Need help finding a college that will be able to support my daughter and her Chronic illness

I am looking for some help so that I can support my daughter’s desire to attend a college that has a strong art department. She was identified in Middle school as a student to be tracked by the Art department for her talent and she was excited to take advantage of all that our very strong art department at the High School had to offer. Unfortunately she got sick one month after she began High School and never fully recovered. She has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and has fallen quite behind, only able to handle a modified schedule. Despite many absences, she has been extremely determined and dedicated and has maintained honor roll. However, she has fallen very behind with Art and has no portfolio material at the moment. She is hoping she can focus on that this year, and would like to find a college that will be supportive of her and the challenges she faces. She is also interested in the culinary arts as well as psychology. She has recently discussed the desire to become an art teacher. While her grades are great, she has not taken any AP courses yet and I would like her to continue focusing on her health rather than pushing herself too hard. With that in mind, does anyone have any ideas what kind of school will accept a less rigorous academic schedule due to her issues?

Its a lot to consider. I would just love any idea about where to start. My son just started his first year of college as a music major and had a rigorous course load, many clubs etc. My daughter can attend school and comes home to do homework and rest; no longer has the activities she once did to put on an application. In reality, she works just as hard if not harder than others to be successful with all of the challenges, but will certainly not be reflected in her application. This is all new territory.

Your daughter might qualify for assistance through a Student Accommodation Center or Student Disability Center. If she qualifies, any school would be required by law to provide appropriate accommodations to work with your daughter while she faces the challenges of CFS. Many students are too prideful to accept the accommodations, but it is a right protected by federal law – if she qualifies.