It's difficult enough to figure out the rules, regulations, policies and classes at a university. As a foreign student who has the additional barriers of not knowing the language, laws, or entitlements governing students, it is even more challenging. A young woman from Brazil who has a visual impairment found that to be the case as she embarked on her journey to the United States to become a journalist.

Rachel Maggario is a vibrant, full of life young lady who at first glance seems like any other university student. That is, on the days when her renal and heart failure aren't keeping her from getting out of bed, forcing her to leave classes early, or infringing on normal social activities like birthday parties or evenings out with friends. Recently Rachel celebrated a birthday but was visibly working at finding the energy to keep her eyes open past 10 p.m.

As a conscientious student, when Rachel first arrived to the university she went to the Disabled Students' Services office to request accommodations and services (each university has it's own office with services specific to that university). She found there was a long wait time and difficulty obtaining materials in Braille. She also noted the accommodations made to meet her needs were the most cost effective and least beneficial. Additionally, it took an average of six weeks, nearly half the semester, for Rachel to get her textbooks. Thanks to her determination and advocacy skills, Rachel was able to obtain the tools necessary to effectively meet the professor's academic expectations. Resources at most public universities are limited, and, as a foreign student it is even more difficult to access them. Universities have obligations to all their students, including foreign students, and it is important that students know their rights.

Additional Barriers to Overcome

As if Rachel's challenges weren't complicated enough, during her second year at the university she was hit by a moving vehicle while crossing the street on campus. Rachel suffered major injuries and was hospitalized as a result of the accident. It was a hit and run accident but the driver was stopped by a witness while fleeing. Had it not been for the altruism of a passerby, the driver might not have been held accountable.

Rachel identified crosswalks near buildings she frequented on campus and had always been able to listen for oncoming traffic. In order for Rachel to hear oncoming traffic, cars must be traveling at or below 25 miles per hour. Rachel is quite sure that the vehicle that hit her was speeding because she never heard it coming. Much of Rachel's tragedy seems incomprehensible, but for a young foreign student the task of following up with all the parties involved seemed insurmountable.

Through the ordeal, Rachel learned a lot about how to deal with legal matters and University policies. The University didn't accept any responsibility for the accident despite the fact that it occurred on campus in a marked crosswalk. Likewise, due to legal complications Rachel was not able to press charges against the driver. Grudgingly, she agreed to settle her case. Several barriers prevented her from pursuing the case more vigorously. These included prejudice towards foreigners, political make-up of the university, lack of resources and poor health.

Though her health currently precludes her from taking on a demanding academic schedule (she is in need of a kidney transplant,) Rachel accepts the milestones in her journey thus far and looks forward to completing her studies in a timely manner.