DREAM vs. REALITY

Is College All It’s Cracked up to be?

CTEBVI, March 21, 2015Betty Henry, Maureen Green, Sharon Sacks, & Jerry Kuns

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Purpose of the Workshop

• To examine why students with visual impairments & their families choose college.

• To examine the skills needed to attend college.• To understand the concept of eligibility versus

entitlement.• To discuss alternatives to college.• To share personal stories about the college

experience.

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Three Types of Students

1. Independence-ready

2. Need time-limited rehabilitation services

3. Need extensive, ongoing services

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Why Go to College?• College degree = social success

• Greater potential for employment

• Skill training• Next step in the

education process• Opportunity to meet

peers• College prepares

students for life• _______• _______

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Basic Skills Needed for College

• Reading & math acquisition at the 7th -8th grade levels

• Time management skills• Organization & study skills• Ability to use technology independently• Self-advocacy skills• Positive social interaction skills

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You’re Not in Kansas…

Eligibility ≠Entitlement

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IDEA K-12 College and ADA

Success more of a right No guarantee. Student responsible for own success

District identifies disability Student provides documentation of disability and need for accommodation

Free evaluation of disability Student's responsibility

District develops Individual Education Plan (IEP) Student identifies accommodation needs

Entitled to services identified on IEP College services not automatic; each college decides eligibility and services

District ensures that the IEP is implemented Student responsible for own progress

Teacher advocate Student advocates for self

Fundamental alterations to program of study permitted as identified on IEP

None allowed: Accommodation may not alter fundamental nature of course or impose an undue

burden on an institutionPersonal services:

e.g., transportation, personal attendant, nurse None provided

Differences between K-12* Education and College*The term K-12 refers to the years in school from kindergarten through the end of high school.

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College Options

4-year college

Community CollegeBusiness or Trade

schoolOn the Job

Training

VolunteerOnline training

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Alternatives to College

• Attend community college for classes related to personal interest or recreation/leisure

• Vocational training programs• Sheltered or supported employment

How Can Families & Professionals Help to Prepare Students for…whatever?

The Expanded Core Curriculum is the key

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What is needed for success?

Compensatory Academics

O&M

Social Interaction

Independent Living

Recreation & Leisure

Sensory Efficiency

Use of Technology

Career Education

Self-determination

ExpandedCore

Curriculum

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Compensatory Academics

Skills necessary for school success

• Concept development• Organization skills• Note-taking skills• Listening skills• Communication: proficient braille reading & writing• Reading & math ability at least at 8th grade level: ability to access &

use abacus, scientific calculator

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Orientation & Mobility

Ability to travel using public transportation or para-transit

Ability to learn routes in new environments, and ability to ask for assistance when lost

Develop strategies for alternative assistance to travel on campus

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Social Interaction

How is college different from high school?• Self-advocacy• Asking for assistance in an assertive rather

than passive or aggressive manner• Finding peers who have similar interests• Joining on-campus organizations• Coping with stress & knowing where to find

resources

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Independent Living

• Time management– Keeping track of assignments, use of readers,

managing materials & devices• Financial management– Budgeting, banking, paying bills

• Preparation for living options & skills needed– Dorm, apartment with roommates, living alone

• Appearance & social presence

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Recreation & Leisure

• Developing interest & hobbies• Engaging in group or club activities• Engaging in physical activities for health &

wellness

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Sensory Efficiency

• Knowledge of eye disease & ability to articulate needs to others

• Knowledge of using low vision aids & devices• Demonstrating to others the use & efficiency

of using low vision devices• Know how to hire & fire a reader or scribe• Knowing how to access disabled student

services for support

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Use of Technology

• Efficient keyboarding• Knowing how to use & access screen readers

on computers• Knowing how to use IOS devices with

accessibility features installed• Knowing how to use Book Share or Reading Ally

to obtain books & materials• Knowing how to download & scan documents• Knowing how to access & use the Internet

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Career Education

• Access to volunteer opportunities• Opportunities to participate in a range of

career experiences• Ability to communicate needs, and providing

solutions for purchasing equipment & technology

• Ability to be on time & sustain a designated work period without fatigue

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Self-determination

Can you squeak up?

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Self-determination #2Star ladder

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So what do you need to know?

What to consider:• Capacity and skills• Interests• How you like to learn• Motivation and drive• Financial realities• Future plans• Supports

The path forward:• Check services• Shop colleges• Meet staff• Check with others

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Department of RehabilitationAn Insider’s View

• What they will do…• What they won’t do…

When is the best time to connect with DOR?

16? 21?

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Personal ExperiencesMaureen, Sharon, & Jerry

Questions & Answers

How can we make the best decisions possible?