get that requirement out of the

way if she could take something to take the edge off of her anxiety,

like my niece did?

Just a thought.

BJ

>

> Hello All,

> I am wondering about negotiations with colleges - I spend a long time

> with the head of disability services at my daughter's University this

> afternoon, trying to help her understand that because of my daughter's

> OCD, she would have a very hard time taking a public speaking class. (

> not sure why it is required for her nursing major) Already, she was

> told in high school that she shouldn't have to read out loud, but that

> was when she was just diagnosed with dyslexia, not the OCD...

> any advice>?

> thanks,

> Alice

>

[Guest guest]

Hi BJ,

Thank you for your feedback.. I put a call in to the psychiatrist and

to the ed. psychologist who did her testing four years ago... we'll

see what happens...

In terms of medication, it's a good question. She is intensely shy too

- hates blushing and she is very self-conscious. However, having been

through the self-medication route in her mid-teens, I don't want to

encourage the " quick fix " for her now.

She just switched from Lexapro to zoloft.. and she has been taking

inositol/b vitamins and omega 3's (as consistently as any college

freshman...)

I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

private university.. don't know if that makes a difference...

I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

prefer....it gets so tiring.

Alice

> Hi, Alice. I'm curious to see if you get any answers to this too.

> I've seen a lot about school accommodations, but nothing concerning

> college. That's never been an issue for us because we homeschool, but

> once he goes to college it might be.

>

> Ironically, it was my niece (non OCD), rather than my nephew (OCD),

> who had a meltdown about having to give a speech in front of her

> college class. She asked me if she could have one of Josh's anxiety

> pills (Klonipin), and it helped her. She's awfully shy and I think it

> just overwhelmed her to the point of immobilizing her. Anyway, do you

> think your daughter might be able to get that requirement out of the

> way if she could take something to take the edge off of her anxiety,

> like my niece did?

>

> Just a thought.

>

> BJ

>

>

>

>

>>

>> Hello All,

>> I am wondering about negotiations with colleges - I spend a long time

>> with the head of disability services at my daughter's University this

>> afternoon, trying to help her understand that because of my daughter's

>> OCD, she would have a very hard time taking a public speaking class. (

>> not sure why it is required for her nursing major) Already, she was

>> told in high school that she shouldn't have to read out loud, but that

>> was when she was just diagnosed with dyslexia, not the OCD...

>> any advice>?

>> thanks,

>> Alice

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi BJ,

Thank you for your feedback.. I put a call in to the psychiatrist and

to the ed. psychologist who did her testing four years ago... we'll

see what happens...

In terms of medication, it's a good question. She is intensely shy too

- hates blushing and she is very self-conscious. However, having been

through the self-medication route in her mid-teens, I don't want to

encourage the " quick fix " for her now.

She just switched from Lexapro to zoloft.. and she has been taking

inositol/b vitamins and omega 3's (as consistently as any college

freshman...)

I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

private university.. don't know if that makes a difference...

I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

prefer....it gets so tiring.

Alice

> Hi, Alice. I'm curious to see if you get any answers to this too.

> I've seen a lot about school accommodations, but nothing concerning

> college. That's never been an issue for us because we homeschool, but

> once he goes to college it might be.

>

> Ironically, it was my niece (non OCD), rather than my nephew (OCD),

> who had a meltdown about having to give a speech in front of her

> college class. She asked me if she could have one of Josh's anxiety

> pills (Klonipin), and it helped her. She's awfully shy and I think it

> just overwhelmed her to the point of immobilizing her. Anyway, do you

> think your daughter might be able to get that requirement out of the

> way if she could take something to take the edge off of her anxiety,

> like my niece did?

>

> Just a thought.

>

> BJ

>

>

>

>

>>

>> Hello All,

>> I am wondering about negotiations with colleges - I spend a long time

>> with the head of disability services at my daughter's University this

>> afternoon, trying to help her understand that because of my daughter's

>> OCD, she would have a very hard time taking a public speaking class. (

>> not sure why it is required for her nursing major) Already, she was

>> told in high school that she shouldn't have to read out loud, but that

>> was when she was just diagnosed with dyslexia, not the OCD...

>> any advice>?

>> thanks,

>> Alice

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>Hi Kim,

Yes, she has had a 504 plan since 2000 for a moderate language

disability. She went to waldorf school (which delays reading

deliberately) and then for 8th grade she spent a year at a local

private school for kids with L.D. Her high school was very

accomodating and non-stigmitizing - emphasizing multiple learning

styles, so it was easy for her.

Now, she gets quiet space to take tests (which she doesn't really need)

and more time for exams.

What she could really use is access to lectures in various topics -

she is primarily auditory, since it is so physically painful for her

to read. The problem has been a lecturer with a strong accent - she

couldn't understand her!

