In July I went to an open house at Roberts Wesleyan College. After my experience at S.U.N.Y. Geneseo College, I was a little skeptical. There were many questions going through my head: Would I be able to get around? Would people understand my needs? Would they think I was crazy for even considering going to college, let alone here? Would they wonder if I was physically capable of pursuing my career choices? I wanted to talk to them about courses in Social Work, Criminal Justice and Religion and Humanities. After the lack of interest I was shown at S.U.N.Y. Geneseo, I had no idea what to expect. College was going to be harder than I thought.

When I arrived at Roberts, I was greeted by a group of student representatives. They were friendly and didn’t seem to notice my wheelchair. They talked directly to me and not to my mom, who was with me. After we signed in we were directed to the auditorium for a brief orientation. We were given an overview of the college and courses it offered. Ok, so they offer what I’m interested in, but would I be able to get to my classes? After the orientation, we broke into smaller groups for a tour of the college classrooms and campus.

I met back up with my mom and we went to look for my student guide. We caught up with our group in the foyer and she started to go up the stairs. I thought, oh boy, here we go again, I wouldn’t be able to follow them, another inaccessible college. When I called attention to myself, she apologized, she hadn’t noticed my wheelchair, she had only noticed me. I was concerned she would say I couldn’t follow, but she stopped and directed me to the elevator to the next floor.

When I got up to the upper floor, she was waiting patiently for me. She didn’t seem annoyed that she had to wait. For the rest of the tour she made sure I could get around easily. I found no spot in the college that I could not gain access to. No matter how old the building was, it had been made accessible to everyone. The library, which I could not access at Geneseo, was completely accessible. I could easily get up and down all the aisles. All the computers were on tables that I could get my chair up to. Everyone on the tour told the guide what courses we were interested in and she showed us were the classes for those courses would be located; I was able to get into all the classrooms. I was even able to get into the dorm room. I was able to drive my chair through the whole dorm hall. If I went here, I would be able to go to friends’ rooms and visit, while at Geneseo I would be restricted to the “special dorms” for “handicapped students.”

After the tour, we had lunch in the dining hall. I was surprised; it was large and fully accessible. I was able to get around without any help. And guess what? They serve meals all day here. At Geneseo, the wheelchair accessible dining hall only served lunch. Wow, I can eat three meals a day here, and the food was great.

After eating, we had a chance to talk to people from the fields we were interested in pursuing. There were representatives from all the different departments set up for us to talk to. I was a little nervous, but set out to talk to everyone. They were all open to talking with me. They explained what the requirements would be for my career choices. I was interested in talking to someone in the Criminal Justice Department. I wasn’t sure what type of career I would be able to do, but I have always been interested in Criminal Justice. When I approached him with my questions, he was open and very helpful, and encouraging. He told me what he thought I could do. He didn’t say I should choose a different career. I was amazed at all I would be able to do. He gave me suggestions that were very interesting. I also talked to representatives from the Social Work department, Humanities and Religion. They were all friendly and open to helping me. They took the time to write information down for me, and place it on my wheelchair where it wouldn’t fall off. They did not ask if I had anyone with me who would take the information. I really felt comfortable and like a “normal” high school student looking for a college.

After leaving I was excited to go look at other colleges. When I left Geneseo, I was skeptical if I would be able to go to college and be able to get around and take the courses I wanted, and live on campus (yes mom I am thinking of eventually living on campus). After this experience I am into looking at more colleges. If anyone with a disability is looking for a good college, Roberts is definitely a place to start. I have tours planned for a few more area colleges and I will keep you informed. College here I come.

A Note from Nancy Smith, his school aide: Sadly, Tim became ill with pneumonia in the middle of November. He spent three weeks in the Pediatric ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital, before he succumbed to his illness. He went to be with our Lord on December 8th. Please do not be sad for Tim, he now is able to run and dance like never before.

There’s a great story about Tim in this morning’s paper in Batavia:

http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2009/12/09/news/6264300.txt

Tim’s funeral services will be on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Brockport Free Methodist Church, 6787 Fourth Section Road (Route 31). His parents are Scott and Donna Barbato and their mailing address is 4778 S. Manning Road, Holley, NY 14470.