I'm handicapped and going for an Architecture degree, BUT?
I'm handicapped and in an electric wheelchair and until freshman year of high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to do in my life. I want to be an architect, taking introductory/advance college transfer credit courses in arch./eng. four years of HS, but I know that students will have to make models. I have limited mobility on my arms and I don't know how to go about this as it's holding me back.
I don't want to be a burden to my peers/professors .. maybe the professors will let me work on presentations using 3ds Max (good on computers though) instead of building? Can such be allowed in arch. school? Arch. students, are there any peers like in my condition in your class? I want to attend UT Arlington (Texas Tech was my first choice, but it's too far). Do you know any architects who are handicapped? .. I couldn't find any.
I know the lack of sleep, frustrations and stress, and negative atmosphere involved, but it's my dream to go for it! I have bought many arch. texts by Francis D.K. Ching, Matthew Frederick, Victoria Ballard Bell, and etc. studying on my own and I do have AutoCad and Sketchup.
May 21st, 2011 - 02:19
A lot of stuff is computer based now a days.Not all profs are so accommodating to disabilities but they should be.You may not be able to sub computer work for actual building stuff. You may have to figure out other ways to do the assignment. Contact disability services at the school you want to go to after you get accepted and plan on going. They can get you started on getting the help you need. You will not get everything you get in high school some of it you will have to manage on your own. It is not easy going to college with a disability but people do. I am sure there are architects who use a wheelchair. You will have to fight harder to prove you can do the same job. The ADA helps but there are a lot of loopholes employers can wiggle through.
May 21st, 2011 - 02:19
Well, you will be in for a tough time. But I think that it is amazing and inspiring that you are not letting your handicaps let you down. Maybe have a talk with the college and see if they can make some modifications for you. They will have to anyways, considering the ADA (American Disabilities Act). If you really want to be an architect, then your passion and perseverance for it will get you through any and all challenges you may face.