Re: Re: Program prepares disabled youth for college life

[Guest guest]

Good article, and good points from Kendra. I'm just finishing my degree in

special education, and while I'll be certified for K-12, I want to teach high

school. People keep asking me why I would want to do that, but this is exactly

why--transition. Our schools are doing a horrible job of preparing kids for

transitioning into post-hs life. (And in many cases, NCLB isn't helping, but

there's already one anti-Bush conversation going on at the moment...) Students

with learning disabilities aren't taught to advocate for themselves, work

independently, and seek out the resources that are available. Student with

physical

disabilities are still waiting for resources to materialize, because as far as

I can tell, the world isn't offering us much. The special education world is

finally realizing that transition is a problem and starting to explore

solutions. It's one bandwagon that I'm excited about joining. (And it's a perk

for me

that my interest in transition makes me VERY marketable as a special ed

teacher!

e

[Guest guest]

I totally agree w/you Kendra. It's like they think after you turn 21 you

can all of a sudden get out of bed by yourself eventho all your life you

haven't been able to. It never makes sense to me why children have easier

access

to benefits for services like nurses or aides when usually they have parents

BUT once they turn 21 and have a desire to be independent from their parents

their services are yanked away. You eloquently voiced my frustrations!

Kimi

In a message dated 7/19/2006 6:43:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

kendranicole@... writes:

Good article for those who are concerned with learning disabilities or

other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the struggle

students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that is

wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are reliable

and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very basic

struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't even

cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many colleges

don't even have a centralized office for students with disabilities? Or

programs through that office which are actually helpful?

But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to stay,

with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it. This

extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over the age

of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in poverty.

In a land where every individual is told opportunity is everywhere and

you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic opportunity to

roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know - just my

idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals with

disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't given

enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom, literally.

<3Kendra

[Guest guest]

I don't think people at the DOR even understand how hard it is. My DOR

counselor was shocked that I elected to take my college classes online but in

reality, I didn't have that much of a choice. There just weren't enough

resources

for me to get to campus everyday. I tried explaining it to her but she

seemed to look down on my decision.

I remember going to one campus for an appointment with the Disability

office... I just back in the car and didn't even bother going to the appointment

when I found out the office was on the second floor of a building with no

elevator. The receptionist said that they'd help me up the stairs. Granted, it

was

a temp office because the main one was under construction, but the fact that

it was totally inaccessible made me realize that's probably not a school I'd

want to go to anyway.

In a message dated 7/19/2006 3:43:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

kendranicole@... writes:

Good article for those who are concerned with learning disabilities or

other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the struggle

students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that is

wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are reliable

and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very basic

struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't even

cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many colleges

don't even have a centralized office for students with disabilities? Or

programs through that office which are actually helpful?

But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to stay,

with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it. This

extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over the age

of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in poverty.

In a land where every individual is told opportunity is everywhere and

you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic opportunity to

roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know - just my

idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals with

disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't given

enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom, literally.

[Guest guest]

Excellent point. I suggest you submit this information as an article.

L

Kendra wrote:

> Good article for those who are concerned with learning disabilities or

> other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the struggle

> students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that is

> wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are reliable

> and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very basic

> struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't even

> cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

> about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many colleges

> don't even have a centralized office for students with disabilities? Or

> programs through that office which are actually helpful?

>

> But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to stay,

> with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it. This

> extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over the age

> of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

> impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in poverty.

> In a land where every individual is told opportunity is everywhere and

> you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic opportunity to

> roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know - just my

> idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals with

> disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't given

> enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

> because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom, literally.

>

> <3Kendra

>

>

> >

> > Program prepares disabled youth for college life

> >

> > Monday, July 17, 2006; Posted: 10:59 a.m. EDT (14:59 GMT)

> >

> > http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/07/17/college.bound.ap/index.html

> <http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/07/17/college.bound.ap/index.html>

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know how ya feel, Deena People just don't seem to realize how

difficult it can be to get any kind of help or assistance because of your

disability. I always try to get a sign language interpreter when i need

one, but often they say that won't help because I have a hearing aid. YES,

i have ONE, but I still have trouble understanding speech at times. So, the

interpreter is needed.

