1. The Transition From K-12 to College: Disability Services DONELLE HENDERLONG|DISABILITY SERVICES COORDINATOR- PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTH CENTRAL|LSF 103A|DHENDERL@PNC.EDU|219.785.5374

2. Where do Disability Services Come From? K-12  Mandated through IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  Provides free, accessible education to all students who have been determined by a licensed professional to have a disability  IEP (Individualized Education Plan)- parents, teachers, and student meet to discuss student’s goals, progress, and least restrictive educational environment  Teachers are notified of IEP before student enters class College  Mandated through ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990) and Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973).  Provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who have been determined by a licensed professional to have a disability.  Appropriate medical documentation is needed to qualify for services. IEPs DO NOT GUARENTEE SERVICES.  Because of the Family Educational Rights Protection Act (FERPA) it is the student’s responsibility to disclose their disability to both the Disability Services office AND instructors.

3. What’s the Hardest Part of Transitioning to College for a Student With a Disability?  Success in college for students with disabilities relies heavily on self-advocacy! Often, students have had their parents, case managers, and instructors advocate on their behalf! Because of FERPA, colleges cannot do that!  There may be some accommodations in high school, that go “over and beyond” what colleges can provide. (ex. Personalized tutoring (in some cases), a proctor to talk through/ take away test answers, extended time on homework, adjusted tests/assignments, extra time on assignments)

4. What is the Role of a Disability Services Coordinator?  Certify reasonable and appropriate classroom accommodations relative to medical documentation of disability.  Counsel students towards appropriate accommodations and connect them with campus resources  Provide general information to faculty, staff, and community members about disability issues and accommodations  Serve as liaison between students with disabilities and university if needed.

5. Types of Accommodations at University Level  Test accommodations (extended time, distraction reduced environment, etc.)  Adaptive Technology (Smart Pen, Kurzweil Reading Software)  Coordinate auxiliary services (Sign language interpreting, closed captioning, note taking)  Other (case by case basis)

6. The Process of Receiving College Classroom Accommodations  Student must voluntarily self-disclose disability to university (via self disclosure form or contact to disability services office).  Student must provide medical documentation of disability  Disability Coordinator and student meet to discuss what accommodations would be beneficial to the student.  Disability Coordinator produces accommodation letters.  Student gives letters to instructors and they discuss how accommodations will be implemented for that class.

7. What Can I Do to Prepare?  Get testing updated!- In order to be valid to receive disability services at the college, medical evaluation of the disability must be current within 5 years! If you need testing for a non-apparent disability and you are still in high school, contact your school psychologist immediately so that you can get evaluated for free! If not, evaluations can be done by a psychologist of your choosing, but may be at a cost.  Contact your county’s Vocational Rehabilitation office!- Vocational Rehabilitation is a federal agency that provides supports to those with disabilities who are looking to go to college and/or become gainfully employed. Depending on each individual student’s qualifications, VR can provide an array of technologies, financial assistance, and other services free of cost.  Practice Self-Advocating- Students should have an idea of how to explain their disability and how it affects them in the classroom. Practice speaking up for what you need…don’t wait for someone to ask!

8. What Can I Do to Prepare? (Cont.)  Ween off of those “over and above” accommodations!- Attempt to do your assignments in full, evaluate all answers on a multiple choice tests, and do not talk your test answers out with a test proctor.  Practice Asking Your Teachers for Help!- In college, there is no resource room. Your instructor’s office hours are a great way to get the help you need.  Do Your Homework!- Research other offices that may be of use to you while at college,  Practice organizing!- So much of your success at college depends on how organized you are! If you don’t currently plan ahead, start now!

9. Questions? Donelle Henderlong Disability Services Coordinator Purdue North Central LSF 103 A 219.785.5374 dhenderl@pnc.edu