Tips for Transitioning to College with a Mobility Impairment

 When students with mobility impairments transition to college, there is a lot to consider beyond academic accommodations and campus accessibility. Through my work providing college transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions and my experience as a university administrator, I have learned to initiate conversations about the following areas: housing accommodations, Personal Care Attendants (PCA’s), and emergency evacuation. These areas are sometimes overlooked and can have a big impact on the student’s ability to succeed on campus. Here are some considerations for families and students as they determine the college environment that best supports their needs:

Housing Accommodations

If a student with a mobility impairment plans to live on campus, the student will need to request an ADA accessible residence hall. To do that, the student should contact the Disability Support Office (DSO) and follow the process to request a housing accommodation. It’s also a good idea to request a tour of the room and/or pictures of the space before moving in. Does the room require use of an elevator? Does the residence hall layout and furniture provide ample space to navigate a wheelchair or other assistive devices?

Consider your needs

Although there are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards, we know that not all spaces may meet someone’s particular needs. The student should outline each aspect of their daily needs and consider the modifications that they may have in their own home. This will help the student think through any modifications they may need in your residence hall. For example, blue push buttons will be common feature for entry doors. In the college setting, they typically require students to first swipe their ID card and then push the button to get into the residence hall. If a student lacks the hand mobility to be able to swipe a card, they will need to work with the DSO to ask for an alternative such as a key FOB, clicker, or sensor.

Personal Care Attendant

Students with MI’s who need assistance with daily living, such as bathing, toileting, dressing and other personal care will need to retain the services of a Personal Care Attendant (PCA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the law that provides for “reasonable accommodations” in college and in the workplace, does not require universities to provide PCA’s (read more about “Auxiliary Aids and Services” here). Because universities do not cover the cost of the PCA, families will need to consider their options, which might include: private pay, medicaid, or a friend/family member acting as the PCA. 

Preparing for the transition

One way a student who requires a PCA can start preparing is to make a daily schedule that outlines all of the areas where the student needs support in a typical 24 hour period. Consider every aspect when a student needs assistance, from getting out of bed, to doing laundry, to night time physical adjustments, to buttoning a shirt.

Emergency Evacuation

Many times, emergency evacuation is a secondary concern. However, for students with MI’s it takes time, effort and planning to ensure that they are safely able to evacuate. It requires upfront consideration. 

Make a plan

Have a conversation with the DSO and Campus Police about evacuation needs. Discuss an evacuation plan for the residence hall, classrooms and other areas a student may go to on campus. Ask about the university’s process and protocols for evacuating students who use wheelchairs. It’s a good idea to carry a card with information, allergies, medications, and emergency contact info. Most phones also have a medical ID feature where this information can be stored. 

With thoughtful planning, students with MI can successfully transition to college. Students should be sure to connect with the DSO to have a conversation about their needs during the college search process and immediately after they are admitted. 

This piece was also posted on The Mighty

There is a lot to consider when transitioning to college with a mobility impairment. Contact us for a free 30 minute consultation today!