College & Disability
Blog by Olivia Murphy
They said I wouldn't go to college, and now years later, I'm graduating with my Bachelor of communication with a concentration in Public Relations in December.
There's a misconception that people with disabilities don't go to college and, if they do, they don't wind up graduating; I'm here to tell you that's completely untrue. I'm a prime example that you can do whatever you put your mind to, no matter what anyone thinks. In high school, I had an IEP, an individualized education plan; people on my team told me that I wouldn't go to college. Some even thought that I might not even receive a traditional diploma when graduating high school. Now years later, I get to tell people that I made it through college, and then I will be graduating in December; not only will I be graduating, but I will be going on to receive my master's in journalism and design. If I were to tell young Olivia something, I would say to her, don't let other people's assumptions of you as a disabled person get away from pursuing your dreams to succeed. You may need a little extra help, such as extra times scribes digital formats of books. Ask for them and advocate for yourself. It will help you succeed.
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However, some of the centers at college institutions that are supposed to help people with a disability navigate college don't make the assistance as accessible as it should be. Don't let it discourage you from advocating for what you need to succeed. That's not to say that college is for everyone; do what makes you happy, and don't let people's perceptions of you stop you from doing what you truly want. Since starting my internship, I've learned about all the programs available through Easter Seals, particularly the college navigator program that would have been helpful if I had stayed in Massachusetts for College. A disability can make college more challenging but not impossible with the right supports, and you can prove society’s assumptions wrong. I'm fortunate and grateful that I have parents who support my dreams and academic journey. Some people don't have people to help guide and support them through college, and that is what the College Navigator program is made for.
