Getting Through College

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am hoping someone could kindly give us the benefit of their

experience transitioning their child from high school to college. We

would very much appreciate advice about how sick children

successfully manage getting through college.

I'm not sure where to start or what to expect for my son (who has

chronic Lyme and several other tick-borne illnesses) since the

academic accommodations he has in high school will not roll over to

college when he starts his freshman year this September. He will be

living at home for now and commuting to school.

Because of cognitive and physical disabilities, I am concerned that

he will be unable to manage the work load without some flexibility

from his professors or that will flunk out or be asked to leave

because of medical absences.

So far, I've contacted the college's special services department for

advice. I was told that after we send in the " appropriate

documentation " (whatever that is) they will review it and determine

if he qualifies for services (whatever they are.) If my son

qualifies, he can then make an appointment to meet with someone from

special services after the school year is underway.

I'm rapidly getting the feeling that from now on, he is on his own.

The transition will feel more manageable once we understand exactly

what resources (if any) are available to him, how to demonstrate need

and what expenses we are likely to incur. Basically, it would be

nice to know where we should put our energies next.

If anyone has experience in this area, any tips or ideas about how we

can help our son academically through the next years, we are grateful

to hear them. Thank you. Carolyn Forbes

P.S. -. I heard there is a company that records textbooks onto

cd/tapes. I'm not sure but think you might be able to rent/buy the

audio recordings through subscription to the service (or perhaps

available through a participating lending library.) It strikes me as

a great tool to help children with Lyme keep up with their reading

assignments - especially when migraines or fatigue makes it

impossible to read let alone hold up a textbook. Anyone know

anything about this program? Thanks, again.