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I'm so infuriated with these types of people!

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/12/2011 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
I go to college and  went to the Housing Office today to see if I could switch to a room with a bathroom for my own. I want this because it's such a hassle to live with 3 other girls, that frequently I have to run down the stairs to the first floor to be able to make it to the bathroom. I'm currently enrolling in the disability resource center and have the documents from my doctor describing in great detail my symptoms, side effects, medicine and history. So I asked the DRC for a copy to take to the housing office to see if I can get switched to a private room. I went in with the paper and gave it to the lady and she smirked like she was about to laugh.  And said That she's sorry but freshman can not have private rooms and they can't do anything about my problem. She said in such a demeaning way and she had that smirk on her face the whole time.  I was so upset I decided to just buyout and leave housing in general in December after the fall semester finishes.

I hate it when people do this,Look at Crohn's disease like it's a joke. You think it's funny until you actually have to go through it. These are the same people who cry when they have a stomach virus and say they're so sick. I wish I could say it doesn't bother me but it does. If they can't see the disability they push it aside, you have to be in a wheelchair or blind for someone to acknowledge you have a disability. cry

Posted 10/12/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to say but it's definitely the truth you're saying there about disablilty. If you can't see it then
it doesn't exist. I wish you better luck in the future.
Posted 10/12/2011 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
All you can do is relish the thought that one day, they will pay. Karma will come back on them. Sorry you had such a problem.
Posted 10/13/2011 7:13 AM (GMT 0)
Look into the Americans With Disabilities Act and see what options you have. Also look into any organization in your area that assist in advocacy. Filing some sort of complaint almost always works just have to know who or what department is the most effective--university public relations? Good luck.
Posted 10/13/2011 11:11 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with BigLucy. Do not let this evil person dismiss you. If you are in a state school, you have rights, you just need to find the path that will get them for you. Although for different reasons I have had to fight for my daughters rights at every step and I have dealt with many idiots like the person you dealt with.

Please start on campus. It is just easier to find an advocate inside the system. These things just work smoother when you find a friend inside. Once you find one, take care of that person. Small gifts, thank you notes, ....

However, if you can not find someone in the system, then look for someone outside. Most ADA lawyers will see you once and can provide some advice. They might even take your case for free. Most likely all they would have to do is write a letter threatening to sue. Also, you might even think about going to the campus press, they might support you.

This is not fair treatment and I hope you find a path that gives you what you should have

Dave

Posted 10/13/2011 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
yes, you need to look into disability act, when I first time applied for ssdi, they're response was, we realize you have some pain and discomfort, but because you can still see, and can walk and move my arms freely, I can still work. So that is the same type of mindset of the majority of people. If you're walking and moving your arms freely, what the hell, you're alright, haha!!

AG
Posted 10/13/2011 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, her behaviour is appalling and so unprofessional. You need to ask the DRC to intervene, and if that doesn't work, look into other organizations as mentioned above.
Posted 10/13/2011 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with BigLucy . That may wipe the smirk off of someones face and also make life better for you and maybe some one else with the same troubles. Good luck .
Posted 10/13/2011 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses, I went to the DRC today officially with an appointment and told her all my problems and what people have said and done including this lady and she said they will fight with me and advocate for me. It's different now that they're behind me, she said I'm now fighting with a "bigger stick". She told me I have the law on my side and they must accommodate me. I did not choose to be a freshmen with a disability so they can't just push me to the side like that and disrespect me like that. I'm also getting preferred seating in class, frequent breaks, transportation within the campus if I feel weak and don't want to walk across the entire campus, they're golf carts but would be so helpful, disability absence, note taker(if needed) and she and the rest of DRC are going to fight to get me that private room because I do need it for many reasons. Thanks to you guys on the forum i found out about this program because otherwise I would've never thought to go there. I'm crossing my fingers they can get me that private room that would make my life so much easier. They are so nice there in the DRC, much more understanding than most people on campus.
Posted 10/13/2011 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad you made the effort and found someone to help you get the assistance you need. Unfortunately there are people who just don't understand and don't care, but I have to believe there are just as many who do care about people and are willing to help.
Posted 10/14/2011 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
Wow! That's fantastic! I'm thrilled for you.

