iacac conference 2011 transition to college for high school students with disabilities: what you...

IACAC Conference 2011IACAC Conference 2011Transition to College for High School Transition to College for High School

Students with Disabilities:Students with Disabilities:What You Need to Know to What You Need to Know to Help Students and Parents Help Students and Parents Successfully Navigate the Successfully Navigate the

TransitionTransitionKaren L. Wold, M.S.Ed. Susann J. Sears, M.Ed.Learning Disabilities Specialist Disability Specialist217-333-8705 [email protected] [email protected]

University of IllinoisDisability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)

1207 S. Oak St. Champaign, IL 61820217-333-0248 (fax)

Session AgendaSession Agenda

►Differences between high school and Differences between high school and college for students with disabilities college for students with disabilities

►Ways to help students in high school Ways to help students in high school prepare for collegeprepare for college

►How to access disability-related services How to access disability-related services at the college levelat the college level

►Specific transition considerations for Specific transition considerations for students with different types of students with different types of disabilitiesdisabilities

►Questions, commentsQuestions, comments

Differences between High School Differences between High School and College for Students with and College for Students with

DisabilitiesDisabilities

High School: Students are identified by their school districts.Hy their School: Students are identified by their school districts.

College: Students must self-identify by registering with the Disability Services offices.

College: Students must self-identify by registering with the Disability Services office

High School: Students are identified by their school districts.

College: Students must self-identify by registering with the Disability Services office

• High School: Students are identified by their school districts

• College: Students must self-identify by registering with the Disability Services office



• High School: Information is shared with parents or guardians

• College: Student’s right to privacy and confidentiality is upheld



• High School: The role of disability accommodations may better guarantee success

• College: The role of disability accommodations provide an equal opportunity to either succeed or fail



• High School: Students are provided with the accommodations they need based on what is discussed between their parents/guardians and the school staff (e.g. – arrangements that are made during an IEP meeting)

• College: Students must seek out disability services and be able to state what accommodations they need and why they are necessary



• High School: Time spent on homework and studying in high school can be brief

• College: Time spent on homework is usually 2 hours for every hour spent in class (or more)



• High School: Preparing for exams usually involves memorization and identification of information

• College: Preparing for exams will involve application of information



• High School: Instructors clarify and remind students of exam dates and assignment deadlines

• College: Students are expected to know exam dates and assignment deadlines by referring to their course syllabi, and are responsible for initiating any requests for clarification

Legal DifferencesLegal Differences

► Laws governing services for students with Laws governing services for students with disabilities are different in college than they disabilities are different in college than they were in elementary school and high schoolwere in elementary school and high school ““Child find” under IDEA, 504 and ADA require Child find” under IDEA, 504 and ADA require

student to self-disclosestudent to self-disclose 504 and the ADA ensure ACCESS not SUCCESS 504 and the ADA ensure ACCESS not SUCCESS

(IDEA focuses on success)(IDEA focuses on success) 504 and the ADA require access to existing 504 and the ADA require access to existing

resourcesresources 504 and the ADA do not require support which is 504 and the ADA do not require support which is

not otherwise provided to other studentsnot otherwise provided to other students

Student RightsStudent Rights

►Equal access to courses, programs, Equal access to courses, programs, services, activities and facilitiesservices, activities and facilities

►Equal opportunity to learnEqual opportunity to learn►Access to reasonable Access to reasonable

accommodations, academic accommodations, academic adjustments/modifications and adjustments/modifications and auxiliary aids & servicesauxiliary aids & services

►Appropriate confidentialityAppropriate confidentiality

Student ResponsibilitiesStudent Responsibilities

►Meet qualifications (for admission, etc.)Meet qualifications (for admission, etc.)►Maintain essential institutional standardsMaintain essential institutional standards►Disclose the fact that he/she has a Disclose the fact that he/she has a

disability requiring accommodationdisability requiring accommodation►Provide necessary documentation, Provide necessary documentation,

including a specific diagnosis of disabilityincluding a specific diagnosis of disability►Request accommodations by following Request accommodations by following

college/university procedurescollege/university procedures

Institutional RightsInstitutional Rights

► Establish and maintain standards for programs, Establish and maintain standards for programs, courses, services, activities and facilities, and to courses, services, activities and facilities, and to evaluate students on this basisevaluate students on this basis

► Request and receive necessary documentation that Request and receive necessary documentation that links the functional effects of the disability to the links the functional effects of the disability to the requested accommodations.requested accommodations.

