Requesting Accommodations in College NOVA Northern Virginia Community College Requesting Accommodations in College What parents and students need to know Dr. Joan Ehrlich Acting Director, Disability Services Ms. Tracy L. Bell Counselor, Disability Support Services

Today’s Goals 1. Introduce Disability Support Services (DSS) at NOVA 2. Discuss important differences between K-12 and college 3. Discuss transition strategies for students with disabilities

Disability Support Services DSS Counselor at each NOVA campus Assistive Technology Coordinators Interpreter Services Office Captioned Media Coordinator Director

Requesting Accommodations Submit an online application Submit documentation (an IEP or 504 plan may not be enough – see Documentation Guidelines on our website) Meet with a DSS counselor (the student is the primary participant)

What’s in? What’s out? New legislation-ADAAA Self Advocacy IDEA IEP NOVA What’s in? New legislation-ADAAA Self Advocacy What’s out? IDEA IEP IDEA = Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ADAAA= Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act

Biggest Difference K-12= Success Standards ARE modified College = Access Standards are NOT modified

Who is responsible? NOVA Responsibility Identification Assessment Curriculum Advocacy Decisions Transition Plan K-12 School School/Parent School/Student College Student Institution Because you are a college student, you get to choose whether or not you disclose your disability. Because you are a college student, you get to choose whether or not you request accommodations. Some students with disabilities choose to go all the way through college without ever requesting any assistance. Some students choose to use accommodations from their first semester through their last semester.

Family Involvement and Decision Making NOVA K-12 School/parent share information and decision making Referrals Testing Planning College Students self advocate Disclose a disability Provide documentation Request accommodations Area where adjustment is most difficult for students and parents. The shift can be difficult but it is necessary…for student’s benefit. NOVA believes in promoting independent thinking and learning for ALL students. DSS encourages student independence with guidance from DSS Counselor, advisor, faculty and staff.

NOVA Self Advocacy Meet with a Disability Support Services (DSS) Counselor Provide your MOA to your Professors Discuss/Explain Your Accommodations Contact your DSS Counselor with questions or concerns

You Decide Disclose your disability NOVA You Decide Disclose your disability Use your accommodations where needed Accommodations are NOT Retroactive

How to get ready for college NOVA Visit the NOVA Website Visit a Campus Practice Independence Ask Questions! Practice self-advocacy Ask for Help! How to get ready for college Excellent Time Management Skills  Excellent Self-Advocacy Skills  Excellent Study Skills  Being able to study independently  Solid Academic Skills - in reading, writing, and math  Excellent Money Management Skills  Knowing who to ask for help  Being able to utilize available resources Having a transportation plan Computer Literacy  Technology Proficiency  Stress Management Skills  Excellent Communication Skills

Tutoring and Academic Success Centers NOVA College Success Tutoring and Academic Success Centers Library Study Groups Academic Advisors Professors Disability Support Services Students provide appropriate documentation - Students request reasonable* accommodations - DS Counselor approves reasonable accommodations and makes referrals to other on-campus service providers - DS Counselor prepares Memorandum of accommodation - Students brings MOA to instructors and discuss accommodations with each one of them

Final thoughts… A student who received services in high school will very likely need accommodations in college… Students don’t have to struggle unnecessarily! Students are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later!

www.nvcc.edu Disability Support Services US Department of Education Online application Documentation Guidelines, etc. https://www.nvcc.edu/disability-services/ US Department of Education https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Questions??