1. Preparing For College As A Student With A Disability

2. As a student with a disability, you have the right to…
continue your education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges, and universities
be well informed about your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you
have the full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience without confusion or delay

3. Differences Between High School and College
Required to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
Knows you have a disability because of your Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Required to provide appropriate academic adjustments as necessary to ensure that it does not discriminate on the basis of disability
Will only know that you have a disability if you notify them and provide support documentation.
Mandated under Agency of Persons with Disabilities (APD)

4. In Order to Receive services in post secondary education..
You must contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at the Institution you attend.
The below information is for Lake Sumter State College, but many colleges have similar procedures.

5. Apply to Lake Sumter State College (LSCC)
Process of Applying and Accessing the Office for Students with Disabilities at LSCC
Apply to Lake Sumter State College (LSCC)
Apply for financial aid (
Take the PERT Placement test
Register with the Office for Students with Disabilities at LSCC

6. Registering with the Office for Students with Disabilities at LSCC
Students new to OSD call  to discuss potential services required documentation
Provide the OSD with your disability documentation for review.
If the documentation supports eligibility for services, then an intake appointment will be set up.
After the intake process is completed and the student is registered for classes, the student will need to request "Instructor Notification Letters (INL's)". 
It is the student's responsibility to submit an "Instructor Notification Letter Request Form," along with the copy of a "detailed schedule" from LOIS.  Forms must be submitted each term  
It is the student's responsibility to contact instructors about accommodation needs.
The student must present the INL in order to receive accommodations. 
The process can take several weeks so begin early.
Services or accommodations can only be provided for a student who provides proper documentation.

7. Examples of Accommodations offered at Lake-Sumter State College
Large print and Braille materials
Closed Captioning TV's
Use of digital recorders
Readers/Scribes
Books in alternative formats
Extended time on tests and quizzes
Instructor notification
Testing in a distraction reduced environment
Supportive counseling (for the purpose of referral to community services)
Sign language interpreters
Notetakers
Assistive Technologies/ Software
JAWS
ZoomText
Open Book
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Kurzwiel
Ease Reader
Snap and Read

8. Final Thoughts
Students with disabilities who know their rights and responsibilities are much better equipped to succeed in postsecondary school.
We encourage you to work with the staff at your school because they, too, want you to succeed.
Seek the support of family, friends, and fellow students, including those with disabilities.
Know your talents and capitalize on them, and believe in yourself as you embrace new challenges in your education.
More information can be found at: