Why I haven’t pursued academic accommodations despite my MS
What I've learned about navigating college with a disability
In the middle of my freshman year of high school, I experienced a bad case of optic neuritis, which I now know was my first episode of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to my neuro-ophthalmologist, I was legally blind in my left eye.
My vision was mostly recovered thanks to a high dose of prescription steroids. Years later, during my senior year of high school, I experienced another episode of optic neuritis that led to my diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. I’ve now gone through high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies while living with the condition.
However, I was unaware of the resources and academic accommodations available. I didn’t learn about said resources until the end of my junior year of college.
Undergraduate struggles
Throughout my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, I encountered many health obstacles before I became aware of academic accommodations. Many MS symptoms emerged for me during this time, such as cognitive impairment, hand tremors, weakness throughout my body, and bladder problems, which also affected my mental health.
As these symptoms emerged, I experienced a sense of loneliness, as I was away from my family for the first time in my life. In addition to being separated from them, I struggled to manage my well-being and handle my course load effectively.
As an ambitious, overachieving person, I’ve always found it challenging not to take on more than I can handle. During undergrad, I tried to do too much and spread myself too thin. I took the maximum number of class hours, joined every campus organization I could, and strove to be the best version of myself while navigating new symptoms.
I always knew that my circumstances were different from those of my peers, but I never wanted to appear incompetent or inferior. Because of that mentality, I pushed myself to the breaking point.
Needless to say, all that resulted in significant stress, which ultimately took a toll on my health and led to an MS relapse. It took me years to understand the importance of not overloading myself — one of the biggest lessons I learned as an undergrad.
Becoming aware of resources
During my junior year, I learned that I qualify for academic accommodations after discovering that MS is considered a disability while applying for a job. Still, I didn’t try to register or apply for accommodations through my university’s disability services offices because of how daunting the process appeared. In addition, I believed that if I’d been navigating college without accommodations, I could continue to do so. For those reasons, I haven’t pursued an official academic accommodation letter, even now as a graduate student.
If I need flexibility or an accommodation, I meet with my professors to explain my circumstances. Fortunately, the professors I’ve disclosed my condition to have responded with kindness and understanding.
The decision to formally disclose a disability or illness is highly personal. However, I often contemplate how my education would’ve differed if I’d sought support and resources. I guess I’ll never know.
Have you pursued academic accommodations as a student with MS? Please share your experience below.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Mark Silvester
My studies where All part time from ONC & HND as an apprentice then as an Engineer did a BSc & MSc also part time. 4 yrs later I was dx having RR MS after becoming a Consulting Engineer who spent the next 9 yrs travelling around the world from Belgium(2yrs) Detroit Kansas (7x 2weeks) Dagenham 18mths, Sao Paulo Brazil (7x2 weeks) Germany 4 weeks.
After finishing work at 40 MS deteriorated quickly 4 yrs later went to full time wheelchair user and spMS with episodes
Phil Kirschbaum
Get the accommodations youre entitled to. Theres no shame in receiving help. The accommodations are one of the few “pluses” of living with a disability.
Josephine
girl, I thought I was alone when it came to having pediatric MS. it's super tough learning that we have MS while other kids at the high school are only focused on if their make up looks perfect or if their eyeliner is on point. it's so sad to say, but I've lived longer knowing that I've had this MonSter in my life than I've lived as a "normal" "healthy" kid
...MS is a pain. stress can exacerbate MS symptoms.......I guess that we have to find a healthy portion of yin's to go along with our MS-flavored yang
. I like to sarcastically state that we are the MonSters that MS fears, since we are young, fearless, resilient, strong people that aren't dead....and aren't dead for a reason
Joe
I had my first symptoms during the summer before my second year of undergrad and I struggled to finish my degree. Most days were ok, but many were difficult with fatigue and brain fog. I went misdiagnosed until age 35 and had a slow decline in my right eye vision over that time. I’m now legally blind in that eye. I wish I would have had a common case of neuritis like you and been diagnosed earlier. Fortunately, vision loss and minor balance issues are my biggest problems and I’ve been stable on Ocrevus for over 2 years now. My workplace knows of my MS as well, but my only necessary accommodation is permission to work remotely when my fatigue is more severe.
GUENNADI KACHKINE
ACCEPT MS AND GO
Tom A
Hello again Ms Lama- I don't recall asking for accommodation while I was in school. I did teaching as a grad assistant too and had optic neuritis for a spell too. But for licensure as a Psychologist in most states the EPPP exam was required. I asked for extra time and ir was given. Now, did I really need the extra time because of MS? Probably not. I knew it would be difficult and wanted as much time as I could get. I passed on the 1st attempt. I had no guilt in asking and certainly knew I might be abusing the system and didn't care a bit. Most, I believe, would have called me a fool if I hadn't grabbed the extra time. As it turned out, I finished the exam in plenty of time, but I never had to worry if I'd have to turn in an incomplete test. Everything else for my license I did like everyone else, and there was plenty. Others didn't have their future being threatened, I did. I've learned to take anything extra I can use. Of course, I wouldn't take from someone else who was in greater need, but that's about where my caring stops. In 20 years, you'll care not a bit how you got out of grad school.