College. This word seems very scary at first glance, but the greatest experiences, for both life and educational purposes, are found here. As an adult living with sacral agenesis/caudal regression syndrome (SA/CRS), I have found my experiences at the University of Alabama both exhilarating and eye opening, and I wouldn’t change them for the world.

I chose to go to the University of Alabama for quite a few reasons. The main reason was because I would be receiving a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball at the university. Because our university has a wheelchair basketball program, I wasn’t too worried about things like accessibility around the campus and in the dorms. Also, I loved the overall atmosphere of a large campus and LOVE the warm weather! Although I am about 12 driving hours away from my family, I was still able to make the transition to Alabama because my parents believed I was ready to fly away from the nest, so to speak. When your kids are making a choice about college, let them do their research about schools and let them visit the campus! I immediately knew which school I wanted to go to when I visited Alabama. I just felt like I was home. Another key is to support their decision! If your child feels like they can handle a school, let them decide for themselves! If we think we can do it, our parents should think so, too.

When it came to figuring out the accessibility of my school, I was directed to the Office for Persons with Disabilities. This office helps students who not only have physical disabilities but also those who need test accommodations, note takers, and room accommodations. I’m sure all colleges have some sort of disability office. All they need is a little bit of paperwork from a doctor explaining what accommodations you need. If you are registered at Alabama, you are allowed to register for classes earlier than most students to make sure your classroom is accessible and to possibly email or meet with your future professors. Also, this office will direct you to the most accessible dorms or apartments. The college will also do what it can to make the room and bathrooms accessible.

In this day and age, it is so easy to get connected with people who are interested in your school or will be attending it at the same time as you. Facebook groups are wonderful for making these types of connections and will assist you in making friends before school starts. They say you make your lifelong friends in college, and it’s so true! Hopefully, this has helped you know more about the college life!