Finding a Good Learning Style Match:�Post Secondary Planning for Students with Disabilities

Presenters:

Matthew Rudmann, School Counselor

Tom Keane, CCHS Special Education Department

Today’s Agenda

• Post Secondary Options for Students with Disabilities
• Legal Definitions Between High School & College
• The Continuum of Services Available at Colleges and Universities
• Finding the Right Fit: The College Search

Today’s Agenda cont:

• College Entrance Testing and Accommodations
• To Disclose or Not to Disclose a Disability
• Transitioning from HS to College: Self Determination
• Questions

Post-Secondary Options:

• Four year college or university
• Two year college (private or community college)
• Learning Disability College
• Schools or Programs w/Specialized Focus
• Post graduate year at a Prep School
• Gap Year
• Employment
• Military

How is College Different from High School?�Legal Aspects�(Adapted from Colby-Sawyer College, Learning Services)

Public High School

• IDEA & Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Ensures entitlement to all a student can learn
• School responsible for identifying students with disabilities and ensuring equal and appropriate educational services for them.
• School provides free testing and assessments
• IEP or 504 Plan – implemented by staff
• Parents in charge of educational decisions for students

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College/University

• Section 504 & Americans w/Disabilities Act (ADA) Education not a right. Student must be otherwise qualified for admission to the college and particular program
• Ensures access and non-discrimination
• Student is responsible for disclosing disability to disabilities office and requesting accommodations
• Student provides documentation of disability at the student’s expense (not the high school’s or college’s)
• No specific learning plan
• Student is responsible for their educational decisions

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How is College Different from High School?�Legal Aspects, continued…�(Adapted from Colby-Sawyer College, Learning Services)

PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL

• Instruction designed to meet student’s needs.
• Curriculum, materials, program requirements may be modified, based on student’s disability and performance
• IEP students have a case manager
• Specialized instruction is provided, as needed
• Personal services provided (i.e., for medical disabilities)

College/University

• Curricula not altered or modified
• Once disability is documented and qualified, college only responsible for reasonable and appropriate accommodations
• Colleges do not have to waive or modify coursework or program requirements
• Students do not have individual case managers
• Tutorial assistance not required
• Personal services not provided by the college

Finding the Right Fit:�The College Search

Preparing for the College Search

• Take as many college prep, mainstream classes as possible
• Engage in non-academic skills (clubs, etc.)
• Learn to articulate your strengths and weaknesses
• Practice self-advocacy
• Use Scoir
• Visit College Campuses, including the Office of Disability Services
• Check on-line resources for LD/ADHD students
• Meet w/your counselor and case manager

College Entrance Testing�& Accommodations

Students with a documented disability may request accommodations for their college entrance exams (e.g., extra time, large type testing booklet, testing over multiple days, alternative format, etc.)

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Eligibility for accommodations is determined by the testing service, not the school. Possession of a 504 plan or IEP does not guarantee eligibility for accommodations on college entrance exams.

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Contact your student’s guidance counselor for more information on this process.

College Entrance Testing�& Accommodations, continued

There are two major testing services in the US:

• College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP)
• ACT Inc. (ACT)

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The process for requesting accommodations is different for each testing service. But we now use the same Google Doc to begin the process.

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Students should talk with their counselor or case manager about which tests to take, and whether accommodations (e.g., extra time) would be beneficial.

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To Disclose or Not to Disclose a Disability…

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At the time of application…

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…is completely up to the student, unless the student is applying to a comprehensive LD/ADHD program, where disability documentation will be required as part of the process.

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However, it can be very helpful for families to contact the Disabilities Services office during the college search to learn more about what accommodations, resources, supports are available to insure the school has what the student will need to be successful.

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Students should talk with their counselor about what strategy makes the most sense for them.

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To Disclose or Not to Disclose a Disability…

After acceptance…

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…is required for students, who plan to access accommodations at the college.

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However, if a student does not intend to request accommodations in college, then disclosure of the disability is not required or necessary.

Transitioning from HS to College:�Self Determination

Understand one’s disability

Know one’s strengths & weaknesses

Learn to succeed despite the impact of the disability

Set goals & determine how others can help one achieve them

Develop/possess problem solving, self-management, and self-advocacy skills

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FYI

U.S. Department of Education

Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

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Questions?

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Thank you for attending this event!

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Enjoy the rest of your evening!