[Lillyleaf]

Hello!
I'm a freshman at a university and I submitted a form to request disability services. I provided documentation that has now boon reviewed, but I have to go do an intake in person! I'm scared! What will it be like? Will they think that my disability of good enough? I really want a note taker but I'm worried that they won't look as being Bipolar as a disability severe enough.

Help! What should I bring? Side effects of medication? High school transcript? What questions will they ask me!

Hope you can help!

Lillyleaf

[Vossie42]

Did they tell you to bring anything with you to the intake interview? If not, then they'll probably only talk to you. Eventually you will need to provide documentation of your disability. That would be a short letter from your doctor stating that you are under his/her care since (date) for (disorder). You need accommodations in the form of (notetaker, distraction-free environment for taking a test, whatever you need). They may ask why someone with bipolar needs a note-taker. You could say that the side effects of your medications make it hard to keep up in class. You could have your doctor include that in the letter, too.

They'll ask what is your disability and how does it affect your ability to learn in school. They'll ask what you need to in order to succeed academically. I don't think it's a matter of whether your disability is severe enough, but why do you need accommodation and what kind of accommodation. You basically show you have a disability and how it interferes with school. They want to be sure you have a bona fide disability.

I have a hearing loss and have people transcribing online lectures for me. I also recently developed high anxiety that's taking a while to resolve, so now I have test-taking accommodations in the form of having more time to complete the exam.

Take a deep breath. I'm sure they're willing to work with you.

[Fresia]

At my intake appointments at various schools, they just wanted to get to know me better, and how my disability affected me to know more about what accommodations I would be needing. It was more like an informal session to clarify what might need and talk with you further about that. The forms and documentation don't really help them get to know us, to best help us and support us, that is why many schools have these appointments. It is a good sign they do this. It shows they will tend to be more supportive than some other programs out there if you need help or run into problems down the road with your accommodations or professors.

You can always call ahead of time to ask if you need anything for the appointment and ask what you might expect during the appointment.

Wishing you well and hope you get the accommodations that you need.

[jenniy122]

At my schools intake, I just got to know the students with disabilities staff, then we went over all the possible accommodations and I marked down which I wanted. We talked about that my main issue was my meds were making me have a hard time cognitively with words and concentration, but they didn't ask what meds I was on or anything. She was really kind and assured me that I would make it through school, that I had potential, and could reach my dreams. I was really anxious about it before, but after I felt so good and empowered.

[Lillyleaf]

I did it! I have a note taker, extended testing time and an alternative room O.o. It's really really weird to think I really did it! I feel really empowered like Jenniy122 said! Woot!

Thanks for your guy's help!

[NuXuXu]

Oh wow that's great! I am in college part time and I didn't think I could get any accommodations or whatever for bipolar. I applied for state grant money, but it requires that you take at least 50% of your classes on campus, unless you have a medical disability, which I thought wouldn't include bipolar, but now that I've seen your post I think I will call them and see if it does.