Students On The Move Despite Various Injuries

Other students, such as the junior with the knee injury, do not need accommodations such as these, but still see their academic lives affected.

“I had to keep my leg elevated in class, so that meant that someone else couldn’t use that chair,” the junior said. “If I came later, people would have to leave their seats.”

This student tried to deal with any academic issues caused by her injury by herself, but found that professors were willing to help.

“I didn’t really tell my professors, I just made an effort to get to class on time,” she said. “One professor said that he could have people move from the front row if I came late, instead of me having to walk around looking for a seat.”

This student found that other students were generally understanding of her ailment, but could still do more to help.

“If you have a friend with a temporary disability, don’t belittle it,” she said. “Imagine yourself not being able to do the things you do in your daily routine and try to be understanding of that. People didn’t really make fun of it, but sometimes they just overlooked it.”

Small actions of kindness may make a big impact on a temporarily disabled student’s day.

“I would encourage people to try to help as much as possible,” she said. “Even though it’s temporary, it does impact your attitude during the time. Any help or words of motivation or encouragement are helpful—more than you may think.”

The administration encourages any BC student with a disability, whether it be temporary or permanent, to seek out the resources that can be found on campus. Students with medical, physical, psychological, and temporary disabilities are encouraged to visit the Disability Services Office. Students with learning disabilities are encouraged to visit the Connors Family Learning Center, or contact Kathy Duggan, associate director for support services. The Learning Center can provide tutoring services to students with learning disabilities, as well as accommodations such as extra time on tests, the ability to take tests in the Learning Center, and access to audio versions of required readings.

Samantha Costanzo, Asst. News Editor, contributed to this report.