Accessibility Resources: Transition To College Two students talking in the Student Union

To all of you we welcome you on your journey to transition to post- secondary education. Know that there are professionals that care about you. There are professionals that are willing to help you access what you need to participate in a Post-Secondary Education. We hope that you find this Power Point helpful, practical and an agent in transition. If you have any questions there are resources within this Power Point that you will be able to use to direct your questions. Image of the word “Welcome” in various languages

What did Accommodation in High School look like in model, practice and Law? Special Education Model School personnel “find you” and decide what eligibility for services and supports Where you receive services Special Education classroom, Resource Room, related service provider room (e.g. speech) Where you receive services Special Education classroom, Resource Room, related service provider room (e.g. speech) Documentation Documentation Coordinated by school psychologist or CSE appointed staff person School develops IEP from documentation and test results Paid for by school Special Education Law Special Education Law The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides the mandate and funding to schools for in- school special education services as well a transportation/ buses to school, physical, occupational, speech therapy, and tutoring

Accommodation in College Accommodations Model You must request services; if you want to continues using accommodations like you did in High school you need to connect with the Accessibility Resources office. It is encouraged that to set up accommodations are set up prior to the semester starting for a smoother transition for you! Where you receive services at UB At UB you can find us at Accessibility Resources in 25 Capen Hall on the North Campus.Documentation You must provide “Support” of your disability (e.g. School Psycho-Educational Evaluation, independent reports, medical, educational) Keep in mind that High schools are not required to do a comprehensive evaluation before graduation. After HS, you are responsible for paying for new evaluations Civil Rights Law American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Colleges are required only to offer accommodations & support services; not services of a personal nature. Tutoring is not required under ADA. Some colleges offer tutoring through disability services and some colleges have tutoring centers for all students. Foreign Language waivers & other course substitutions are not automatic

While you are in High School Make sure that you… Find out about your disability: Talk to your parents, high school special education teacher, or guidance counselor to learn about your specific disabilities Understand the academic impact of your disability Understand your areas of strength and weakness Understand how your disability might affect future employment and/or career Make sure that you have current documentation (request updated testing or are-evaluation before you leave HS) Read your disability documentation and understand what it says. If you don’t understand ASK! Actively participate in all transition related meetings (i.e. IEP & 504) Actively participate in all transition related meetings (i.e. IEP & 504) Participate in self-advocacy training Learn to express your current and future needs, concerns, interests, and preferences Know what your rights & responsibilities are and what the grievance procedures are at your selected colleges

While you are in High School Make sure that you… Develop a information file with disability related information: Disability documentation Current high school records (e.g. grade transcript, standardized achievement testing scores) Medical records (if relevant to educational progress) Copy of current IEP or 504 plan Psychological and educational evaluation records Select and Plan College Choices Select and Plan College Choices Visit each campus (make sure to meet the person(s) in charge of the Office of Disability Services) Consider: What services/programs each prospective college provides through their disability support office or other office that handles disability accommodations How often are services available? Are the service providers on campus. Look into what kinds of technology the office uses.

I Graduated High School and was Accepted to UB! Now what do I do? Graduate smiling

Getting Started with Accommodations at University at Buffalo Step 1 After you have received your person number from the University at Buffalo you can call our office to make an appointment to meet with someone about your accommodations Question: Question: Do I need to wait until the first day of classes to set up my accommodations? Answer: Answer: NO! The sooner the better! The summer is the perfect time to set up your accommodations so you can focus on other areas of transitioning to college like finding your classes and figuring out your syllabus.

Getting Started with Accommodations at University at Buffalo Step 2 If you can, please submit any documentation supporting your disability and how it may effect you in the learning environment in advance of your visit. Example: most recent school psychological report. Step 3 Show up on time and be ready to talk about accommodations you would like to request Example: 50% extra time on exams Step 4 After accommodations are set sign up and meet for an orientation for New Students receiving accommodations. At this meeting you will receive your memo (this is explain in another Power Point), details about your accommodations and, working with your instructors.

Conclusion College can be a wonderful time in your life. The experience can be enhanced by having the proper tools to access your course materials, Classrooms and various exciting programs on our campuses. We are here to help! If you have any questions you are encouraged to contact us! Phone: TTY: Web: