My parents are immigrants from China who have always emphasized the importance of education. I always knew college was in my future. Like many college students, I celebrate getting good grades and securing internships. However, throughout my undergraduate journey, there has been much more to juggle than ensuring scholastic and professional success. Being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, the most common childhood motor disability means that I have had to advocate for myself almost everywhere I go and balance my treatment with school from a very young age. 

When I started college, I knew that my parents were no longer going to be able to speak to school administrators or make educational decisions on my behalf. But that doesn’t mean I was prepared for all of the new challenges that I would have to take on. I was used to having a team at school who regularly assessed how my condition impacted me in a K-12 setting. In college, it has become my responsibility to address all concerns. Oftentimes, my academic success overshadows the challenges that come with learning and accessing campus in general. Since I have a physical condition, I constantly have conversations with professors about safety and modifying classroom activities so I can participate. In my efforts when it comes to physical barriers, I have learned that it is important for schools to consider more than just whether a student can enter the building. 

My time in college has coincided with my process of transitioning to adult health care, which typically happens around the age of 21. I am fortunate to see the majority of my pediatric team still. I juggle multiple weekly appointments to maximize function while I still have access to specialized care. It has also been important to find ways to optimize function outside of the clinical setting, including in school. For example, I have worked with campus administrators to ensure I can safely ambulate around school with my walker. Ultimately, I have learned that it is impossible to separate my needs as a student and the needs of my medical condition. 

For those in higher education and health care, college students with disabilities face many invisible and intersectional challenges. We must begin with training and resources so professionals in these fields can better support those with disabilities. In addition, healthcare transition should not be considered black and white. Instead, health care providers should consider a patient’s individual needs and goals whenever possible. Ultimately, I implore legislators to provide more funding for health care transition programs so that students with complex medical conditions can manage their needs at a critical time. Collectively, this will pave the way for students with disabilities and chronic medical conditions to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Jessica Huang is an undergraduate psychology student and aspiring social worker. Her lived experience is her motivation to make higher education and health care, more equitable for all.