Preparing for College with Sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: 5 Things We’ve Learned

Are you a parent of a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who dreams of sending them to college? Or perhaps you are a student with DMD yourself, wondering if college is a possibility for you? In either case, you may find inspiration and valuable insights from the experiences of a parent who never thought her three sons with DMD would get to experience college.

In a heartfelt blog post, this parent shares her journey of preparing her eldest son, Max, for college despite the challenges posed by DMD. From visiting multiple colleges to considering accommodations and talking to students with disabilities, she offers five key lessons learned along the way.

One of the most important takeaways is the importance of not limiting your choices based on proximity to home. By exploring a variety of schools and considering different living arrangements, Max was able to find a college that felt like the right fit for him, even if it meant living 90 miles away from home.

Additionally, the blog emphasizes the significance of engaging with disability coordinators and talking to current students with disabilities to gain firsthand insights into the support and accommodations available on campus. By paying attention to the people and the overall vibe of each college, Max and his family were able to identify a school that embraced inclusion and made him feel welcome.

While the journey to college for a student with DMD may come with its own set of challenges, this blog post serves as a reminder that with determination, open-mindedness, and the right support system in place, it is possible to make the dream of attending college a reality. So, if you or your child with DMD are considering college, take heart in knowing that there are valuable lessons and experiences to be gained from this parent’s story.