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"Trying to maintain my GPA as a student with a learning disability was a nightmare. I would contribute consistently in class and know a subject matter backwards and forwards. I'd tutor classmates who would end up getting A's on the midterm, while I'd get a C. On the job, however, I'm 'tested' on my ability to get a project done on time. I can rely on my wits - my ability to get my hands on the information I need rather than to instantly recall it."

Jésus hasn't had to formally discuss his learning disability to his employer but makes personal adjustments all the time.

"It's pretty straightforward stuff really. Since I have some auditory processing problems, I need to make sure I understand instructions. I rephrase things; ask questions to make sure I have it right. The other day my supervisor came in with a new project and assumed I'd want to sit with her and take it all in one shot. Knowing my own learning style, I told her that I'd rather take the file, study it a bit and ask specific questions later on. She was fine with it."

Jésus' Advice to Students : "I got my first internship through the Career Center's Students with Disabilities Program. Check in with them."

"I came to Cal as a re-entry student after developing carpal tunnel syndrome at my previous job. I wasn't the typical graduate student, going through various medical treatments and in pain most of the time. I didn't really think about myself as disabled back then, but I did find out about the latest technology for people with repetitive strain injuries (RSI) through the Assistive Technology Center on campus."

Ergonomics are better understood and more readily addressed in the workplace now than when Susan developed RSI on the job. She spent a little time evaluating her work environment, what kinds of data entry support there was, and how she could effectively do her work at the computer. She now has a standing workstation with a shortened keyboard that really helps her manage her RSI.

She also had no idea that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated reasonable accommodation on the job can include job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules.

"I negotiated a 6-hour day from a full time job in the beginning to get my foot in the door. I work fulltime now and average 40 hours a week. Some weeks I am off a lot to rest and other weeks I make up for it. As long as I get the job done, my supervisor isn't concerned about how long I can physically sit in front of a computer."

Cathleen's Advice to Sudents: "Try to avoid becoming too isolated on campus. There are others like you around. Take advantage of campus and community resources such as Repetitive Strain Injury Support Groups in the Bay Area and the support groups at the Disabled Students Program. Often your peers will have some great strategies for coping that you hadn't thought about."

"Managing my depression while a student at Cal was rough. I had to withdraw several times while I learned to manage stress and my disability. It took me 8 years to complete my BA. I was worried about having taken so long, but employers only saw my graduation date and the fact that I had taken on several good research internships along the way, so it was really not a problem."

After a couple of weeks on the job, Lisa disclosed her disability to her supervisor.

"I have good days and bad days with my disability, to tell the truth. Once in a while I need to change my medication and might not be able to come into the office on a given day. By the time I talked to my supervisor about my disability, I was well established in the office as a team player and good research analyst. We worked out a good system for my reporting in which maintains my confidentiality. Working at home when I need to is not a problem because I always get the job done.

Leah's Advice to Students: "Be focused in your career goals. Use the Career Center's extensive Services for Students to find out what you want to do. Employers hire you for your skills and once those are recognized, negotiating accommodations is easy. Get Internships in your field of interest."