Disabilities Services

Transitioning from High School to College

Before Applying to College Choose a college based on the degree program you have interest in pursuing. Review the college catalog for the graduation requirements of the college you are choosing. Understand the requirements for the degree program and the college Contact the Admissions Office if you are interested in The Sage Colleges.

The Process Apply to the college through the regular Admissions Office. Notify the Disabilities Services Office of your situation and request information about services. Provide documentation requirements for your particular disability. Visit the campus. Make and appointment to meet with the Disabilities Services Office.

Understanding Your Disability Understand and be able to describe/discuss your disability. Know the accommodations you need and why you feel they are reasonable. -Be aware that what is reasonable in high school may not be reasonable in college. Know your responsibilities and rights under the law.

Required Documentation Students may submit appropriate and current documentation in most cases within three years of the current date, from a qualified clinician or healthcare professional. This documentation must be a comprehensive assessment including the student's disability, the impact of the disability, and its relation to the recommended accommodations

Required Documentation part 2 Requires a diagnosis. If the report includes accommodations, it should give a rationale for the accommodations.

Your Responsibilities When Entering College Once you choose to attend a college: Contact the Colleges Disabilities Officer Present proper documentation Complete the registration procedure required by the Disabilities Services Office on your campus.

Your Responsibilities pt. 2 Setup a meeting with the Disabilities Services Office. Follow suggested time guidelines of the Disabilities Services Office to access and receive services.

Differences Between High School and College

In High School: Parents are involved in the process, attending meetings and sharing in decision making –Students, under 18, may not be involved in the process Teachers advocate for students, talking to others about their accommodations Law protects student’s right to a free and appropriate education

In High School pt 2 IDEA applies You have a “right to education” until you graduate or meet the goals of your I.E.P. You’re allowed to attend the school in your attendance district without applying

In College: College communicates with the student, not the parents Students must be their own advocates This includes talking to instructors about accommodations Each semester, new instructor and new conversation! Law only protects student’s right to an accessible educational program Right of access, not right of education

In College pt. 2 ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply ADASection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 You are required to apply for admission, and you may or may not be accepted Special consideration MAY be given to students who self-disclose a disability, BUT the minimum eligibility criteria have to be met to be admitted

What does the Office of Disabilities Services do? Assists students with: –Developing self-advocacy –Suitable housing accommodations –Academic accommodations –Alternative testing accommodations –Auxiliary aids and services –Development of an education plan –Getting appropriate academic support services, (tutoring, note taking, & instructional aids) –Resolving issues and concerns

What does the Office do pt. 2 Pre-admission counseling to respond to inquiries about support services to applicants and their families. Facilitates academic and career advising. Informs about and refers to college and community programs and services. Provides the campus with information & resources.

The Americans with Disabilities Act The Sage Colleges is committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A student seeking academic adjustments under the Americans with Disabilities Act must make a request in writing to the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Act pt. 2 Any student in need of classroom assistance or modification under the Americans with disabilities Act must inform the instructor of the needed adjustment no later than the first week of class, and provide documentation from the Director of Students with Disabilities.

What Should be in an Evaluation A written diagnosis that a learning disability exists. Recommendations for accommodation services. Recommendations for programs. This documentation can be used as a vehicle for the student to understand their strengths & weaknesses, as well as obtain the accommodation services necessary to participate in regular college programs. Link to: Psychiatric Evaluation RequirementsPsychiatric Evaluation Requirements

Website Resources Council for Exceptional Children International Dyslexia Association Comparison Chart Steps to Becoming a Self Advocate National Center for Learning Disabilities

Website Resources pt. 2 Newsletter Learning Disability Association ETS Documentation guidelines for AD/HD

Website Resources pt. 3 ETS Documentation guidelines for Learning Disabilities Educational Testing Service Webpage ADDA CHADD Information page sponsored by a drug company

Catalogue Information Services for Students with Disabilities The Sage Colleges promote self-advocacy for students with disabilities and facilitates a positive and adaptive learning environment for such students. Students seeking accommodations are required to present a recent evaluation of their disability conducted by a licensed professional. It is imperative that upon admission, students requesting accommodations contact the Director of Disabilities Services.

Characteristics of College Students with Learning Disabilities Writing Difficulty with sentence structure, poor grammar, omitted words. Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals. Difficulty copying from board or overhead. Poorly formed letters, difficulty with spacing, capitals and punctuation.

Characteristics pt. 2 Reading Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multisyllablic words. Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task. Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with material presented orally.

Characteristics pt. 3 Study Skills Poor organization and time management. Difficulty following directions. Poor organization of notes and other written materials. Need more time to complete assignments.

Characteristics pt. 4 Social Skills Difficulty “reading” facial expressions, body language. Problems interpreting subtle messages such as sarcasm. Confusion in spatial orientation, getting lost easily, difficulty following directions. Disorientation in time, difficulty telling time.

Characteristics pt. 5 Oral Language Difficulty attending to spoken language, inconsistent concentration. Difficulty expressing ideas orally, which the student seems to understand. Problem describing events or stories in proper sequence. Residual problems with grammar, difficulty with inflectional or derivational endings.

Characteristics pt. 6 Math Difficulty memorizing basic facts. Confusion or reversal of numbers, number sequence or operational symbols. Difficulty copying problems, aligning columns. Difficulty reading or comprehending word problems. Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts.

You Are Not Alone Tom Cruise has Dyslexia. Robin Williams has a learning disability and ADD. Keira Knightley has a learning disability. Michelangelo had epilepsy.

Contact Information To contact the Director of Disabilities Services: 65 1 st Street 140 New Scotland Avenue Troy, NY Albany, NY