TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
By Lisa Schuster
September 21, 2008
It is important for students who have a disability to start advocating for themself. They must know what their disability is and how it affects learning or the work world. Remember that once students have received that signed high school diploma, they need to make sure that the college they wish to attend knows that they have a verified disability in order to receive any accommodations. Accommodations are forms of assistance, adaptive devices, or other tools used in the classroom or when taking test. Postsecondary schools are required to have an office or a person on staff to coordinate services for persons with disabilities. The office of coordinator, frequently called the Section 504 or ADA Coordinator or Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, is usually located in the college’s counseling center or student service office. After providing required documentation of disability (this could be the IEP/MDT/ or some other form of verification) students may work with this coordinator to address their needs at the particular school.
Remember when you are making plans to visit colleges; ask what kinds of services are available to students with disabilities. Ask about tutoring, mentoring, what accommodations have been made in the past for testing or notes, or about extra assistance from the college professor. Make a list of questions prior to your college visit and carry it with you to the visit. Remember you are the best person to express what you need for accommodations in college.
