Receiving my BA in Psychology from Le Moyne College in May 2006 I reached a goal I never felt would happen. These feelings stem back from my school years where I sat in segregated, self-contained classrooms until the age of 21. I graduated with the 1992 graduating class, complete with a cap, gown and carried a pink rose. Walked in the procession and sat with the rest of the students, on the stage. I listened to all the wonderful plans these peers had to look forward to and the scholarships they earned in their journey to higher education. For me, that was not even close of an option! My next day after graduation, I entered a sheltered workshop, combined with a day habilitation program, because I was/am non-verbal and no means of communication. As each of these students passed by me to receive his/her diploma, I wanted to receive an education and eager to learn. In my heart, I promised myself somehow I would get that education!
In July, 1995, I was evaluated for a means of communication and my label of being special was dropped forever, and the label of intelligence was forever attached. Now the opportunity for receiving an education was a good possibility! Three years later I began Penn State and after moving to the Syracuse area, transferred my 33 credits to Le Moyne College and as stated above, May, 2006 received my BA in Psychology. I carried nine credits each semester, and after graduation I needed a break from college to re-group and decide what I wanted to do with my Psy degree. I knew the BA would not get me anywhere in the work world and I definitely wanted a career. I kept browsing the college graduate programs and finally found a perfect fit. I applied to Syracuse University s Cultural Foundation of Education Department, with a Master s program in Disability Studies. I knew that my Psychology background would be a great fit. I feared failure with each course I took because I lacked the foundation normal students had.
On the first page of this presentation, I proudly displayed my letter of acceptance to S. U. and the Master s program; February 28, 2008 was a wonderful day! The months following my acceptance, I revisited the strategies that worked well for me in my undergraduate years. I first sought out an advisor and choosing a class for the fall semester. Before making any decisions, I visited with the professor who was going to teach this class. It was important to meet them and not have them blind-sided when I walked into class the first day not knowing anything about me and my means of communication. Each professor of the courses I chose, experienced the same visit with each passing semester. The approach was the same by asking questions about the course, the exam format, expectations of the students, etc. I also shared my accommodations, that it was okay with me when I asked or answered a question, he/she, could go on with the class and then come back to me when I finished typing. That met with total acceptance in each of my courses.
My next strategy was to introduce myself to the Office of Disability Services. Syracuse U. has a wonderful department, willing to make your education accessible and successful. I worked personally with the Director at the time; and found him most helpful. I was finally learning how I learned. (Remember back a few paragraphs; I did not have any education to fall back on until I began college classes. I was doing double duty by educating myself with the information being given through my classes, but also having to learn the information as a regular student.) At the beginning of each semester we would meet with my new syllabus and choose the areas where I felt I needed accommodations. When the plan was written up and re-submitted to me, I would sign it and it was then forwarded to the incoming professor. At the end of each semester, again we would meet and go over the strengths and weaknesses I felt needed to be addressed so the next course would become a more efficient plan of support.
One thing I feel is important to pass along to you, should you need a note taker for your classes, insist this person must take thorough notes and not leave information out, because this note taker already knows the information. You may not and if it is skipped over, you are on the losing end. Do not be shy; you re learning experience depends on it. While a grad student, I took one class a semester because the work load, as expected, demands much reading, papers, projects, class interaction and grasping terminology I was not familiar with; however, inside of me, the fire of learning was glowing brightly and I was determined! Choosing Disability Studies as my area of study, I did plenty of crying. Not because I was unhappy, but because of the living hell individuals had to deal with just to survive each day. My heart ached/aches for the pain and suffering he/she endured/endures in the hands of institutions, group homes, sheltered workshops and day habilitation programs for the bullying, abuse, discrimination, and ignorance of those who cared/care for them, even today.
I had many friends at Penn State. The table I sat at began with three students. Soon, there were three to four tables pushed together with laughter, discussing classes, exams, papers, projects, etc. When I chose to move with my parents to Syracuse area, I transferred my 33 credits to Le Moyne College. I did have friends from Le Moyne, but not like I have here at S.U. Grad school offered friendship, inclusion and acceptance. I have had the privilege of meeting people from all over the world. I was almost immediately invited to go for coffee before class or wine after my late afternoon class. Grad parties were a hoot! I found the professors in the department, to be truly helpful, kind and available. They want all of their students to succeed. I have much respect for them and miss them. The social barriers did not seem to be an issue for me. Since I live in the area, I have not experienced living in a dorm. It sounds great to me but just didn t happen.
What has had a dramatic impact on my life, are courses I had on Universal Design in Learning (UDL) www.cast.org/udl and www.udlcenter.org/ When this is implemented in a natural, totally inclusive classroom setting, instituting flexible learning environments by accommodating individual learning differences and adding the use of technology for all students to experience and use, not only individuals with disabilities, but ALL! This allows students to be natural supports for their peers, along with the classroom aides. I believe that there is intelligence in every disabled individual no matter how complex their issues are! When given the opportunity to learn with support, positive approach and belief system, society will view the disability community much differently. Through Person Centered Planning, I was taught to dream and set goals; to envision where I would be in three, five and ten years. I have met each goal I set including employment with Networks for Training and Development Agency in Valley Forge, PA.
Universal Design is utilized in Networks helping families and individuals being supported. I have adapted UD in my ability to work for them even though I live 5 hours away using a cell phone for texting, drop box for meeting notes, conference calls through their own phone system, my input is sent via email, and face to face meetings several times a year, are in the Philadelphia area. The choices I have made through out as to what schools I would earn my degrees from, areas of study my degrees are in, the support from my professors in all schools I studied in, the Office of Disability Services who bend over backwards reaching out and working with students to make their years a success, the wonderful office workers and secretaries who were also a positive guiding force, the Institute on Communication and Inclusion for the role they have played in my years at S.U. and the doc students who work hard and long hours but always have a smile and words of encouragement. You are sooo appreciated! I miss you and thank you!
My final thoughts for you who are considering going to grad school -Can you get to where you want to go with your BA/BS? -Take time to explore the colleges and universities to make the right fit -If you know the area of study you wish to follow, visit the department, the department chair and see if you can meet with a professor or two. -Talk with a few grad students, they are sure to level with you! -Money? I chose Penn State, Le Moyne College and Syracuse University because I felt with Autism, being non-verbal and the communication system I use, it is very important for me to be seen as credible. Wishing you all the very best! Have a great time while you are here!