It’s back to school time once again. For most students, this means shopping lists of new clothes, shoes and books, just to name a few things. If you’re a college student with a disability, it’s also time to get the required paperwork in to the Students with Disabilities Office at your college or University so that you can get the accommodations you might need to complete your coursework in each class.  The Office of Students with Disabilities Services that’s available at Colleges and Universities does a good job helping those students navigate the academic part of being a student. There are however gaps in the services provided that can and should be filled. This article will outline some ideas that might make the experience students gain from utilizing the services provided a fuller one in what it is to be a college student.
Although historically this office was started by students with disabilities, the human touch of this idea is almost nonexistent. Colleges and Universities should allow this to also be a place where students can gather and talk with other disabled students about experiences like dating and socializing in a college atmosphere that’s specific to them. Even if the specific office isn’t used as an area for this type of dialogue to occur, something like having a mentor, in the form of an older student to share advice from a disability standpoint would be beneficial to all students involved. This idea would also help the student develop socially if, for example, it is their first time away from home. Most of the time college is a young adult’s first experience in the “real world”. It could even be a comforting thought to have a “buddy” waiting for them on their new adventure. This idea doesn’t have to be mandatory but, at least be offered to new or transfer students so they get the opportunity to participate in such a program.
Workshops packed with valuable real-life information could also be offered.  As a result students could increase their base of information and be more informed about the world around them outside of academics. Guest speakers or webinars should be offered to students so they get the full experience of what it means to be a young adult. A survey could be conducted to find out what topics students might be interested in getting more information about. A range of topics could be offered in a relaxed environment, and would also be another opportunity for students to socialize with each other. Additionally, it could be an opportunity to make connections out in the community that might benefit students in the future.
Finally, transitional information for things like housing and employment options for people with disabilities could be available. This would be particularly helpful so those students who are going to live alone for the first time after college won’t be so apprehensive about the experience. The services various offices of students with disability services make available on all campuses are invaluable to each student they help. They provide services and supports to those students that utilize the office and help engage students on different levels as well as in different areas. These are simply some suggestions which could only enhance the experience of being a college student with a disability.