The College Process for Students with Disabilities Julie Smith Denise Chaitkin

Similarities & Differences

Similarities All students follow the same process All students apply to the college FIRST Students should visit schools Students should consider the SAME factors as general education students

Differences Special Programs may work with admissions Disclosing in the personal statement Students should visit the Office for students with disabilities The Law Changes

High School vs. College No IEP No IDEA, working under ADA and 504 regulations Pay for services Students must self identify

High School vs. College IDEA ADA Schools’ responsibility LRE, quality and free Individualized Planning and related services Applies until student graduates of reaches age of 21 Transition services ADA Individual Responsibility Focus on accommodations Focus on nondiscrimination and undue hardship No link between federal funds and compliance with the law

Special Consideration? At most schools you need to meet the admissions requirements to be accepted. After you are accepted you work through the disability support centers to gain accommodations.

Programs vs. Services Case Management Model – Schools work on an individual basis with students to insure success. Services Model – School provides appropriate accommodations for students based on their needs.

Preparing your son/daughter Understand the disability and needs Understand the student’s strengths and how he/she learns best What strategies are beneficial Practice becoming a self advocate Know your rights!

Factors in Choosing the “Right” College Decide what is important to you and look for it! Location, Size, Programs offered, Structure, Cost

LOCATION What do you need from a community? What do you need from a campus? What do you need from a residence hall?

SIZE Overall Size Class Size Faculty to Student Ratio Size of the surrounding community

Services for Students with Disabilities PROGRAMS OFFERED Majors & Minors Internships Study Abroad Clubs & Activities Services for Students with Disabilities

RESIDENTIAL OR COMMUTER Going away to College means more than just the classwork! Independent Living Transportation Personal Health & Wellness Medication Management

COST Find a financial safety Scholarships Financial Aid Special programs may charge additional fees

The Application Process Have the materials necessary for application!

Transcripts ALL Grades count! Grade trends Strength of curriculum (rigor) “Own” your grades

The Application Everyone fills out the same one! Get a copy of your unofficial transcript Know your SS# Common Application

Test Scores Colleges do not know that tests are accommodated Test Optional Super scoring / what to send

Activities Sheet Colleges want to see commitment in a few activities not involvement in many Include work experiences, religious & community involvement Start NOW and save as you go

Teacher Recommendations Academic teacher Provide all materials (online/paper) Ask early! Ask nicely! Follow up

Personal Statements/Essays The part of the application used to explain what the test scores and transcript do not When to disclose? Oversharing Editing/Proofreading

Personal Statements Personal Statement is done by the student Start working on a draft during Junior year Talk about accommodations student has used Talk about what made the student successful Explain discrepancies Use examples from CHOICES booklet

Self Advocacy The student is responsible for bringing the documentation to the professors and explaining their needs Student decides whether or not to disclose STUDENT MUST BE WILLING TO ASK FOR HELP!

Factors that Don’t Matter Rankings Rumor Mill Stereotypes What is right for friends/peers

FIND THE FIT! Once you know your options… Choose the school that best meets your needs.

We are here to help! CHOICES Committee & Website www.postsecondarychoices.org Find the person in your school building that can help!