Quick Question:
What are my rights to post-secondary education as a person with a disability?

"It was really
nice to have a
peer support
system and
people around
who understand
my differences
and struggles."

Danny Freeman

Danny Freeman is a fourth year electrical engineering student who attends Memorial University in Newfoundland. Although he’s faced challenges as a student with Muscular Dystrophy, he had an extremely successful transition from high school to post-secondary school.

Danny says he began to prepare himself mentally for the change of pace in studying that post-secondary school brings, while he was still in high school. To ensure a successful transition, he made sure to follow effective work habits right from the beginning. He says he has worked hard to maintain these habits throughout his time at university. Danny made sure he was extremely organized, keeping track of his notes and assignments better at university than he did in high school. He set up a special area in his room where he put a desk and all his textbooks to create an effective, organized workspace. He studies in a manner that compliments the type of course he is taking. Depending on the needs of the course, he studies independently or in a group. He divides his time according to the requirements of each course. Danny says he hasn’t had to ask for very many accommodations at university. He deals directly with professors in order to write his exams in a quiet room with an accessible desk. Most professors have been very accepting and helpful regarding his accommodations.

He is presently the treasurer of MUNDISC, the group for students with disabilities on Memorial’s campus. His involvement with the organization began the summer after his first year. “At first it was hard to make new friends at university,” Danny says. “But after joining this group, it really made me feel part of the university experience”. He says his time with MUNDISC allows him to take a break from his studies and relax. “It was really nice to have a peer support system and people around who understand my differences and struggles.”

Danny advises students with disabilities who would like to attend postsecondary school to “get involved with student groups on campus, and make sure you have good organizational skills and allow yourself the time you need for each course.”