A University Experience of Unnecessary Obstacles

Jamie Lipscomb is the father of Olivia, who has MPS I. After a lifetime of overcoming, Olivia was finally ready to go to college. Her first-year experience has been unnecessarily challenging because the college has done little to nothing to accommodate her needs. We talk about what is being done and what can be done to prevent this from happening to another student.

Show Notes

In this episode:

•  At 18 months of age, Olivia was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (MPS IH). She has always been an overcoming and has overcome every obstacle in her path, and now at 18 years old, she has the opportunity to go to college. 
• Today we talk about Olivia's first semester at college and her being a trailblazer. And her parents' experience being advocates for not only her life but her career.
• We talk about Olivia's high school experience and the joyful experience of getting into Mississippi State University.
• After falling in love with interior design after an elective in high school, she decided to go to Mississippi State University because their motto is "Family," and they take care of their students.
• Facing physical challenges in the classroom and after meeting with the disability resource center, Olivia started to fall behind because of a lack of accommodations.
• "I've been fighting for her life for 18 years, I never thought I would have to fight for her career." Jamie.
• After a frustrating meeting where Olivia was treated unfairly by college officials, Olivia left the meeting and called her parents and could not articulate what was happening. Her dad got in the car and started driving to the University. A parent's worst nightmare.

   Let Olivia know that she is not alone in this fight, use the hashtag #WriteForOlivia to encourage her.

The  National MPS Society exists to cure, support, and advocate for MPS and ML.

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What is National MPS Society: Our Voices?

We explore the unique lives and work of our community's leaders, professionals, and inspirational members--conversations about the challenges, courage, and dedication that are pillars of this community. We share new perspectives, insights, and knowledge about the rare disease that impacts our daily lives and guides our individual journeys.

The National MPS Society exists to cure, support and advocate for MPS and ML.