The transition to college is challenging for every student. For students with physical disabilities or health conditions like CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), navigating that process and ensuring that needs will be met is especially important. HNF teamed up with Accessible College to host an informative, interactive CMT Connect webinar this past September to help families and individuals build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful transition to and through higher education.

About Accessible College

Annie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, as well as an author and public speaker. She specializes in college transition coaching for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. Annie developed her passion for this work during her time as Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University, where she found that many students arrived without adequate transition support to prepare them for college life with a physical disability or health condition.

“We understand the unique needs of students with physical disabilities and health conditions and the challenges that may arise as they plan for their transition to college. Because colleges and universities provide varying levels of support and accommodations for students with disabilities and health conditions, Accessible College’s services help to bridge the gaps, empowering students and families to effectively work together to create positive educational experiences for students and support college success.”Annie Tulkin, Founder and Director, Accessible College

Services for Students

Accessible College offers student-focused support in areas including:

  • Considering college options based on healthcare needs
  • Navigating college accommodations
  • Medication and healthcare management
  • Hiring and managing a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
  • Continuity of care, including transfer of care
  • Self-advocacy skills
  • Disability disclosure
  • Disability documentation review and development
  • Communicating with the college’s Disability Support Office
  • Disability-specific questions for college tours and tour debriefs
  • Study skills and time management

Services for Parents

Support for parents and caregivers includes guidance on:

  • Understanding the parent’s role in the college accommodations process
  • Identifying questions for college tours
  • Supporting your student in developing independent living skills
  • Understanding the differences between high school and college accommodations
  • Hiring and managing a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

If you are a high school student living with CMT, or the parent of one, this presentation and open discussion is a valuable resource for planning ahead.