If you’re a student with a hemiplegia, meaning the paralysis of one side of the body, you’re going to need some assistance in handling your books. This is an especially important factor, if you are attending a large campus. In some cases, the state or federally-funded agencies will make arrangements for an on-campus helper to carry your books and provide support. But these services are often limited, so you must be willing to work with the organization. You are often given the choice of having support services. This may mean that you may have a support specialist or aide for an allotted number of hours each week. At this point, you will need to assess your course load and mobility issues, such as the distance from one class to another. It may be helpful to request services for a course you have difficulty setting up in or getting to. For example, if you are taking a class in a lecture hall with an auditorium-type setup, you may want to have support during the time you’re getting to or attending that class.
In Maryland, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) or the Developmental Services Group (DSG) will be able to provide such assistance. If you are working with a DORS rehabilitation counselor or another advocate, he or she can work with your school to help you obtain services available to you. If you are not able to obtain assistance in transporting your materials, try getting a backpack on wheels. This will help eliminate the extra time it takes to transport your books on your back.
Working with the office for disabled students is also a great asset. On college campuses, there is usually an office that caters to students with disabilities. They can provide you with a quiet room for testing. This can usually be arranged by scheduling the test seven to ten days before a test is given. The disabilities office is sometimes called the Disability Services Office, the Office of Special Services, or something of the like. It is here that students can take tests with unlimited time, or tests can be read to them. You can fill out a form a week ahead of tests to reserve a quiet room for testing.
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