I am a 14 year old girl with mild cerebral palsy. I walk on my own around the house but use one crutch at school and pretty much everywhere outside of the house. I get tired VERY easily and cannot stand/walk for long periods of time because my legs and feet hurt. I have a few more years until college but I'm getting worried. There is no way I'm going to be able to walk around a huge college. I can't use a manual wheelchair because my arms get tired just as fast as my legs. My mom thinks I should just go to a small college and walk with my crutch, but I'm thinking "How small is small and will it be small enough to save the little stamina I have?" A power wheelchair would be a dream come true, but there's no way that insurance would cover it for someone who can walk on their own like me. Any suggestions?
P.S: I need something not too expensive-my family is middle class and we can't afford an expensive powerchair or something else.
2007-02-20 03:11:51 · 8 answers · asked by dare to dream 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
One of my friends in college had severe CP. He was a full time student at my university, and he went to class, he lived in the dorms, he went to dances and club meetings.
Another friend had mild CP. He could walk with a cane, but not for long distances. He also was a full time student and had a social life on campus.
My campus was NOT small. 25,000 students on a campus that was fairly spread out.
The cool thing about most universities is that they will bend over backwards to accommodate you. You will need to tell them what help you need, and they will do their very best to provide it.
My friend lived in a dorm that had been adapted to house students who needed assistance, as well as people who did not. It was the closest dorm to campus, and was right on the campus bus route. The school had a van that also picked kids up at their dorms, and dropped them off at their classes, etc. All the buildings were accessible.
I think that you should look at any college that interests you, not thinking about your CP. As you find colleges you think you'll like, you should call their admissions office and find out what will be available to you on that campus. It may be as simple as making sure that you live in a dorm with an elevator, which is near to your classroom buildings, and giving you the schedule for the bus route. They may also offer shuttle busses and vans, direct door-to-door service, as my school did.
All sorts of assistance may be available to you. I think it would be bad to limit your choice of colleges right from the start to only those you can walk around independently. Put some of those in the mix, of course, but also consider other schools that seem harder to get around. You may be surprised at what assistance the school can give to you.
2007-02-20 03:29:48 · answer #1 · answered by RoaringMice 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your problems getting around. There are some options for you besides a powerchair/ or wheelchair, including things to help you walk easier. A small school can be an asset IF they provide elevators, or otherwise accommodate with ramps and have classes close together. Research your school wisely, and make sure they have at least elevators due to your condition. Another avenue you could try would be to get the administration of a school and its students involved to help you with a fund raiser so that you can complete your education by using a powerchair/wheelchair. Your school should be looking out for your special needs as a person. Make sure you are respected by the school you chose, and don't give up on your dreams! Good Luck! :)
2007-02-20 03:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by Shane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of those scooters is the best idea, because y ou can use it to get through buildings and across campus. If your medical insurance wont' pay for it, consider looking for something like an electrical golf cart which you can use to get around campus. You might also want to write to the college for which you are applying and check into disability grants etc. Also to let them know you are wanting to bring such a vehicle onto campus.
2007-02-20 03:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should contact the college that you are interested in attending to find out what type of special services they could offer you. Most Universities offer some type of transportation system to individuals with needs such as yours.
2007-02-20 03:16:31 · answer #4 · answered by carlita231 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check with your local vocational rehabilitation office, they may be able to find a way to get you that motor chair you need or contact the cp foundation. just because you can walk doesnt mean you dont qualify, after all, you can only walk short distances without difficulty. dont worry, everything will work out to your advantage.
2007-02-20 03:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by hammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try online classes that my work for you and as far as financing your education, there is financial aid, scholarships etc. check in with your college counselor for information.
I believe you will do well because you are thinking about your future sooner rather than later and that will take you far!
2007-02-20 03:20:23 · answer #6 · answered by purplejadedragon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into one of those motorized scooters? Maybe the college will help you out, I'm sure you are not alone...You have plenty of time to think about it, you're only 14
2007-02-20 03:16:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The college may be able to provide a service or something to you because of this. Ask them.
2007-02-20 03:14:29 · answer #8 · answered by treseuropean 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