I just don't see any logical reason why a student with anxiety,

becoming a nurse, has to take a speech class.

I wonder retrospectively how much of my daughter's learning struggles

have to do with her OCD...

Alice

Hi Alice. Does she already receive accommodations at her college? Is this

> the only one they are fighting? My dd is a junior in high school so I

> don't have

> experience yet at the college level. I am sure my dd will need

> accommodations, though, because she really struggles now with bipolar/OCD

> and it

> significantly impacts school for her. I hope you are able to get the

> answers you are

> looking for. Good luck. Kim

>

>

> In a message dated 1/12/2008 3:32:16 P.M. Central Standard Time,

> aklinge@... writes:

>

> I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

> private university.. don't know if that makes a difference..p

> I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

> prefer....it gets so tiring.

> Alice

>

>

>

>

>

> **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

> http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>Hi Kim,

Yes, she has had a 504 plan since 2000 for a moderate language

disability. She went to waldorf school (which delays reading

deliberately) and then for 8th grade she spent a year at a local

private school for kids with L.D. Her high school was very

accomodating and non-stigmitizing - emphasizing multiple learning

styles, so it was easy for her.

Now, she gets quiet space to take tests (which she doesn't really need)

and more time for exams.

What she could really use is access to lectures in various topics -

she is primarily auditory, since it is so physically painful for her

to read. The problem has been a lecturer with a strong accent - she

couldn't understand her!

I just don't see any logical reason why a student with anxiety,

becoming a nurse, has to take a speech class.

I wonder retrospectively how much of my daughter's learning struggles

have to do with her OCD...

Alice

Hi Alice. Does she already receive accommodations at her college? Is this

> the only one they are fighting? My dd is a junior in high school so I

> don't have

> experience yet at the college level. I am sure my dd will need

> accommodations, though, because she really struggles now with bipolar/OCD

> and it

> significantly impacts school for her. I hope you are able to get the

> answers you are

> looking for. Good luck. Kim

>

>

> In a message dated 1/12/2008 3:32:16 P.M. Central Standard Time,

> aklinge@... writes:

>

> I will wait and see if the psychiatrist responds adequately. It's a

> private university.. don't know if that makes a difference..p

> I couldn't believe the " battle " the disabilities person seemed to

> prefer....it gets so tiring.

> Alice

>

>

>

>

>

> **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

> http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alice, the public speaking class is even required at our community

college. And it was required WAY back when I went. No matter the

major.

I think if you can relate the class to her disability in some way

besides anxiety, which even I was bad about, and shy, no self-

confidence...tie it more to *her* disability and not something that

others (like me, LOL) may feel, then you might have a chance.

is having to take that class this semester too. When I went

back to college years ago, same college, I was sooooo glad that my

credit for that class was still there years later!

>

> >Hi Kim,

> Yes, she has had a 504 plan since 2000 for a moderate language

> disability. She went to waldorf school (which delays reading

> deliberately) and then for 8th grade she spent a year at a local

> private school for kids with L.D. Her high school was very

> accomodating and non-stigmitizing - emphasizing multiple learning

> styles, so it was easy for her.

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I too had to take a speaking class as an undergrad. and it was very

traumatic for me. (before SSRI for me) Long ago, too. (late

seventies) She has developed some level of self confidence - but

her fear of blushing sets off her OCD and SAD she also has some body

dysmorphic disorder stuff going on. (perceived flaws -she is a

model...) The disabilities center person recommnded counseling on

campus - I said my daughter had seen someone there already I " made "

her go after my mother died in November), but they weren't familiar

with CBT...The disabilities person didn't think that was important.

Also, written into my daughter's old ed plan it is clearly stated she

shouldn't have to read out loud.

This was before her diagnosis with any kind of anxiety disorder....

So - I am hoping for this two tiered approach and to help them " get

it " ....

it's difficult going... and hard to believe that someone could be so

resistant to understanding...

Alice

Hi Alice, the public speaking class is even required at our community

> college. And it was required WAY back when I went. No matter the

> major.

>

> I think if you can relate the class to her disability in some way

> besides anxiety, which even I was bad about, and shy, no self-

> confidence...tie it more to *her* disability and not something that

> others (like me, LOL) may feel, then you might have a chance.

> is having to take that class this semester too. When I went

> back to college years ago, same college, I was sooooo glad that my

> credit for that class was still there years later!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>>

>> >Hi Kim,

>> Yes, she has had a 504 plan since 2000 for a moderate language

>> disability. She went to waldorf school (which delays reading

>> deliberately) and then for 8th grade she spent a year at a local

>> private school for kids with L.D. Her high school was very

>> accomodating and non-stigmitizing - emphasizing multiple learning

>> styles, so it was easy for her.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alice, I wonder if she now saw a campus counselor or doctor/psych,

they would recommend she be exempt from the class? Seems they would

probably go along with what " their own " would recommend.

