Can a disability (epilepsy) be an advantage?

compmom
Fri, 08 Dec 2017 22:21:08 +0000

Yes, as Grey King says, most kids with disabilities abhor accommodations. BUT they are sometimes needed so the flip side is that it can be hard to convince them of the validity of the principle of “level playing field” behind the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accommodations can make a huge huge difference for some. But kids should take responsibility also in the sense of getting work done in advance to avoid problems, taking only the extra time needed, and going on medical leave when the demands of the illness become burdensome.

Many kids do not want to identify with their disability, as Grey King said, and don’t write an essay about it. Again, the options are for the GC to tell schools or for your child, to write a short piece in the supplementary section.

Good luck.