Are you a student with Usher syndrome? Would you like to share your experiences about mentioning your diagnosis on college applications? Contact us here: info@usher-syndrome.org

Most colleges use the Common App for their application process, and often there is a question circling around identity. The question states, “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.” Applicants often wonder, “Should I mention that I have Usher syndrome and the challenges I have faced or overcome?” Young adults with Usher syndrome explain why they did nor did not choose to mention Usher on the application. 

  • Annmaree Yee is a family physician with a Master's degree in psychological medicine. She lives in Sydney, Australia. Along with her wonderful brother and beautiful young niece, she too has Usher syndrome. Life is difficult, no question of that, but it can also be good as Annmaree has the best husband and children ever invented or created! Annmaree has had to change paths in her career many times, as a result of her worsening sensory limitations due to Usher syndrome, and growing up in a climate where support was not readily available. Annmaree hopes the forces that made her retreat into the "closet" are no longer as pressing or prevalent. She is currently embarking on a PhD by researching deaf blind health care communications. Her hope is to engage the Usher community in contributing their experiences in hospitals for her thesis. 

  • "Mentioning Usher’s on your application is entirely up to you. I had other things that I mentioned in my applications to various colleges. "