Accommodations and Independence: Spreading My Wings on Campus

Sydney Bryant lives in Illinois with her parents. She loves to travel and plans to work as an air traffic controller. A few years ago, Sydney had the honor of having her wish granted by Make-A-Wish and traveled to Hawaii, where she had an amazing time. Sydney lives with an unspecified mitochondrial depletion.

My first year as a commuter student at Lewis University was great. I felt a sense of independence while on campus. There was a lot of freedom, but I also needed to set priorities to ensure that I focused on my studies and earned good grades. During my first year studying Air Traffic Control Management and Aviation Administration, I joined three clubs on campus and met other classmates who were in my program. The clubs I joined are Women in Aviation, the Airline Pilots Association, and the American Airports Association Executives. Even though I didn’t get the “full” freshman experience of college life by living in the dormitories, I still enjoyed my first year.

Sydney Bryant on her Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii

At college there are so many new opportunities – and choices. If you have a disability, it’s important to reach out to someone in Academic Services. My Learning Access Coordinator serves as my advocate. I shared my needs with her, and she created an accommodation letter for my teachers to request the necessary accommodations in my classes. This includes access to software that assists me with taking notes and scheduling time at the Accommodated Testing Center for my exams. I can request a reader for my exams or extended time if needed. Additionally, my instructors were notified of my closed-captioning requests since I am deaf and have bilateral cochlear implants. I also have the opportunity to register for classes before other students to ensure I get the classes I need. Together, we make sure I have enough time to get from one class to the next.

Since I have a neuromuscular disease, some tasks are challenging for me, including areas of daily living. My mom assists with my personal needs and acts as my caregiver. This was the primary reason I chose to be a commuter student during my freshman year; we did not have a caregiver available for me. I had never had anyone take care of me other than my mother or grandmother. Since I have always had some level of assistance, my mom initially wanted me to have an aide to assist me on campus. However, I was determined to gain my independence as a college student. I wanted to show my mom that I could handle taking care of myself while on campus and was ready for a new chapter on my own.

During orientation week, I had my first test to demonstrate to my parents that I could navigate a different building by myself. I wanted to start fresh as a college student and make new friends. I succeeded! I navigated the campus on my own, which was such a wonderful feeling. I experienced personal growth, and I applied all the lessons my parents taught me, earning A’s and B’s during my first year in college.

My parents and grandparents constantly give me advice. Some examples of good advice that come to mind are to advocate for myself, ask questions, think before I say something, read over your work before turning it in, take the initiative to do the things that will make me strong and healthy and lastly, try to make friends. My mom always tells me to advocate for myself and try to be independent. She reminds me that when I advocate for myself or do things on my own and take initiative, it builds confidence.

Sydney Bryant in Hawaii

Now, I am entering my second year and was able to get a caregiver through the Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services for the school year. I can’t wait to live on campus. With my Learning Access Coordinator’s assistance, I not only received help with my classes but also secured an accessible dorm room. I got a single room that is spacious enough for me to move around in my wheelchair and includes a personal accessible bathroom. Did I mention that my room accommodates my wheelchair and bath chair? Initially, I wanted a roommate, but my morning routine requires a personal care assistant to help me get dressed, and I realized it would be too disruptive to share a room.

My room has everything I need and want, and it feels like my sanctuary. Everything is accessible to me—the desk, bed, and drawers. The building has an elevator.

As someone with a neuromuscular disease, when you’re looking for colleges, ensure they have academic services for students with disabilities and the ability to accommodate your needs. This support makes attending school much easier, and your primary focus can be your studies.

Living on campus this year has allowed me to finally take full advantage of student life. I now hold leadership positions in the clubs I joined during my freshman year. I feel more confident in my independence and look forward to learning and experiencing even more in my junior year. I found it challenging to make friends during my first year because I couldn’t always stay on campus to participate in activities or socialize. However, my friend group has expanded, and I now hang out with classmates on campus —something I couldn’t do as a commuter. The commute to campus, which took 45 minutes to an hour, is a hurdle I no longer face.

In the end, if college is your aspiration, go for it! If there’s a will, there’s a way. Just remember to utilize the academic resources on campus to help you succeed in college.