College Transitioning
Complexities, Language, Empowerment and Self-Advocacy
For many students with disabilities, college may be the first time they navigate the accommodation process on their own. Some may need an accommodation for the first time to eliminate access barriers. You can play a role in fostering student development as students adjust to college. Students with disabilities encounter an added layer of complexity in acclimating to college life.
New Living Space
Living in a new space on or off campus and adjusting to roommates for the first time can be challenging for all students, but the increased challenge for students with disabilities is having new needs they don’t fully understand yet. They need time for self-reflection and even more time to be able to explain their needs to a roommate. Conflict can happen despite the roommate’s intention. Residential Life has systems in place to support students living on campus. You can reach the Residential Life team at reslife@mnsu.edu.
Different Food
Food allergies and dietary restrictions can be difficult for students with disabilities to navigate. Foods that were considered “safe” at home may not be readily available on campus. Facilitating referrals to a registered dietitian in Dining Services can benefit students needing additional support with meals.
Major Shift in Routine
Students with disabilities may struggle with fluctuating class schedules. For example, a neurodivergent student can thrive in a structured high school setting because of the consistent routine; however, the variation of each day’s schedule in college can be debilitating. Similar challenges may be experienced by students using a mobility device (wheelchair, scooter..) or someone who has a Personal Care Assistant (PCA).
Needing to Find Local Health Care Provides
Students with disabilities typically seek health care services more frequently than able-bodied students. Some may find mental health, primary care, and specialists in Mankato, while others need to travel to access appropriate care. This can result in additional separation from campus, which puts these students at risk for not feeling they belong on campus.
New Social Dynamics
Minnesota State Mankato has the privilege of frequent events and gatherings. These high-energy events attract many students, staff, and community members. This can be overwhelming for some students with disabilities, or they may not have enough energy to attend despite wanting to do so.
Student positions such as Community Advisors (CAs), MavPass Leaders, Learning Community Coordinators, Orientation Peer Assistants, the Multicultural Center, Student Activities, Women’s Center, LGBTQ Center, and more, create spaces for students to interact. Students with disabilities gravitate to these areas due to the structure and clear expectations established by these leaders and offices. You can encourage students to get connected and involved in student life.
Navigating Identity
Disability is the most intersectional area of diversity as students of all genders, races, ethnicity, age, etc. are impacted by disability. For some, higher education may be the first time they explore the concept of disability as part of their identity. Student groups such as Access Your Abilities and the Neurodiversity Club are great opportunities to connect with each other. Non-traditional students, international students, and other student groups have even more complexities.
The biggest way you can support students with intersectional identities is to listen and offer affirmation. Students will define challenges in a way that makes sense to them at that moment. You may be the first person they disclose to. Offer resources and show you want them to be successful.
Depending on the student’s background and current life experience, they may have only experienced disability with a stigma attached. Students need an environment where disability is not stigmatized to gain self-determinism and the skills to graduate and lead fulfilling lives after their time as Maverick is over. Students feel empowered when they name barriers and achieve full access.
Keep in mind that language is constantly evolving, and changes should be celebrated. Students are the main influence of language evolution, and staff must keep up with best practices. The biggest rule to language is that we use the language that the student chooses to use when referring to themselves, which may evolve over the time they work with us.
