1. The College Process for Students with Disabilities
Julie Smith
Denise Chaitkin

2. Similarities & Differences

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. The Application Process
Have the materials necessary for application!

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

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

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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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!

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

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

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