Program prepares disabled youth for college life

[mjschaef]

..."Of disabled college students who began college during the 1995-96 school year, only 15 percent had obtained a bachelor's degree by 2001, compared to 29.8 percent of their non-disabled peers, according to the U.S. Department of Education.Nearly half of disabled students -- 41.2 percent -- dropped out by that year. The remainder attained lower degrees or continued their education.
While a successful student may balance schoolwork with things like cleaning an apartment, some disabled students find it difficult to multitask and excel academically at the same time, explained Jill Rickel, national director of admissions with the College Living Experience, among the most extensive transitional programs in the nation."



More - http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/07....ap/index.html

[jayday9]

From my experience in my first year, there is nothing preventing students with disabilities from graduating....It's understandable that someone may not be able to take 20 credits a quarter or something like that, but they can plug away at 12-15 credits a quarter and graduate....No reason to drop out....

The only ones having trouble were the ones who had never had to do anything for themselves, even simply asking for help, because their parents did everything for them.....The services are out there, you just have to advocate for yourself instead of relying on others to advocate for you...

[Emi2]

Guess I'm not doing so bad... been in University since 2000/2001. Took two one year breaks (one to have Violet, the other when I broke my neck) as well as one semester off due to a wound. Been going part time (2-3 courses/semester) but I'm sick of it and want to get 'er done so I'm taking 4/semester this year. Should finally get my BA in 2008!

[-scott-]

Originally Posted by jayday9

From my experience in my first year, there is nothing preventing students with disabilities from graduating....It's understandable that someone may not be able to take 20 credits a quarter or something like that, but they can plug away at 12-15 credits a quarter and graduate....No reason to drop out....

The only ones having trouble were the ones who had never had to do anything for themselves, even simply asking for help, because their parents did everything for them.....The services are out there, you just have to advocate for yourself instead of relying on others to advocate for you...

bingo.

my accident happened the night before my 2nd semester - terrible timing - but I still finished my undergrad degree in 4 years / 8 semesters. I tell ya, waking up at 7am every morning was no fun when everyone else ran crazy college schedules, but it was a routine & it worked. The max number of credit hours I took in a semester post-sci was 18... found a couple classes that were cake, & piled it on.

[rob schneider] you can do it! [/rob schneider]

[-scott-]

Originally Posted by Emi2

Guess I'm not doing so bad... been in University since 2000/2001. Took two one year breaks (one to have Violet, the other when I broke my neck) as well as one semester off due to a wound. Been going part time (2-3 courses/semester) but I'm sick of it and want to get 'er done so I'm taking 4/semester this year. Should finally get my BA in 2008!

hey, not only do you have to deal w/ the SCI, but you've now got a kid & a husband... more props to you Emi... you're doing great.