“Ask a Social Worker” is a regular column featuring questions from the community and answers from members of NBDF’s Social Work Working Group. If you have questions for our social workers, send them to [email protected].
Dear Michael,
I'm getting ready for college, and I have hemophilia. Can you let me know what kind of help I can request from the college to ensure that I'm safe and successful on campus?
Thanks,
A Curious Kid
Dear Curious Kid,
Entering college marks a significant milestone in one’s academic journey. Navigating college with hemophilia presents unique challenges, but with the right support, you can thrive academically and socially. As you prepare for this new chapter, it’s important to understand what assistance colleges can provide and what resources are available to help you succeed. Be sure to discuss your plan to attend college with your hemophilia treatment center (HTC) social worker. They can serve as an invaluable resource to guide you with this process and help advocate for you as needed.
I would also recommend seeking support from the college’s disability services office. This office serves as a central resource for students with medical conditions, ensuring that necessary accommodations are provided in order to foster academic success and safety. Upon disclosing your condition, colleges typically work with you to create an individualized accommodation plan. This may include flexible attendance policies for medical appointments, priority registration to secure optimal class schedules, and access to disability-friendly housing options.
In addition, communicate with your professors. Sharing your accommodation plan and discussing specific needs helps to ensure that faculty members are aware of your needs and can provide necessary assistance during lectures, exams, and assignments. Many professors are willing to accommodate students with medical conditions by offering extended deadlines or alternative exam arrangements when possible and as needed.
Beyond academic accommodations, don’t forget about personal safety while on campus. Carrying a medical alert card or bracelet detailing your diagnosis and emergency contact information can provide crucial information in the event of a medical emergency.
Although navigating college with hemophilia presents unique challenges, it is possible to thrive academically and personally if you take a proactive approach. By advocating for your needs and accessing available resources, you can create a supportive environment that promotes both your health and academic success. Ultimately, your college experience is not defined by your medical condition but by your resilience and dedication to achieving your goals.
Best of luck as you embark on this new chapter!
— Michael Viscariello, LCSW
Viscariello is a social worker at the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.