RE: Colleges

[Guest guest]

I was raised in NY. but wanted to go to college some place warmer so I

went to the University of Houston in Houston, TX. Shortly after I got

there I knew this city was perfect for me in terms of accessibility and

weather. Back then, in the early 80's, TRC (voc rehab) paid for

everything except books including one-on-one 24 hours attendant care,

tuition/fees, and room and board. NY voc rehab actually paid for my

first six months and then TRC took over after that. From what I've

heard, voc rehab isn't as generous as they were when I went to college.

I stayed for a graduate degree in social work which was also sponsored

by TRC. The campus is very wheelchair friendly and there is a

wheelchair repair center on campus through the Office for Disabled

Students (they also offer various other services as well).

My mom later confessed it was very hard to let me go (I had a trach and

was ventilator dependent only a year before I left for college) but she

knew it was my only chance to make a real life for myself. So,

20-something years later, I am happily married and have a very good job

in the Texas Medical Center working as a case manager.

That's my story.

Lori

Sebastianelli wrote:

> My son (SMAII) is in 10th grade and we are starting to look at

> colleges. I

> would like to know what colleges you have attended. I also would like to

> know your experiences.

>

> Thanks

> ('s MOM)

>

[Guest guest]

I graduated high school very early (2 weeks after my 16th birthday)

and had already been accepted at Loyola in Baltimore MD on a full

scholarship. We had visited the campus and area and my parents were

not thrilled even though I was totally into it (it was only co-ed

housing and an inner city when we had grew up in the boonies). College

would start 2 weeks later, since I had graduated in the summer, and my

parents refused to let me go. I went to my community college which was

good because I stayed home and bad because I stayed home. It was an

extension of high school for me. I didn't gain any new independence

and I wasn't able to receive any new services or meet other persons

with disabilities.

After I received my AA I transferred to an all-womens school in Troy,

NY. I did not take my time looking into the school or services and

this was a huge mistake. I only remained there for one semester and

had the worst months of my life while there. If it taught me anything,

it was the value of really visiting campus and talking to people -

getting to know administration and professors, students and the area

in terms of accessibility. Also, research and apply for every service

available to your son.

I finished a dual bachelor's degree just a few miles from that

institution at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. It was

referred to me by Miss Wheelchair NY who had graduated from CSR. She

raved about the accessibility and helpfulness of the staff and

professors long before ADA was passed. I fell in love with the school

when I visited and spoke with those on campus. The only downside was

that I didn't receive campus housing since I was a transfer student

and they would not make an exception. I had to get my own apartment

since the campus was a few hours from my parents, and learn to

coordinate my own services on a daily basis for transportation and

help on campus (getting special desks, testing accommodations, library

services, etc). I gained a lot of independence at CSR with what the

campus and community had to offer.

Currently I am studying for my master in public policy at the

University of California, Berkeley. As far as what services colleges

themselves offer and pay for, Cal is, by far, the best ever. I moved

here for the accessibility of the bay area and was lucky to get into

the GSPP program. The community has a very strong network for people

with disabilities, as well as campus having a formal program and

student program (currently run by yours truly).

All in all, I think you need to pay attention to the campus and its

accessibility and office for students with disabilities, as well as

the community and accessibility. What programs are offered for

students with disabilities? Who pays? What if your son needed a

special accommodation, would they be willing to provide it or work

with the state rehab department to resolve the issue in a timely

fashion? Are there buses, taxis or trains in the area that are

wheelchair accessible? At what cost?

Good luck with your search for colleges with your son!

<3 Kendra

>

> My son (SMAII) is in 10th grade and we are starting to look at

colleges. I

> would like to know what colleges you have attended. I also would

like to

> know your experiences.

>

> Thanks

> ('s MOM)

>

[Guest guest]

> My son (SMAII) is in 10th grade and we are starting to look at

> colleges. I would like to know what colleges you have attended. I also

> would like to know your experiences.

why isn't he on here to talk with us about it?

-- Stride, Mercy Ltd.

stride@...

ICQ# : 29358721

AOL-IM : BardsDirge

http://mercy-limited.com

" Myself I long for love and light, but must it come so cruel, and oh so

bright? "

-- Joan of Arc by Leonard Cohen

[Guest guest]

I went to State in Dayton, Ohio.

Jenn

[Guest guest]

I'm currently attending the University of Washington. It's really

great. Not only is it renowned for its academics, but the people &

accessibility are top-notch. All but two of the campus buildings are

completely accessible, the Disabled Student Services people are very

proactive, and there is very fast shuttle service to any part of

campus for disabled students.

- Porter

[Guest guest]

Amy Sharp or Parrish over at TX A & M could answer

your question.

http://cdd.tamu.edu/contact.htm

I know Midwestern at Wichita Falls has a program but that is

quite a distance form you.

Tonya

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Debbie

Sent: Friday, January 02, 2009 11:03 AM

Asperger's Support; Austinautismsupport; Ann Hart; Lori ;

Lori work; Carla

Subject: ( ) Colleges

Does anyone know of any

private colleges in the Bastrop/Austin area for those with Autism?

Thanks so much, have a wonderful day!

Faith never wonders why.

Worry about nothing, pray about everything!

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet

is fighting some kind

of battle.'

" For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of

happiness. "