1. Supporting Students with Disabilities in Their Transition to Post-Secondary Education Leila Peterson, SchoolTalk, Inc.

2. Demographics DC enrolls 10,644 students with specialized education needs. 13.3% of total enrollment 4078 students ≥ 15 years old 2

3. Students across all disability categories should be supported in post-secondary education options. 3 Source: 2012 Child Count Data

4. Best Practices for Supporting Students with Disabilities Success in post- secondary education Understanding rights Self-advocacy Skills Expectations and support from all school staff Academic and Social Preparation 4

5. The Student, not the school has the responsibility in the post-secondary environment Student must apply through the Disability Support Office Need documentation Student is responsible for notification to each instructor Student needs to understand when and how to disclose 5 Accommodations and Supports Needed for Success

6. Examples of Supports in Post-secondary Programs Assistance with registration/financial aid Note-takers for classes Large print books and handouts Extended time for exams and assignments Change of location for exams Use of computer software programs or other assistive technology Reduction in course load 6

7. Tips for Supporting Your Students Ensure students have the documentation they will need after high school Make sure appropriate accommodations are in place for ALL placement and assessment tests Refer students to the DC Department on Disability Services/Rehabilitation Services Administration Help students pick schools that will be supportive 7

8. Resources WWW.dctransition.org - Clearinghouse of information about DC resources to support youth with disabilities. WWW.dctransition.org http://ossesecondarytransition.org/ - OSSE’s website includes an overview of age-appropriate steps for supporting transition and video and toolkit for Student-Led IEPs http://ossesecondarytransition.org/ http://dcpstransition.com/ - the DCPS website for “all things transition.” http://dcpstransition.com/ 411 on Disclosure – a work book to help young people make good decisions about when and how to tell people about their disabilities. http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure Guidance and Career Counselors Toolkit: Advising High School Students with Disabilities on Postsecondary Options - contains answers to counselors' most frequently asked questions about postsecondary opportunities for students with disabilities. http://www.heath.gwu.edu/http://www.heath.gwu.edu/ 8

9. Contact information Leila Peterson, Executive Director SchoolTalk, Inc. Leila.peterson@schooltalkdc.org 9