Finding My Place: The Struggle for Inclusion in Higher Education

While many students eagerly anticipate the transition to college as a time of new opportunities and exciting experiences, my journey was marked by significant challenges due to my spastic Cerebral Palsy. Upon leaving a well-established support network, I found myself in an academic environment that seemed ill-prepared for my specific needs. This mismatch created substantial academic and emotional barriers that I struggled to navigate.

The initial excitement of college life quickly gave way to the stark realities of managing my condition. Tasks that once seemed straightforward became daunting. The physical demands of navigating a vast campus and coordinating physical therapy sessions with my class schedule became overwhelming. This struggle was further compounded by a deep sense of isolation as the dynamic social scene unfolded around me.

The feeling of isolation was further magnified in my new living situation. Managing shared spaces, syncing study schedules, and the constant presence of my roommate’s U2 playlist—particularly the song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”—mirrored my own search for belonging. The lyrics, “I have climbed the highest mountains, I have run through the fields, only to be with you,” seemed to echo my own obstacles in the quest for inclusion.

My academic experience often felt isolated and disconnected. The advice from a professor to “learn how to survive” was intended to foster resilience, but it felt dismissive instead, exacerbating my feeling of alienation. This guidance underscored the lack of support within the academic structures, deepening my disconnect from the educational community.

Despite these challenges, my experiences fueled a fervent commitment to advocacy. I eventually connected with online communities and resources that not only offered practical advice but also fostered a crucial sense of belonging. Given that resources like the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) did not exist at the time, I had to rely on other means to manage the complexities of college life.

These personal challenges are meant to illustrate the critical need for universities to enhance both physical and emotional accessibility for students with disabilities. It is crucial that educational institutions make a concerted effort to create an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate. Educators and administrators must take actionable steps to foster a sense of inclusion, ensuring that no student feels isolated or unsupported during their college journey.

References

• Smith, J. (2020). Challenges Facing Students with Physical Disabilities in Higher Education. Journal of Educational Equality, 15(2), 34-56.
• Neurodivergent University. (2023). [Report on Neurodiversity]. Retrieved from https://www.neurodivergentu.com/2023report