Just another reason why the ADA needs to be rewritten.

On 7/19/06, DeTannous@... <DeTannous@...> wrote:

>

>

> I don't think people at the DOR even understand how hard it is. My DOR

> counselor was shocked that I elected to take my college classes online but

> in

> reality, I didn't have that much of a choice. There just weren't enough

> resources

> for me to get to campus everyday. I tried explaining it to her but she

> seemed to look down on my decision.

>

> I remember going to one campus for an appointment with the Disability

> office... I just back in the car and didn't even bother going to the

> appointment

> when I found out the office was on the second floor of a building with no

> elevator. The receptionist said that they'd help me up the stairs.

> Granted, it was

> a temp office because the main one was under construction, but the fact

> that

> it was totally inaccessible made me realize that's probably not a school

> I'd

> want to go to anyway.

>

> In a message dated 7/19/2006 3:43:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

>

> kendranicole@... <kendranicole%40kendranicole.com> writes:

>

> Good article for those who are concerned with learning disabilities or

> other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the struggle

> students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that is

> wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are reliable

> and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very basic

> struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't even

> cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

> about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many colleges

> don't even have a centralized office for students with disabilities? Or

> programs through that office which are actually helpful?

>

> But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to stay,

> with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it. This

> extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over the age

> of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

> impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in poverty.

> In a land where every individual is told opportunity is everywhere and

> you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic opportunity to

> roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know - just my

> idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals with

> disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't given

> enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

> because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom, literally.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know, it's hard Preeti. I always have tried to get an interpreter for my

classes in college and i often get turned down because I can " hear " . Yes, i

can, but not well enough sometimes to understand human speech, particularly

people who speak English " funny " , i.e. with an accent. It sucks major a**.

On 7/20/06, dreamzofx23 <dreamzofx23@...> wrote:

>

> I agree since I'm going through the process right now, and the whole

> idea of having to get help from people that I don't really know is

> keeping me away from the schools that I really want to attend.:-/

>

>

>

> > > >

> > > > Program prepares disabled youth for college life

> > > >

> > > > Monday, July 17, 2006; Posted: 10:59 a.m. EDT (14:59 GMT)

> > > >

> > > > http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/07/17/college.bound.ap/index.html

> > > <http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/07/17/college.bound.ap/index.html>

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Maybe I am from a different generation because I actually found myself

agreeing with your psychiatrist. Okay, so you were lucky to have a transit

service free for medical use, but you also have a phone and a voice to call

out to those who provide transit services to " smarten them up! "

I have had to move four times during my childhood and four times during my

marriage. I have had to call upon government servants and stir them up to

iron out such things like traffic light cycles, curb cuts, public access

entrances and hound transit services too. It takes time, but it gets done if

you don't let it drop. I even did this prior to moving. I am a tad pro-active

about certain things that can be controlled so if I can see ahead on things

that need to be done, I do them before they become an issue.

Do as much as you can before taking the jump. However, if no one will move

before you do then line everyone up that will need to be " knocked on " and get

the ball rolling. In other words, do your research ahead of time and spend a

few quarters on long distance calls just to make sure your " ducks " all line

up.

Angie

(I am thinking about running for council in my town.....think anyone would

vote for me? hehehe)

On Thursday 20 July 2006 12:36, Kendra wrote:

> Back when I was in NY, I was unable to leave my apartment because

> there wasn't any public transit I could take (save one stupid program

> which would cancel, not show up, forget you, and treat you like you

> were garbage). I couldn't even get off the sidewalk my apartment was

> on because we didn't have curbcuts, so I was literally stranded on

> this sidewalk. I became so depressed sitting in my apartment alone

> all day that I went to a psychiatrist. When I explained to her I was

> lonely and literally had no way to get out of my apartment, her only

> response was, " you found a way to come here to see me, I'm sure you

> can find a way to go out if you really wanted to. " I explained that

> Medicaid pays for transit to dr. appointments and a special van came

> with a lift I could roll onto straight from the sidewalk with no curb

> cuts. She brushed it off as me " making excuses. "

>

> People really don't understand.

