Choosing a college or university is big stuff for high school students! Leaving the safety of your parents’ house and your high school years behind is a big step. The college you choose is where you will begin your adult life. It’s exciting, scary, and a little unnerving. For teens and young adults with health conditions that require accommodations, choosing the right college or university adds even more complexity. 

As a child who grew up with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, I had some pretty serious mobility issues I needed to account for in my college selection process. I am happy to report that the college I chose was perfect for me. I chose a small liberal arts school where I had direct access to staff and faculty who helped me when I needed to go to the hospital, renew a prescription, or needed help getting to classes due to my unique health issues. They checked in on me discreetly but appropriately and they kept an eye on me, making sure that I was thriving. They even helped me study abroad!  

As I have toured colleges with my children, I have learned firsthand that some Universities are actively dedicated to accommodating people with all accessibility ranges while others are not well educated, aware or invested in accommodating accessibility needs. I beg you! Meet with the people who will support you during your college years and make sure you will have the help you need. I promise you that while you may not want to do this, as you navigate college, having a university and team that will support you will make a huge difference in your ability to truly enjoy your college experience. 

It checked all the boxes for size, my Major and Minor, my social preferences AND I could easily navigate the campus with my accessibility needs. Plus, the administration was fantastic in ensuring I had the accommodations I needed to be successful. 

To help all you students, parents and families searching for your ideal college, Team Wise Blue Yonder has developed a checklist to help you select a college based on your mobility and accessibility needs.