Back-to-school season mirrors big changes in my life with FA

Mid-August is generally recognized as back-to-school time for those with school-age children or who work in education. Our television programs are flooded with commercials for the latest and greatest in children’s fashion trends and the new must-have school supplies; our inboxes are full of promotions and sales; and there’s a buzz in the air as we wrap up summer and get back to our school routine.

My household is no exception. We’re full of hope for the upcoming year as our daughter, Collins, starts third grade and our son, Brooks, starts fifth grade.

But another change that’s exciting my family is my new accessible minivan.

Recommended Reading

August 7, 2025 Columns by Kendall Harvey

There’s a way to move forward, even if it’s now in a wheelchair

I had a wonderful SUV that served as a handy family car, but as my mobility needs changed because of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I was no longer able to use it independently. Now, however, I’ll be able to roll my wheelchair in and out of my minivan and safely navigate my day on my own.

Thanks to this renewed independence, I’m now willing and able to serve as a substitute teacher at our children’s school. I’m excited to play a small role at a place that’s meant so much to my family.

As I complete my transition to a using a wheelchair full time, the next priority has been to get our house ready to accommodate our family plus a wheelchair.

My husband and I have interviewed contractors for a few general household projects, such as installing ramps and automatic door-opening mechanisms, but the primary focus has been reengineering our bathroom to accommodate wheelchair use. We’re widening three of the doorways substantially, replacing our outdated tile, and installing support handrails by the toilet, a seated shower, and new vanities that I can wheel up to.

Change brings mixed emotions

These changes are amplifying all of the back-to-school emotions. While I’m excited about the new, pretty things and added safety, I’m also overwhelmed by the selection, daunted by the expense, dreading the necessary relocation during construction, and trying to think about what I could be forgetting.

It’s helping me relate, to an extent, to what my children might be thinking and feeling right now. They’re probably looking forward to new school supplies, clothes, and time with their friends, but they may also feel overwhelmed by a new grade, daunted by new subjects, dreading earlier bedtimes and wake-up calls, and trying hard to remember everything they learn.

The good news is that, in the words of the 2006 Disney movie “High School Musical,” “We’re all in this together.”

Both in school and at home, I’m sure there will be confusion, setbacks, miscommunications, and missteps, coupled with progress, excitement, accomplishments, and more. If I manage my expectations going into this transition period and focus on what I can control — my attitude and effort — things will work out just fine.

“Be strong, because God has given us his Spirit. And his Spirit does not cause us to be afraid. Instead, his Spirit causes us to be powerful to serve God. He helps us to love God and other people. And he helps us to control ourselves properly.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (EasyEnglish Bible)

Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.