>

>

>

> > > I don't think people at the DOR even understand how hard it is.

>

> My DOR

>

> > > counselor was shocked that I elected to take my college classes

>

> online but

>

> > > in

> > > reality, I didn't have that much of a choice. There just weren't

>

> enough

>

> > > resources

> > > for me to get to campus everyday. I tried explaining it to her

>

> but she

>

> > > seemed to look down on my decision.

> > >

> > > I remember going to one campus for an appointment with the

>

> Disability

>

> > > office... I just back in the car and didn't even bother going to

>

> the

>

> > > appointment

> > > when I found out the office was on the second floor of a building

>

> with no

>

> > > elevator. The receptionist said that they'd help me up the stairs.

> > > Granted, it was

> > > a temp office because the main one was under construction, but

>

> the fact

>

> > > that

> > > it was totally inaccessible made me realize that's probably not a

>

> school

>

> > > I'd

> > > want to go to anyway.

> > >

> > > In a message dated 7/19/2006 3:43:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

> > >

> > > kendranicole@... <kendranicole%40kendranicole.com> writes:

> > >

> > > Good article for those who are concerned with learning

>

> disabilities or

>

> > > other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the

>

> struggle

>

> > > students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that

>

> is

>

> > > wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are

>

> reliable

>

> > > and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very

>

> basic

>

> > > struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't

>

> even

>

> > > cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

> > > about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many

>

> colleges

>

> > > don't even have a centralized office for students with

>

> disabilities? Or

>

> > > programs through that office which are actually helpful?

> > >

> > > But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to

>

> stay,

>

> > > with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it.

>

> This

>

> > > extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over

>

> the age

>

> > > of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

> > > impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in

>

> poverty.

>

> > > In a land where every individual is told opportunity is

>

> everywhere and

>

> > > you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic

>

> opportunity to

>

> > > roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know -

>

> just my

>

> > > idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals

>

> with

>

> > > disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't

>

> given

>

> > > enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

> > > because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom,

>

> literally.

>

> > >

[Guest guest]

Blah.

Angie wrote:

> Maybe I am from a different generation because I actually found myself

> agreeing with your psychiatrist. Okay, so you were lucky to have a

> transit

> service free for medical use, but you also have a phone and a voice to

> call

> out to those who provide transit services to " smarten them up! "

>

> I have had to move four times during my childhood and four times

> during my

> marriage. I have had to call upon government servants and stir them up to

> iron out such things like traffic light cycles, curb cuts, public access

> entrances and hound transit services too. It takes time, but it gets

> done if

> you don't let it drop. I even did this prior to moving. I am a tad

> pro-active

> about certain things that can be controlled so if I can see ahead on

> things

> that need to be done, I do them before they become an issue.

>

> Do as much as you can before taking the jump. However, if no one will

> move

> before you do then line everyone up that will need to be " knocked on "

> and get

> the ball rolling. In other words, do your research ahead of time and

> spend a

> few quarters on long distance calls just to make sure your " ducks " all

> line

> up.

>

> Angie

>

> (I am thinking about running for council in my town.....think anyone

> would

> vote for me? hehehe)

>

> On Thursday 20 July 2006 12:36, Kendra wrote:

> > Back when I was in NY, I was unable to leave my apartment because

> > there wasn't any public transit I could take (save one stupid program

> > which would cancel, not show up, forget you, and treat you like you

> > were garbage). I couldn't even get off the sidewalk my apartment was

> > on because we didn't have curbcuts, so I was literally stranded on

> > this sidewalk. I became so depressed sitting in my apartment alone

> > all day that I went to a psychiatrist. When I explained to her I was

> > lonely and literally had no way to get out of my apartment, her only

> > response was, " you found a way to come here to see me, I'm sure you

> > can find a way to go out if you really wanted to. " I explained that

> > Medicaid pays for transit to dr. appointments and a special van came

> > with a lift I could roll onto straight from the sidewalk with no curb

> > cuts. She brushed it off as me " making excuses. "

> >

> > People really don't understand.

> >

> >

> >

> > > > I don't think people at the DOR even understand how hard it is.

