Education and Medical Conditions

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.

Ivy Tech’s Disability Services link 

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

The Other Therapy- Physical and Occupational

A good way to learn how to live with Fibromyalgia and other conditions is to enlist the help of a medical therapist. These people have training in knowing the parts of the body including muscle groups, tendons etc. An occupational or physical therapist can help those with injuries or medical conditions have a more fulfilling and prosperous life.

Occupational Therapy

• Helps people to do regular daily and work activities
• Assist in regaining new skills or re-learning old ones
• Works with patient to discover goals, plan and outcomes
• Performed by occupational therapist (OT) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA)
• OTs hold a graduate degree (minimum) and are licensed
• OTAs supervised by an OT
• OTA hold an associate degree, licensed

Physical Therapy

• Can help with endurance, balance and strength
• Lessens pain and increases movement
• Develops a plan for treatment
• By physical therapist (PT) or physical therapy assistants (PTA)
• PTs hold a graduate degree (minimum), are licensed
• PTAs supervised by PTs
• PTAs may train patients on exercises, equipment
• PTAs hold associate degrees, certified or licensed