8 Essentials for University Success With a Disability

I have a disability.

I never thought those four words would describe me, especially at 23, but in my first few days as a graduate student, they’ve become a heavy truth I have no choice but to accept — and at the same time, they’ve turned into a statement of empowerment.

There’s no way to pretend I can do everything you’d expect someone my age to do, when climbing a few flights of stairs put me in bed for all of last weekend, and a few pages of reading brought on a panic attack because my reading comprehension is so abysmal.

I have a disability…

Was it a mistake to attempt grad school?  What if university simply isn’t meant for “people like me?”  Maybe I should have instead found a flexible job that’s better suited for my disabilities and chronic illnesses.

But there’s a reason I got into this program, and a reason my mentors believed I could finish it:

I am more than my impairments.

Despite what society and even I myself at times might think, having a disability and chronic illnesses doesn’t mean I can’t succeed; it just means I might need to do things in a different way, or with some extra help.

I believe that everyone, even those in perfect health, could use a solid support system when making a major life transition like going to grad school or college. But as a person with two chronic illnesses, PANS/PANDAS and Lyme disease that qualify as disabilities, there are seven key supports that I’m using to conquer university.

1) Accommodations from Student Disability Services.

The first step I took was to meet with Student Disability Services to discuss what accommodations I require to succeed. You’ll first need to get a doctor or psychologist to write a letter to document your condition and make recommendations.

After reviewing the letter from my doctor and talking it over with me, the disability services coordinator and I decided I will:

• Have twice the usual amount of time to complete timed assignments and tests
• Take tests in a separate room (they have a proctored testing center for this purpose)
• No grade penalties for absences related to flare-ups
• Extensions on assignment deadlines if I have a flare-up
• Permission to type all assignments and written questions on exams
• Permission to record lectures
• Someone to read aloud test questions
• Someone to read any assigned readings to me

It was overwhelming to see such a long list on my accommodation forms, but I left the office feeling like I had the tools I needed to be successful. And it’s great knowing I have someone in my corner to vouch for my needs if I run into any issues.

2) Professors.

Outside of my blog, I don’t like to bring up my illnesses, so it’s been hard having to tell my advisor and other professors about them. I decided to do so because I know there will be days when I’m too sick to come to class, and they need to know why so my grades don’t suffer.

In my experience, when I’ve opened up a little bit both now and in college, the vast majority of the time, professors have been nothing but supportive and willing to do what they can to help me succeed. But it’s hard for them to help you if they don’t know you need it.

Another important thing to remember about professors is that you can and absolutely should go see them during office hours if you have any trouble with an assignment. That’s the reason I got straight-As in my final semester, despite a disastrous relapse — I took every assignment I struggled with to my professors during office hours and asked if I was on the right track. Since I’d told them how my disease was affecting my brain, they were better able to assist me and explain concepts in ways I could understand.

3) Friends.

In college, no one knew I was sick except for a handful of close friends: my roommate and a couple of others.  I hid it like it was some dirty secret, because I didn’t want anyone to think I was a freak. I often felt like one, because it’s harder to separate yourself from your illness when it’s your mind and brain that are affected by it.

As a result, I spent many lonely, dark nights in flares feeling like no one was there for me — but it was partially because I didn’t let anyone be there for me.

This time, I’m thinking of doing the experiment of being a little more open about my condition. I’m not going to tell everyone I meet of course, but I’m also not going to try so hard to cover things up. And if someone doesn’t want to be my friend because of my illnesses, they’re a jerk and I don’t need them in my life anyway.

I hope that by making my needs more known, I will have better relationships with people. For example, if I briefly explain I have a condition that prevents me from staying out late or doing any strenuous activity, then people won’t just think I’m blowing them off if I keep rejecting their invitations to events I can’t participate in.

4)  Family.

If you have a close relationship with your family, don’t feel like you need to “be more independent” and drift away when you go to university. So many people don’t have a nice family, and if you’re fortunate enough to be on good terms with yours, treasure that and lean on them when times get tough — and call once in a while!

I text my family every day and try to do a video call at least once a week. If you think you don’t have time, you can eat dinner together virtually. Or if you’re like me, you can talk while you’re filling your pill case for the week — a task that can easily take me over an hour.

It helps to have some family members (or even just old friends from home) to talk to who know you well and can help advise you on the new challenges university will bring.

5)  Residence Life and RAs.

My neurologist told me that people with my condition, PANS, generally shouldn’t share living space with others in a dorm setting because of the increased risk of infection. If I had a roommate who got sick, just being near them would cause a symptom flare. On these grounds, I was able to get a medical exemption to live in a dorm room with a private bedroom and bathroom. Many universities have single rooms for people with certain medical or psychiatric issues. Talk to Residence Life or Disability Services about it.

As for your RA, it’s their job to look after their residents, so if you need something, don’t be afraid to ask them.  Also, it’s a good idea to tell them a little bit about your condition so they know how they can help.

Another consideration is that I’m asking my RA to tell me in advance when the fire drills will happen, so I don’t have to climb down so many flights of stairs since elevators turn off in a drill or real fire. This is important for any of you with fatigue or mobility issues.  Though in my case I could physically descend all the stairs, the exertion would likely cause a Lyme flare that would make me quite sick, so it’s best if I can avoid it unless there’s an actual emergency.

6) Therapist.

Adjusting to a totally new life in a new city is stressful, and such life changes could aggravate any existing mental health conditions — especially when you also have the stress of a chronic illness to cope with.

I’m being proactive by finding a therapist to keep an eye on me every week or two so that I’ll already have help in place if I start to unravel, and hopefully to prevent me from unraveling too far in the first place. I may not need to see her every week, but it’s good to know I have someone I can go to if I need that.

Most universities have a counseling center on campus, but a lot of them place limits on how many times per year you can use it.  You can still go to them and ask to be referred to someone off campus, like I did.

7) Doctors.

It can be tricky to find new doctors when you have a chronic condition, especially if it’s rare or controversial like mine. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to at least find a Primary Care Provider who can do a physical exam or prescribe antibiotics if you get an infection. And they may be able to refer you to a specialist who knows about your condition.

Most insurance companies have a doctor lookup tool online where you can search for in-network providers near you. Then you can call multiple practices and ask if the doctor is a good fit for someone with a rare disease. If you try out a doctor at an intake appointment and they’re not respectful, you can always move on to someone else.

Keep in mind that telemedicine is perfectly legal in many states now, especially if you originally saw the doctor in the state where they’re licensed.  It may be possible to keep working with your present specialists remotely. Check local laws.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to admit you need help.

Telling all those new people about my condition hasn’t always been easy, but in the end, it’s worth it to know I’m going to have the support I need while my brain and body continue to heal.

I still hope that most of my challenges will go away if I can fully recover from Lyme and PANS; indeed, I’m vastly improved from a year ago.  But no matter what, I’m coming to accept that right now, yes…

I have a disability. 

And I’m not going to be ashamed of it. I won’t feel bad about asking for what I need at university.  I believe  education is for everyone — abled or disabled, healthy or ill — and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity that I’ve been given. I hope these tips will help you do the same.