> >

> > My DOR

> >

> > > > counselor was shocked that I elected to take my college classes

> >

> > online but

> >

> > > > in

> > > > reality, I didn't have that much of a choice. There just weren't

> >

> > enough

> >

> > > > resources

> > > > for me to get to campus everyday. I tried explaining it to her

> >

> > but she

> >

> > > > seemed to look down on my decision.

> > > >

> > > > I remember going to one campus for an appointment with the

> >

> > Disability

> >

> > > > office... I just back in the car and didn't even bother going to

> >

> > the

> >

> > > > appointment

> > > > when I found out the office was on the second floor of a building

> >

> > with no

> >

> > > > elevator. The receptionist said that they'd help me up the stairs.

> > > > Granted, it was

> > > > a temp office because the main one was under construction, but

> >

> > the fact

> >

> > > > that

> > > > it was totally inaccessible made me realize that's probably not a

> >

> > school

> >

> > > > I'd

> > > > want to go to anyway.

> > > >

> > > > In a message dated 7/19/2006 3:43:32 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

> > > >

> > > > kendranicole@... <kendranicole%40kendranicole.com> writes:

> > > >

> > > > Good article for those who are concerned with learning

> >

> > disabilities or

> >

> > > > other non-physical disabilities. It didn't even mention the

> >

> > struggle

> >

> > > > students with physical disabilities have finding a dorm room that

> >

> > is

> >

> > > > wheelchair accessible on most campuses! Or attendants that are

> >

> > reliable

> >

> > > > and affordable in a new city without a support system. The very

> >

> > basic

> >

> > > > struggle of surviving college on a monthly SSI check which won't

> >

> > even

> >

> > > > cover your room and board costs for the month was overlooked. What

> > > > about the real issues we face? How about the fact that many

> >

> > colleges

> >

> > > > don't even have a centralized office for students with

> >

> > disabilities? Or

> >

> > > > programs through that office which are actually helpful?

> > > >

> > > > But forget services - before we want services, we need a place to

> >

> > stay,

> >

> > > > with food to eat, and someone to help us out of bed to eat it.

> >

> > This

> >

> > > > extends beyond college, too. It's every disabled American over

> >

> > the age

> >

> > > > of 21. Unless you manage it on your own, which is difficult or

> > > > impossible for most, you're just forgotten and left to live in

> >

> > poverty.

> >

> > > > In a land where every individual is told opportunity is

> >

> > everywhere and

> >

> > > > you'll succeed if you try, we can't even get the basic

> >

> > opportunity to

> >

> > > > roll out of bed and say good morning to someone. I don't know -

> >

> > just my

> >

> > > > idea why there is such a low graduation rate among individuals

> >

> > with

> >

> > > > disabilities. Where this article makes it sound like we aren't

> >

> > given

> >

> > > > enough perks and cheats in the classroom, I really think it's more

> > > > because we aren't even able to get into the damn classroom,

> >

> > literally.

> >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

e

I am 16 (sma 2) trying to narragate through transition process. I am

in Pa youth leadership network. We just had a conference on transitioning

here is a good resource for you www.sharedwork.org

If you have futher question please contact me

>From: PurplGurl3@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Re: Program prepares disabled youth for college

>life

>Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 20:25:53 EDT

>

>Good article, and good points from Kendra. I'm just finishing my degree in

>special education, and while I'll be certified for K-12, I want to teach

>high

>school. People keep asking me why I would want to do that, but this is

>exactly

>why--transition. Our schools are doing a horrible job of preparing kids for

>transitioning into post-hs life. (And in many cases, NCLB isn't helping,

>but

>there's already one anti-Bush conversation going on at the moment...)

>Students

>with learning disabilities aren't taught to advocate for themselves, work

>independently, and seek out the resources that are available. Student with

>physical

>disabilities are still waiting for resources to materialize, because as far

>as

>I can tell, the world isn't offering us much. The special education world

>is

>finally realizing that transition is a problem and starting to explore

>solutions. It's one bandwagon that I'm excited about joining. (And it's a

>perk for me

>that my interest in transition makes me VERY marketable as a special ed

>teacher!

>

>e

>

>

>