Has the class started yet or are you looking towards where she'll

later take it? I'm wondering if maybe the teacher would work directly

with your dd on this, not going through an actual Plan/disability

office.

How does her OC behaviors affect schoolwork? You might try how having

that class will worsen her OCD which will then affect her in all other

classes, ability to do work or do in a timely manner...just

brainstorming here.

Personally, I think that class should be an elective.

[Guest guest]

Hi

Good points all... I appreciate the brain storm. She has seen a

counselor on campus- not proficient in CBT...maybe they could advocate;

my daughter is therapy resistant - doesn't see the need for talk

therapy...duh. she's right - it doesn't really help her.

She has contacted the professor.(her class started Monday).. I'm not

sure about any negotiations.. in her high school, she was allowed to

present to the teacher alone...seemed to solve everything... clear

she knew the material and could present - just not in front of the

large group.

She is actually compulsive about getting her work done... and then

collapses because her anxiety is so extreme. She will spend hours

picking her skin; last semester she would also just sleep in between

classes.... Now, switching from Lexapro to zoloft, she is

experiencing more energy already... so I am hopeful.

We are still in the infancy stages of understanding how OCD " really "

effects her.. I think her awareness is just now growing. For instance,

at Christmas holiday time she admitted the tapping rhythm ritual she

uses when she puts her debit card back in her wallet. She kept it

light and it seemed freeing for her to realize it. She also talked

about anticipating anxiety (like returning to school) and how she

would probably spend time picking her skin upon returning.

Thank you for the suggestions,

Alice

> Alice, I wonder if she now saw a campus counselor or doctor/psych,

> they would recommend she be exempt from the class? Seems they would

> probably go along with what " their own " would recommend.

>

> Has the class started yet or are you looking towards where she'll

> later take it? I'm wondering if maybe the teacher would work directly

> with your dd on this, not going through an actual Plan/disability

> office.

>

> How does her OC behaviors affect schoolwork? You might try how having

> that class will worsen her OCD which will then affect her in all other

> classes, ability to do work or do in a timely manner...just

> brainstorming here.

>

> Personally, I think that class should be an elective.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, Alice, that is so wrong. Some people can be so ignorant. (

I'm sorry for your daughter.

BJ

>

> More in the sage of college accomodations and public speaking class

>

> Hi all,

> my daughter called today after speaking with the disabilities center

> person, with whom I argued with on Friday.

> The woman had received a fax from my daughter's psychiatrist, whom I

> had asked to contact them with the diagnosis to support a waiver from

> the class.

> First of all the woman didn't know that the class had already

> started.. secondly, she said that to apply for a waiver, my daughter

> would have to present in front of an academic panel! unbelievable!

> then thirdly, she said that she was concerned that the diagnosis would

> be detrimental if it appeared on her transcript because she is in

> school for nursing!!!

> My daughter accepted what she said, but was disconcerted about this

> last comment.. talk about reasons for anxiety! Basically, this woman

> was telling my daughter that she could be discriminated against for her

> disability if she admitted it.

> I am still trying to process this conversation and I'm not sure what

> to do next (if anything) My daughter will work with the professor

> directly to see if they could work out any accomodations between

> them.. but I can't believe the lack of support.

> Cautionary tale, I guess. As much as I would like to believe

that we

> have come a long way to fight discrimination based on disabilities,

> clearly it exists...

> I know that for many folks in this group, you are years away from

> dealing with colleges/universities.. I hope we can work for better

> education and anti-bias.

> Alice

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter is 19 and earned a conditional acceptance lasy year

(predicated on completing a year of college in another setting) from

the private college she wanted to attend, because her highschool

transcript was non-traditional due to switching over to homeschooling

in 10th grade and missing some credits, but still having very high

sat scores. She also passed the state test for an equivalent diploma

(not like a GED b/c you can take it as early as age 16 to test out of

highchool in order to start college)and took a community college

course earning an A. She completed her geometry curricuum with a

private tutor and did very well. IOW her academic record pretty good

just non-standard, and Sat's excellent. This college also accepts

many homeschoolers so must be used to non-traditional transcipts, but

I'm afraid the real problem is they may feel they cannot support my

daughter in school with her ocd flare-ups, which she did refer to in

the admissions process. They don't have any special ed students. My

point is that ocd could cause discrimination if the facility, staff,

teachers, etc think the student may not cope or may need

accomodations, staff, or counseling that they cannot provide. I do

wonder if my daughter should not hav mentioned the ocd, but it is a

significant factor in her life. So makes me wonder how she should or

will handle it in terms of future schooling/admissions, and

employment.

nancy grace

- In , " Alice Klinge " <aklinge@...>

wrote:

>

> More in the sage of college accomodations and public speaking class

>

> Hi all,

> my daughter called today after speaking with the disabilities

center

> person, with whom I argued with on Friday.