I'm remembering my own time at uni, and I know that golf buggy would have made a huge difference, many, many times... and a private bathroom will, too. Well done. I'm so glad people are advocating for you.
Posted 10/14/2011 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
you go for it! You deserve that private room as much as a person in a wheelchair deserves an accessible room. That lady treated you terribly and I'm glad you found someone on your side - we are behind you! You will be making it easier for anyone else that comes along in the future with Crohns to that campus.
Posted 10/14/2011 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Good for you . I am so happy you didn't just give up and take it . You deserve some help to get you through this and I think now you have it . Good job .
Posted 10/14/2011 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
I would also write a formal letter of complaint and send it to the head of the housing office, as well as the dean of students or whatever the comparable position is there (and the campus press, if you're up to that). It is important to resolve your individual situation, but it is also important that this not happen to others in the future (and it'll make you feel better about your hassles if you find out that the office changes something as a result of your bad experience).

Another thing to consider is having your parents get involved. Not sure if that's a good idea in your specific situation, but I teach at a small private college, and parents, as often primary bill payers, have a lot of clout .... for you, I think it's good that you advocate for yourself and find the help that you need.... but just know it's an option (frankly, one I find annoying in my own work, but there are a lot of administrators who listen to parents more than to students, faculty, disability office, etc....)
Posted 10/14/2011 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you lovely, you haven't just stood up for yourself, but for every other person with CD or other disability that will ever have to deal with that lady. You have made things a little easier for the next guy/gal, as well as yourself.
I hope you get that private room, because we sure do need access to a toilet at all times, don't we?
Posted 10/14/2011 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself Lovely!!! It took alot of courage to take that step. I hope you get that private room soon.
Posted 10/14/2011 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you Lovely985! It' sgood that there's someone at your school who actually understands why they work in the disability office! I think you'll have a lot more success in college knowing that you have that safety net there.

I had a similar problem when I started college years and years ago. I had a limited diet. So I asked for permission for a microwave/fridge. School said no. They offered me space in the dining hall fridge and access to the kitchen. So basically, I was supposed to walk across campus, pay to get into the dining hall and cook my own food. Like having Crohn's wasn't enough! Sad that disability services doesn't always help like they're supposed to! Glad yours is having a good resolution! :)
Posted 10/15/2011 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
@blueglass:I'm way ahead of you! I have already written a formal letter with everything everyone said to me on campus that works there and also what my roommates have said and done to me. Of course I included all the issues I've had live with 3 other very unsympathetic and rude girls. I included all that was said to me in quotes and who said what. The DRC consultant was the one who told me to write this letter when I went to see her. She is going to take my letter and the doctors letter along with some other documents to the head of housing. She wanted me to explain how I have gone through the entire process and noone has been able to resolve my issues or help me. I spoke to my roommates,the RA(twice), the RLC, and lastly this rude housing director.

             And the roommates continue to violently knock on my door because they think I have used the bathroom and they try to humiliate me, they continue to turn the a/c off and the windows are closed, so no air circulation and very hot along with a slew of other issues. None of the people I went to have helped me. Hopefully my formal and quite lenghty letter and the DRC will help me and prevent this from happening to anyone else.

Posted 10/15/2011 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lovely,
I hope you get a private room soon. I think that will help so many things. I'm worried about you. Have you found any supportive classmates at all? I think it's so great that you are advocating for yourself and getting support from disability services, but you need something positive to go your way. How is it going with classes? Can you join a club or something so you can have positive social interactions? It sounds like a really tough way to start your freshman year!!!!!!
Posted 10/15/2011 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Wow...I hate that you are going through this but I have to say that I'm quite impressed at how you're handling it! I'm sure its taken a toll on you emotionally with the lack of concern & care some of those people have shown you. I don't know you but I'm certainly proud of you for not giving up & letting them run over you! You go girl! It's a shame how your roommates are acting. Just shows their immaturity. They're nothing but college bullies. Pitiful. Hang in there cuz we're rooting for you!
Posted 10/17/2011 9:47 AM (GMT 0)
I can't believe the way those girls are behaving. It seems to me that they are heading for (if not already deserving) some sort of formal disciplinary action, but I'm not sure how things work in your dorm or university.

What are the rules on harrassment and discrimination and things like that, where you're studying?
Posted 10/17/2011 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Those 3 girls sound like complete and utter b*****s. The smirking housing lady sounds unpleasant but also typical of a smirking bureaucrat whose greatest joy in life lies in thwarting their clients as much as humanly possible. The roommates on the other hand just come across as a bit psycho.

Best of luck in getting your own private room ASAP.
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