I WENT TO MY COLLEGE TODAY OF WHERE I WILL BE GETTING MY GRADUATE DEGREE. I SPOKE WITH A COUNSELOR THAT WORKS AT THE CENTER OF DISABILITY AND I WILL BE GETTING A NOTETAKER IN EVERY CLASS, EXTRA TIME FOR TEST (ACTUALLY TWICE THE TIME), AN ERGONOMIC CHAIR IN MY CLASSES, AND USE OF THE SPECIAL DISABILITY ROOM IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY. IN THE LIBRARY THEY HAVE 19 INCH COMPUTER MONITORS AND ERGONOMIC DESKS. MY MD HAD TO FILL OUT VERY SPECIFIC INFORMATION IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, WHICH INCLUDED DIAGNOSES, MEDICATIONS AND HOW THEY AFFECT FUNCTIONING, ALONG WITH LIMITATIONS THAT WOULD AFFECT MY ABILITY TO WORK IN ANY SETTING, ESPECIALLY A SCHOOL SETTING. SO, MY QUESTION TO ANYONE OUT THERE WHO GOES TO SCHOOL OR HAD GONE TO SCHOOL-DID YOU HAVE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE UNDER THE ADA LAW AND IF SO WHAT? ALSO, WAS IT HARD GOING TO SCHOOL W/TOS? FIBRO? AND ANY OTHER LIMITATIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE..... DUE TO CONFIDENTIALITY, I WILL NOT GIVE MY NAME OR THE NAME OF MY CAMPUS NOR THE MD THAT FILLED OUT MY PAPERWORK. PLEASE RESPECT MY DECISION, AND I WILL NOT ASK OF YOUR YOU PERSONAL INFORMATION. THANKS SO MUCH, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSES!!!!!

Hi LAW,
I went to school and was given all you accomadations through the disability office. In addition, the office of vocational rehab provided a laptop computer, and Dragon software.
Until I received my BA, I was provided funds towards school cost. Post education, they did not provide anything else. So I am not sure if they will provide for graduate work any laptop etc.

I was given unlimitd time for test and could dictate on my laptop in a quiet room in the disability office. I ws also able to get on campus parking in a handicap provided spot. I did have to pay for the campus pass though.

Instead of using a note take I found it mush easier for me to tape record. If I were fuzzy about the lecture I could play the part I wanted to clarify.

As far as a note they just had the doctors office fax something. The office of vocational rehab sent me to a eval and the OT gave them a list of my needs. Right now I am working and they have provided me many items under the return to work program. My work months have not met the SSDI qualifying months as the pay is low part time, and they have stated I have not made significant medical improvement. This means I receive my full SSDI.

Good Luck,
Remember to rest well, and take your meds without missing a dose. Try to schedule your classes a light load and even if it takes extra semesters that is OK.
OH, A rolling book bag helps so much and fat cushioned Big XL pens, they come in pencil too.
Dianne