> The woman had received a fax from my daughter's psychiatrist,

whom I

> had asked to contact them with the diagnosis to support a waiver

from

> the class.

> First of all the woman didn't know that the class had already

> started.. secondly, she said that to apply for a waiver, my daughter

> would have to present in front of an academic panel! unbelievable!

> then thirdly, she said that she was concerned that the diagnosis

would

> be detrimental if it appeared on her transcript because she is in

> school for nursing!!!

> My daughter accepted what she said, but was disconcerted about

this

> last comment.. talk about reasons for anxiety! Basically, this woman

> was telling my daughter that she could be discriminated against for

her

> disability if she admitted it.

> I am still trying to process this conversation and I'm not sure

what

> to do next (if anything) My daughter will work with the professor

> directly to see if they could work out any accomodations between

> them.. but I can't believe the lack of support.

> Cautionary tale, I guess. As much as I would like to believe

that we

> have come a long way to fight discrimination based on disabilities,

> clearly it exists...

> I know that for many folks in this group, you are years away

from

> dealing with colleges/universities.. I hope we can work for better

> education and anti-bias.

> Alice

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Grace,

I know there are many colleges who specialize in supporting students

with disabilities - see Princeton Review college catalog...

But you are right, I think the more conventional schools still freak out

at the identification.

My counseling supervisor at work just mentioned a statistic that about 25%

of college freshman withdraw after the first semester because of

overwhelm... that is an alarming number and perhaps it's the system that

is flawed. I see so much pressure on children.. increasing anxieties. We

still praise the kids who stay up all night.. and push themselves and then

collapse.. is that really a healthy way to live and work?

I would rather my daughter be honest and without shame. She will be

okay and successful.

Best wishes to your daughter, too...

Alice

My daughter is 19 and earned a conditional acceptance lasy year

> (predicated on completing a year of college in another setting) from

> the private college she wanted to attend, because her highschool

> transcript was non-traditional due to switching over to homeschooling

> in 10th grade and missing some credits, but still having very high

> sat scores. She also passed the state test for an equivalent diploma

> (not like a GED b/c you can take it as early as age 16 to test out of

> highchool in order to start college)and took a community college

> course earning an A. She completed her geometry curricuum with a

> private tutor and did very well. IOW her academic record pretty good

> just non-standard, and Sat's excellent. This college also accepts

> many homeschoolers so must be used to non-traditional transcipts, but

> I'm afraid the real problem is they may feel they cannot support my

> daughter in school with her ocd flare-ups, which she did refer to in

> the admissions process. They don't have any special ed students. My

> point is that ocd could cause discrimination if the facility, staff,

> teachers, etc think the student may not cope or may need

> accomodations, staff, or counseling that they cannot provide. I do

> wonder if my daughter should not hav mentioned the ocd, but it is a

> significant factor in her life. So makes me wonder how she should or

> will handle it in terms of future schooling/admissions, and

> employment.

> nancy grace

>

>

>

> - In , " Alice Klinge " <aklinge@...>

> wrote:

>>

>> More in the sage of college accomodations and public speaking class

>>

>> Hi all,

>> my daughter called today after speaking with the disabilities

> center

>> person, with whom I argued with on Friday.

>> The woman had received a fax from my daughter's psychiatrist,

> whom I

>> had asked to contact them with the diagnosis to support a waiver

> from

>> the class.

>> First of all the woman didn't know that the class had already

>> started.. secondly, she said that to apply for a waiver, my daughter

>> would have to present in front of an academic panel! unbelievable!

>> then thirdly, she said that she was concerned that the diagnosis

> would

>> be detrimental if it appeared on her transcript because she is in

>> school for nursing!!!

>> My daughter accepted what she said, but was disconcerted about

> this

>> last comment.. talk about reasons for anxiety! Basically, this woman

>> was telling my daughter that she could be discriminated against for

> her

>> disability if she admitted it.

>> I am still trying to process this conversation and I'm not sure

> what

>> to do next (if anything) My daughter will work with the professor

>> directly to see if they could work out any accomodations between

>> them.. but I can't believe the lack of support.

>> Cautionary tale, I guess. As much as I would like to believe

> that we

>> have come a long way to fight discrimination based on disabilities,

>> clearly it exists...

>> I know that for many folks in this group, you are years away

> from

>> dealing with colleges/universities.. I hope we can work for better

>> education and anti-bias.

>> Alice

>>

>

>

>