Community Forum

Does anyone have any knowledge on how the 504 Plan has helped with college housing placement options? This is our daughter's first year of college and housing for next year is becoming an issue. I am open to any feedback or suggestions with the process.

 Reply posted for MominPoconos.

I'm so glad things are moving in the right direction now with CCFA's help.  I just read a post in the "emotional wellness" section.  Click on "soo stressed" and read the post by "sherril sabatino."  It's very informative!!!  It may help too.  What is happening with your daughter and her student housing?  Is there any way she can apply to be an RA (residence assitant) on the dorm floor and she could have her own room with her own bathroom?

 Reply posted for EZ.

I finally found some contacts at CCFA and at the Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness,Inc.who were very helpful. We are still working on housing for our daughter for her sophomore yr., but so far things are moving in the right direction. Ley me know if you need the individual's names who have been a huge help in deciphering the law.

 Reply posted for EZ.

I am in Pennsylvania, but that shouldn't matter, right? The ADA is a Federal Act. The ADA told me that Crohns and UC are not listed by diagnosis and it's a case byt case basis as to whether our daughter would qualify under the ADA. They seem to make it very difficult to qualify for ADA rights. Anyone find this too ?? HELP PLEASE ! This is very frustrating.

 Reply posted for EZ.

Unfortunately, the ADA does not list Crohns or colitis as a covered diagnosis. The law is VERY vague and one has to jump through hoops to get approval. IF anyone has any suggestions please offer them. WE are under a time constraint since the housing process at this university is under a strict time schedule.

 Reply posted for EZ.

I called the disability office at the university and they were NO HELP ! What an education I am getting and a disppoinmting one ! I've been calling the ADA office re: regulations, laws, ect. Unfortunately, Crohns and colitits is NOT automatically an approved diagnosis under the ADA which is really shocking to me considering whta our kids have to go through with this illness. Next step, I am contacting our state representative and possibly senator's office. This is becoming so very difficult just to get college housing with a private bathroom ! ANyone have any other suggestions??

 Reply posted for MominPoconos.

I just went to yahoo.com and typed in "ADA Act and IBD" and a bunch of sites came up.  I hope I'm not going to go through this with my daughter.  I didn't when she applied as a Freshman and we even contacted a UC that she was interested in and the disability office couldn't have been more helpful.  I'm in California.  I would think the laws would be the same everywhere.  I was thinking if maybe your daughter's doctor would have any information of what to do.  My daughter goes to an IBD specialist and he is at a hospital in Los Angeles that has it's own IBD Center so maybe there is one where you live that could help also.  My daughter's pediatric IBD specialist had a team with her and one of team was a Social Worker that had so much information about colleges, scholorships, etc.  Also this website ccfa.org could probably help you too.  Good luck and please keep us posted.

 Reply posted for EZ.

Thank you for your help/. I will use your suggestion   !! Where did you find the whole ADA Act (what web site?). Thanks for your help !

 Reply posted for MominPoconos.

I just went on yahoo and put in ADA Act and IBD and it is covered.  What state are you in?  Did you contact the disability office at the campus? 

 Reply posted for EZ.

Thank you for this information. Does having an IBD diagnosis qualify a student for ADA services? I was told by the university that her diagnosis wasn't under ADA guidelines. I am getting conflicting information. Anyone have info. on this ? I need this information in a hurry since housing for next year is in process already. Thanks so much !! 

College HousingWe didnt put our daughter on the 504 plan in high school.  When she got accepted to State as a Freshman, we thought great but the housing was full.  We called the disability office at the college and they were as nice and helpful as could be.  All of a sudden there was a space in a dorm closest to the campus for her.  She actually decided to pass on going and attend community college instead and now we are at that point again for her to transfer in as a Junior.  She has put in all her applications and when she gets accepted at one, she will be calling the disabilty office for housing.  Call the disability office at your childs campus, they will be more than willing to do whatever it takes.  They are terrific.  Its such a relief to know they are there to help our kids.