[SingDanceRunLife]

In my T session today, I updated my T on how things were going (I hadn't seen here all semester), and I told her about my Bipolar II diagnosis and how one of my professors was absolutely great with giving me extensions and such this semester, so she asked if I had been working with disability services, and I said no...and then she said that with my diagnosis I'm eligible. Well, I didn't know that, and I also don't really know what the options are etc.

Anyone have experience with this?

[Fresia]

It's great this came up in session. The student w/ disabilities offices are very helpful.

Contact your school's disability office to find out whether there is specific paperwork for your provider complete or if the provider can send in their own documentation being all that is necessary. They should let you know what all needs to be included in the documentation, and will include what accommodations you may need, such as requesting: notetakers, extra time for tests and quizzes, testing in a separate location, tests given verbally or computerized, etc., whatever may apply for your needs. It varies from school to school what their requirements are in submission of the documentation. Hopefully they will be able to help get you started with what meets your needs.

[SingDanceRunLife]

I was looking at my school's website, and it says you need documentation of an evaluation from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, neurologist or clinical or educational psychologist...then you give that to them and they will work with you to figure things out.

[Fresia]

I ended up going to a neuropsychologist for my eval because I wanted to know if there were issues such as a learning disability besides my BP, knowing my past attempts at school. For me it was worth doing, as they provided with with tips for my issues and learning style for the issues they discovered along with the BP issues, and the insurance covered it. Ask your provider(s) for a referral to someone who does evaluations if you want to go this route or if you already have one of these other providers, it is just a matter of asking many times.

[serafim_etal]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

I was looking at my school's website, and it says you need documentation of an evaluation from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, neurologist or clinical or educational psychologist...then you give that to them and they will work with you to figure things out.

There is usually a specific form that the disability services for students office can provide, or can be downloaded from their website.

[SingDanceRunLife]

Originally Posted by serafim_etal

There is usually a specific form that the disability services for students office can provide, or can be downloaded from their website.

I don't think there's any specific form that you need to fill out. The website just says a diagnostic evaluation and report, and nothing about forms.

[shezbut]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

I was looking at my school's website, and it says you need documentation of an evaluation from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, neurologist or clinical or educational psychologist...then you give that to them and they will work with you to figure things out.

When I was in college (right around year 2000), I just went into the social services office and filled out some paperwork. At that time, I don't think that I'd even been diagnosed with epilepsy yet. Instead, it had been noticed that my memory was poor & I was in therapy for anxiety. I recall talking with a school psycholgist in there & them determining that I needed 2x time for tests & was also approved to have notes taken for me, if I was interested.

I did use the notes for some classes that required me paying close attention to lecture and also used the extra time for tests. That did come in very handy for me. When I was diagnosed with E, and medication treatment began, the extra time came in much more handy. Very best wishes to you! Try not to worry, they are very nice & understanding in those centers.

[Merlin]

I worked with the disability services. They even helped me when I broke down and skipped one of my finals and failed to hand in a term paper. They re-booked the exams and arranged an extension and obtained the class notes from another student. I cannot say enough about how much they helped me.

[serafim_etal]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

I don't think there's any specific form that you need to fill out. The website just says a diagnostic evaluation and report, and nothing about forms.

I would call them and check, because different places require different, specific things be included in a report. Both the universities I have attended had a form specific to them (similar items), and instructions indicating exactly what information would need to be included in a written report. One of the universities provided downloadable forms, the other required an initial meeting and forms were provided at that meeting.

[SingDanceRunLife]

Originally Posted by serafim_etal

I would call them and check, because different places require different, specific things be included in a report. Both the universities I have attended had a form specific to them (similar items), and instructions indicating exactly what information would need to be included in a written report. One of the universities provided downloadable forms, the other required an initial meeting and forms were provided at that meeting.

There is a list of what is required as part of the diagnostic evaluation and report...but no specific forms to fill out, other than an alternate testing form.

[Fresia]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

There is a list of what is required as part of the diagnostic evaluation and report...but no specific forms to fill out, other than an alternate testing form.

Neither of my current schools (current one and one attending in the fall) required a specific form either, just provider evaluation / report as well, not uncommon. Glad you're finding the information you need. All of the offices I've been in contact with over the years have been a great help to me, and hope you will find that as well.

[notablackbarbie]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

In my T session today, I updated my T on how things were going (I hadn't seen here all semester), and I told her about my Bipolar II diagnosis and how one of my professors was absolutely great with giving me extensions and such this semester, so she asked if I had been working with disability services, and I said no...and then she said that with my diagnosis I'm eligible. Well, I didn't know that, and I also don't really know what the options are etc.

Anyone have experience with this?

On top of what everyone else has said, the reason why i found counselling and disability services at college/university helpful, is that the documentation and support avaliable is definitely on YOUR SIDE. Many other people involved in "higher education" may just treat you as a number, or just another student, or just part of the system...

For me, its easy to just get lost...with all that's involved in college/university. Counselling and Disability services could help in keeping you focused on what's important - especially if you are busy with A LOT while also attending school. to you and all as we all continue...

[SingDanceRunLife]

Thankfully I go to a small school where you certainly aren't a just a number, you are an individual. Professors try to get to know you, others know you (for example, I'm known by everyone in Campus Ministry and by about half of the people in admissions -- and it was most last year, but about half of them left for better jobs at other schools)...

I'll talk to my T when I see her next which is Monday.

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

In my T session today, I updated my T on how things were going (I hadn't seen here all semester), and I told her about my Bipolar II diagnosis and how one of my professors was absolutely great with giving me extensions and such this semester, so she asked if I had been working with disability services, and I said no...and then she said that with my diagnosis I'm eligible. Well, I didn't know that, and I also don't really know what the options are etc.

Anyone have experience with this?

DEFINITELY contact your disability services place on campus. It varies by college/university so we'll all have different experiences about the requirements and process, but it goes something like this:

- You need proof of disability (from a professional)
- You likely need to sign some paperwork so they can advocate on your behalf (also including them needing contact info for you)
- They'll likely schedule an intro meeting with you to explain the process and what sort of accommodations you're entitled to

It's definitely worth it to get hooked up with them now, rather than later. If a prof gives you a hard time, they can get you accomodations and extensions on assignments (etc) as well as being an advocate for you, and giving you resources on how to deal with your disability/illness/condition.

It's completely confidential - meaning they can't divulge information about you unless you give them permission to do so (unless you're underage where you need parental involvement in stuff).