I need a bit of a place to vent

[m!ssemmx0]

and I figured this would be the place.

I'm 16, I have CP, I'm a junior in HS, mainstreamed (I have been since kindergarten), I do well academically. I've started looking into colleges (I plan on being a Secondary Education major with a focus in English), and I really like Quinnipiac. The thing is, it's out of state for me. I know I'll be able to handle it once I get the right equipment (handheld showers, shoehorns, Sock Aids, possibly an ECV/crutches, etc.) and housing, but I think my high school is going to be hell-bent on convincing me to stay at home. My parents are a bit worried (as they should be), but I just think it's what's right for me. I think it would be good for me to learn how to fend for myself; after all, I'm going to need to someday. I just feel like my high school is going to try to restrict me, and I really don't want that.
I have a meeting with some people from my school about "transitioning" this coming week and I'm really kind of scared to go. I feel like they won't listen when I try to advocate myself just because I'm young.

I doubt this makes much sense, but I had to get it out somehow.

 

[Eeyore5]

It makes perfect sense.

I have very mild CP. My parents were very overprotective. Here aer a couple ideas:

Have an advocate from a disability organization go with you to the meeting for support. Or, invite an OT or PT you work with that is supportive of you being independent to the meeting.

If you don't need any assistance with activities of daily living or managing school work, you should be fine going away. At 18 your are legally an adult and can go where you want. Your parents however are free to not provide financial support. One thing that might help them is point out that you can start at one college and change to one close to home if needed.

Ask your parents and the school staff what they think you can't handle on your own. That might help you know what skills to work one. See if they would let you live fully independently at home - you do all your own cooking and cleaning (including laundry, dishes, your room, and a bathroom), take care of getting yourself where you need to be, managing a budget, no help with organizing your day, homework, or self-care for a month and see how it goes. Your would still follow their rules though (ex curfew rules) If you can demonstrate to them you are able to be independent, that might help.

Another option is agree to go to a college less then an hour or two away and live in the dorm. Then switch to a different school after proving you can make it on your own. By being close enough that they can come help you if needed, they might agree to living on campus.

Also, do you live near MN? If so, camp courage have a college week that helps people with disabilities with preparing for being on your own.

Another thought is get a job working at a camp next summer. You would be away from home but not have the pressure of school. It would give you a chance to prove you can manage without them. If there is a camp you have attended and liked, that would be a good place to start.

 

[kandb]

You sound like you know what is best for yourself. Is there any one/agency that can give you an advocate? Maybe your school/parents will eventually get on board with your desire to go away. I think it's great. Good luck to you, Linda