Evaline Stone: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Colleges for Students with Disabilities

Introduction

Evaline Stone is the founder and CEO of the Herndon Collaborative, a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to students with disabilities. She is also a strong advocate for the rights of students with disabilities in higher education.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the best colleges for students with disabilities. We will cover topics such as:

• The different types of disabilities that are covered under the law
• The accommodations that colleges are required to provide
• The resources that are available to students with disabilities
• The best colleges for students with disabilities

We hope that this information will help you make the best decision about where to attend college.

Types of Disabilities Covered Under the Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes:

• Physical disabilities such as mobility impairments, visual impairments, and hearing impairments
• Cognitive disabilities such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders
• Mental health disabilities such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder

Colleges are required to provide accommodations to students with disabilities under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These accommodations can include:

• Academic accommodations such as extended time on tests, note-taking assistance, and alternative formats for textbooks
• Housing accommodations such as accessible dorms and apartments
• Transportation accommodations such as wheelchair-accessible buses and vans
• Assistive technology such as screen readers, speech recognition software, and closed captioning

Resources for Students with Disabilities

Many colleges and universities have offices of Disability Services that provide support and resources to students with disabilities. These offices can help students with:

• Applying for accommodations
• Developing an academic plan
• Finding housing and transportation
• Connecting with other students with disabilities

In addition to Disability Services, there are many other resources available to students with disabilities. These resources include:

• The National Center for Learning Disabilities** (NCLD) provides information and support to students with learning disabilities.
• The American Foundation for the Blind** (AFB) provides information and support to students with visual impairments.
• The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association** (ASHA) provides information and support to students with hearing impairments.

The Best Colleges for Students with Disabilities

There are many colleges and universities that are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for students with disabilities. Some of the best colleges for students with disabilities include:

• Boston College
• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Duke University
• Georgetown University
• Harvard University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• New York University
• Northwestern University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Princeton University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Chicago
• University of Michigan
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Southern California
• University of Virginia
• Yale University

These colleges and universities have a proven track record of providing excellent support services for students with disabilities. They offer a wide range of accommodations and resources, and they have a strong commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Table 1: Colleges with the Best Disability Services

Table 2: Colleges with the Most Accessible Housing

Table 3: Colleges with the Best Transportation Services

Strategies for Students with Disabilities

Here are some strategies for students with disabilities to succeed in college:

• Be proactive. Don't wait until you're struggling to ask for help. Reach out to your Disability Services office early on to get the support you need.
• Communicate your needs. Let your professors and classmates know about your disability and how it might affect your learning.
• Use your accommodations. The accommodations you receive are there to help you succeed. Don't be afraid to use them.
• Get involved. There are many student organizations and activities that are open to students with disabilities. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
• Be yourself. Don't let your disability define you. Be proud of who you are and what you can achieve.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for students with disabilities:

• Use assistive technology. Assistive technology can help you overcome the challenges of your disability. There are many different types of assistive technology available, so find what works best for you.
• Take breaks. Don't try to do too much at once. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
• Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your professors, classmates, or Disability Services office.
• Be patient. It takes time to adjust to college. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep working hard and you will eventually achieve your goals.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a physical disability and a mental disability?

A physical disability is a physical impairment that affects a person's mobility, senses, or other physical abilities. A mental disability is a cognitive impairment that affects a person's ability to think, learn, or communicate.

2. What are the most common disabilities among college students?

The most common disabilities among college students are learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health disabilities.

3. What are the different types of accommodations that colleges are required to provide?

Colleges are required to provide a variety of accommodations to students with disabilities, including academic accommodations, housing accommodations, transportation accommodations, and assistive technology.

4. How can I find the best college for me?

There are a few things you can do to find the best college for you. First, research the different colleges and their disability support services. Second, visit the colleges and talk to the staff. Third, talk to other students with disabilities who attend the college.

5. What are some strategies for students with disabilities to succeed in college?

Some strategies for students with disabilities to succeed in college include being proactive, communicating your needs, using your accommodations, getting involved, and being yourself.

6. What are some tips and tricks for students with disabilities?

Some tips and tricks for students with disabilities include using assistive technology, taking breaks, asking for help, and being patient.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your Disability Services office or another trusted resource.