Many people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can go to college, but it’s not always easy. Each person with DMD will live the disease differently, and knowing whether or not higher education is right for you is an individual decision. Understanding your needs and finding a school that suits those needs are key to deciding if college is in your future.
Questions to ask when considering college
Pursuing academics and opportunities that excite you while also meeting your needs as a person living with Duchenne will mean weighing many pros and cons — as well as some introspection.
Looking inward: Questions to ask yourself
Take some time to reflect on how you feel about the possibility of attending college. For some, a college course load on top of daily living might be overwhelming, but for others it might be an opportunity for growth.
- Live in or live out: Even if you find living on campus to be an appealing lifestyle, is it a realistic option for you? What do you feel will give you the best college experience? Are you ready to leave your family and adapted home environment?
- Physical and mental capacity: Are you mentally ready and physically strong enough to commit to attending college? Do you have any learning difficulties that need to be taken into account?
- Emotional capacity: Do you feel emotionally ready to take on the challenge of college? Do you have adequate mental health support to help with the transition to college?
Expanding out: Questions to ask about college and campus life
When making your decision on whether college is a good fit and choosing which school might be the most suitable, you’ll need to look at your options and do some research. Some colleges will be better-suited for the needs of someone with Duchenne than others.
- Daily care needs: How will you manage showering, dressing, feeding yourself, nocturnal ventilation and other daily needs? Can you have a personal care assistant? Can you hire a fellow student to help with tasks like laundry?
- Accessibility: Does the college have wheelchair-accessible classrooms, labs, eating areas? Is there transportation available to help you get around campus? If you choose to live on campus, is there adapted accommodation? Are assistive technologies available? Can you do some classes online to ease the physical burden?
- Support: Will you have friends attending the same campus? Family nearby? Will you have extra academic support available? Does the college have a dedicated service for students with disabilities?
- Medical care: Is there a hospital nearby experienced with neuromuscular conditions like DMD? What about a physical therapy office?
Find more helpful links and resources about DMD
Researching specific universities
Understanding a college’s accommodations isn’t as easy as looking up its tuition or programs. These tips are a place to start:
- Look for campus disability groups: Active disability support groups may indicate a more supportive and inclusive environment for those with accessibility needs.
- Talk with students: If you can, reach out to recent and current students with accessibility needs and ask about their experiences. Ask if the college’s support services are helpful and what accommodations are like day-to-day.
- Visit campus: Does the campus feel like a supportive environment? If the social aspect of college is important to you, pay attention to if students seem friendly and welcoming. Are you able to access the main buildings?
The benefits of going to college with DMD
Despite the daily challenges, there are clear benefits of going to college with DMD. Pursuing higher education is a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to meet new people, step outside your comfort zone and gain independence. Just as it is for any other student, college offers the opportunity to grow and change — and with the right planning, it’s within reach for many with DMD.
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