Accommodations

[princesadorkess]

I've just been recently diagnosed with IC (just a couple of months). I had to take a semester off of grad school while this was all happening and I would like to return so I can get my degree. I've looked at the webpage for my school's disability office and checked out their application for accommodations. It wants the accommodations clearly stated in the app. I know that I would need to leave class frequently and that I might miss some days due to pain... For those who have traveled this path or are traveling it, what accommodations make it possible for you to continue? I would love to have an idea of what to talk to my urologist about when I bring in the paperwork. Any suggestions? The classes average three hours at a time and often they are back to back so a six hour night cannot be ruled out.

Thank you!

[Linda May]

Have you thought about on-line college courses?

[kadi]

Restroom access even during exams is the first thing that comes to mind.
If your courses include lab exams or other exams where you cannot leave the room, an accommodation would be needed for that. If there is field work, is there some accommodation you might need for that?

[princesadorkess]

Linda May and kadi,


I am working towards a master's degree in mental health counseling. Because of that I can't take anymore online courses because my classes are becoming too "hands on". I also will be starting practicums and internships soon so I would need accommodations for those. I'm just at a loss of how to make it possible...
Thanks for the suggestions!

[ginaaa22]

I had to do this for school. Get a note from your dr whose treating you. Mine says

Gina has a chronic bladder condition known as IC. This is a painful condition which requires medication and frequent/UNRESTRICTED use of the restroom. Flares of this pain may cause her to miss class. We are attempting to control her symptoms but at this time there is no cure.

At my school they have someone who deals with all accommodations. I just brought the letter to her and she sent an email to all my professors letting them know. If they give me any hassle I just talk to her and she resolves the issue. I am allowed to use the restroom whenever I need to, and miss class as needed (even if the professor has an attendance policy). I believe it is a law that college's have to make accommodations for students. Like if you have adhd, testing problems, migraines or whatever.

[Julie B]

I agree with Gina. Work with the person in charge of accommodations and see what he/she can help you think of. They have probably dealt with everything we can think of and more. Also, be sure to talk to your professors one on one even if you have the note. I have ADA students that I teach in my University of Phoenix classes, and it is always helpful if they tell me "why" they need the accommodations.

For example, one student in the last block of classes had ADA accommodations so that if her work was late, she was not penalized. She told me she had delivered her baby prematurely and he/she was still in the hospital. Not that you want people asking about your bathroom visits all the time, but it does create an open line of communication between you and your professors. When I was in grad school, I also did a couple of papers about IC and that was enlightening to the instructors and students as well.

Good luck!!! You are doing something very exciting and valuable for YOU!

[as77014]

I think what Julie said about ADA should help you a lot. If you don't know, it's the Americans with Disabilities Act. Basically, I think they have to help you out as long as it's a reasonable request. And as long as you're not disrupting other people, that sounds reasonable to me. So you should be fine. Try what Gina said - getting a note from your doctor - and that should help. I got a note from mine so that I could get a single room because I have chronic fatigue and I was afraid I'd be kept up all night so they gave me a single room since he wrote me a note. They're usually pretty accommodating!

[OllieR]

Hello! Yes, I did this while I was an undergad in college. I am glad I did. I definitely agree with the advice of calling and asking what accommodations are available. They asked me the same thing, what accommodations I wanted - I don't know why they ask that before giving out a list of possibilities, because really, who knows these things lol?

My school was a bit limited in what they could offer, but did say that I may need to get up from class frequently, and may need special accommodations while taking exams. I was given the option of taking them in the disability office if I liked. Sometimes I did this in large exam classes because my IC distracts me enough already that the last thing I needed was more interruptions! They also gave me permission to use a tape recorder during class if I had to take care of something with my IC and missed some lecture time (though fortunately I did well enough I didn't really need this one). I was also allowed to take an "incomplete" in any class where my IC severely disrupted by progress, which I did once. I finished some papers and an exam for the class in the following summer after I had taken it. It was no problem and made my life a ton easier. Fortunately I did not need this, but if I had had to stay in the hospital or have surgery the office of disability would coordinate with my teachers for me what I was missing and what I needed to make up. Lastly, I was able to sign up for classes before anyone else so I could pick the best times for my schedule (which helped greatly to make sure I had time open for doctor appointments and such). I'm not sure if you get to pick your classes in your masters program or are just given a schedule?

I think the greatest help was letting my professors know that I was struggling a lot with my health. They were overwhelmingly accommodating beyond the demanded needs from the office of disability. They gave me slack on turning in some assignments and fudged a little on the attendance rules for me. When my IC prevented me from completing certain assignments I was given alternatives. This understanding in itself was a great help and having an official letter is a great way to start up that conversation of special needs.

I hope hearing about some of the things that benefited me help you out in understanding what your professors and school can do for you. I wish you all the luck and think you are very smart for signing up! I had some friends who refused to do this and then were jealous of my special treatment lol.

[princesadorkess]

Thank you to everyone who shared ideas. I haven't been able to return to school yet- we still haven't got the medications right yet. I've decided that I need to look for a different major, because it would be very difficult to counsel people and fully be there for them while I was in a flare... I double majored for my bachelor's so I am looking into getting a master's in my other interest. Thanks again for your support and ideas!

[kadi]

Oh, another thing that's helpful is to have a seat at the back or side of the classroom so you can stand up as needed (if that helps you, it does for me) and can discreetly slip out to the bathroom without the whole room watching you leave.

[Sabrina00]

should I ask for accomodations??????

I am going to be attending college for the first time this fall. I am concerned to about the whole bathroom access issue. There are times where I can actually go two hours without having to use the bathroom (those are wonderful times). There are other times where I need to use the bathroom several times an hour.

I get embarrassed by my frequent bathroom use because I am sure people wonder what I am doing in the bathroom so often. Even the little 3 year old I babysit for asked me why I have to use the bathroom so much. So I am sure if a little kid notices it, other adults obviously do. On top of that, I am kind of shy and quiet so I hate drawing any unnecessary attention to myself and I know using the bathroom all the times raises a few eyebrows.

I guess what I am getting at here is it necessary to say something to my school about my issue? I have not been diagnosed with I.C. but I am seeing a urologist. I know I would be mortified to go and talk to a school counselor to say I have a issues with urinary frequency. At the same token, I don't want my teachers wondering why I can't sit through an entire class. So that is my dilemma..........