Flint’s Disability Network Helps U of M Students Cope With Life on Campus

Life as a college student is challenging enough. But students who suffer from disabilities have an additional layer of difficulty as they navigate the day-to-day stresses of being a student.

Flint's Disability Network and staff at the University of Michigan Flint provide assistance for about 250 students who have registered for disability and accessibility support services.

Joel Feick is the Development Director for the Disability Network in Flint. He spoke with one student who is learning to manage college life while she copes with a variety of illnesses.

Cat Carlisle is a senior at U of M Flint. She's been diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. She says the university has worked with her in order to accommodate her special needs.

"I have both mental and physical chronic illnesses," Carlisle says. "I have been approved for extended time during tests."

She goes on to say that it's hard for students with disabilities to ask for help because there's still such a stigma attached to mental health problems.

"It can be so hard to even think about reaching out for those resources," she says. "It's very easy to have that negative self talk like 'Oh I must be lazy.'"

Chip Evans, who works in the university's disability and accessibility services department says online learning during the pandemic may have actually helped some students with disabilities cope. But as students return to in-person learning, there has been more need for disability services.

"In the last few years, we've had a sharp in crease in students who have anxiety and depression," Evans says.

Anyone who is in need of services is urged to contact the university's disability and accessibility department or contact the Flint Disability Network.