Finding Your Group in College
For many students, college is a place to discover who they are, explore, and connect. For students with physical disabilities and health conditions, it may be the first time that they have independently encountered other students with similar disabilities and health conditions. This can be a liberating and informative experience for students. There are many ways for students to make these connections. They can meet other students in classes, engage with them in the disability support office, or meet through more intentional environments like the ones I highlight below.
Disability Cultural Centers
A handful of colleges have Disability Cultural Centers that focus on providing a space for students with disabilities to connect. Many also provide social, educational, and cultural activities for the campus community. This article provides a good overview: Special Feature: An Introduction to Disability Cultural Centers in U.S. Higher Education, Part I
Here are a few examples of colleges that have Disability Cultural Centers:
Peer Mentoring through the Disability Support Office (DSO)
Some colleges offer peer mentoring through the DSO to support students with disabilities in learning the ropes on campus, and to help recreate connections between students with disabilities. Here are a few examples of schools that have peer mentoring programs through the DSO:
- University of Vermont-Student Accessibility Services-Peer Mentoring Program
- Barnard-Center for Accessibility Resources and Disability Services-Peer Mentoring
- Lehigh University-Disability Support Services-Peer Mentoring Program
Organizations
There are a number of disability and health condition specific organizations that support college aged students. This can be a great way for students to connect and share with students across the country. Here are a few examples:
- DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring
- College Diabetes Network
- Health Advocacy Summit
The examples above are just a few of the opportunities that students may use to connect with others and find people they connect with. Accessible College provides services and supports to assist students with physical disabilities and health conditions in thinking through their needs and preparing for college holistically. Contact us for a free 30 minute intake!