Many people with Fibromyalgia or other medical issues
believe that obtaining a post-secondary education is not in their future, but
they are wrong. My other post is about working while having an illness. Educational institutions offer services to help those with
disabilities, but it is not automatic; it must be requested. The Adaptive
Educational Services or Disability Support department is there to serve the
students.
Adaptive services provide benefits for persons with learning,
physical and emotional disorders. Learning disorders include autism, dyslexia,
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) and others. Physical disorder examples are
chronic pain, sight problems, hearing impairments and much more. Anxiety and
depression are two examples of emotional disorders.
IUPUI ‘s Adaptive Education Services link
Below are a few examples of how disability support can help with going to college, university. Depending on the institution services may vary.
- Sight - books on tape or software converts text to an out loud reader, larger print materials
- Hearing impairment- interpreters, written instructions, written lecture notes
- Emotional problems (ADD or anxiety) – a quiet room to take tests or exams, a recorder for class lectures
- Learning disability –software convert text to reader
- Speech problem – oral answers given in written form, interpreter relay answer
- Chronic but invisible illnesses – report of absences but no penalty
- Mobility problem – adaptive seats and tables
