Assignment

Gloria L's Story

When Gloria was 14 years old, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She was suicidal and hospitalized 5 times while she was still in high school. Each time, it was because the medication didn't work. She felt different and discriminated against for being different.

Gloria’s parents are traditional Chinese parents and they did not accept the fact that she was bipolar, so she felt that she was on her own to cope with things. She did get treatment, including medication, but it left her with the inability to focus in school because she also has symptoms of ADD.

In deciding to go to college, she knew that she had to advocate for herself and figure out the supports and accommodations she might need to be successful. She’d like to be a high school English teacher or a community college instructor teaching either English or Psychology.

What are some suggestions that for Gloria and her professors in improving her access to instruction? What types of assistive technology would be helpful? How would you teach Gloria to advocate for herself in acquiring the supports she needs to be successful?