► Deny requests for accommodation when there is Deny requests for accommodation when there is inadequate validating documentationinadequate validating documentation

► Deny requests that constitute an undue hardship or Deny requests that constitute an undue hardship or a fundamental alteration of a program or servicea fundamental alteration of a program or service

Institutional ResponsibiitiesInstitutional Responsibiities

► Provide information in a timely and accurate Provide information in a timely and accurate manner and in accessible formatsmanner and in accessible formats

► Ensure that programs when viewed in their Ensure that programs when viewed in their entirety are available and usable in the most entirety are available and usable in the most integrated and appropriate settingsintegrated and appropriate settings

► Evaluate students on their abilities, not Evaluate students on their abilities, not disabilitiesdisabilities

► Provide necessary, effective academic Provide necessary, effective academic adjustments and auxiliary aids for any adjustments and auxiliary aids for any KNOWN disabilityKNOWN disability

►Maintain appropriate confidentialityMaintain appropriate confidentiality

Practical differences Practical differences High SchoolHigh School CollegeCollegeSchool day is structuredSchool day is structured School day is unstructured – School day is unstructured –

student is responsible for student is responsible for managing his/her timemanaging his/her time

School provides assessment of School provides assessment of disabilitydisability

Student is responsible for Student is responsible for identifying themselves and identifying themselves and providing documentation of providing documentation of the disabilitythe disability

Eligibility for services is Eligibility for services is determined by disability determined by disability diagnosisdiagnosis

Eligibility for services is Eligibility for services is determined by the severity of determined by the severity of the impact of the disability on the impact of the disability on a major life activity (learning, a major life activity (learning, speaking, walking, speaking, walking, concentrating)concentrating)

Practical differences (cont.)Practical differences (cont.)

High SchoolHigh School CollegeCollegeParents and/or high school Parents and/or high school special education teachers or special education teachers or 504 coordinators inform 504 coordinators inform teachers of student’s needsteachers of student’s needs

Student informs professors of Student informs professors of their needs (usually by means of their needs (usually by means of a letter from Disability Services)a letter from Disability Services)

Modified curriculum (e.g., Modified curriculum (e.g., student completes 10 math student completes 10 math problems instead of 20)problems instead of 20)

No modified curriculum – No modified curriculum – consider alternatives such as consider alternatives such as reduced course loadreduced course load

Waive course requirements Waive course requirements (e.g., foreign language)(e.g., foreign language)

No waiver of course No waiver of course requirements Many institutions requirements Many institutions offer substitutions of course offer substitutions of course requirementsrequirements

Parents and/or high school Parents and/or high school special education teachers can special education teachers can speak with regular ed teachers speak with regular ed teachers about student’s grades and about student’s grades and progressprogress

Students need to speak to their Students need to speak to their professors about grades. professors about grades. Professors will not tell a Professors will not tell a student’s grades to Disability student’s grades to Disability Services staff or parents. Services staff or parents.

Ways to Help Students in High Ways to Help Students in High School Prepare for CollegeSchool Prepare for College

► Educate the student about his/her Educate the student about his/her strengthsstrengths as well as weaknesses or areas of disability.as well as weaknesses or areas of disability.

► Provide opportunities for the student to Provide opportunities for the student to effectively self-advocate by being able to effectively self-advocate by being able to explain his/her accommodation needs to explain his/her accommodation needs to teachers and others.teachers and others.

► If accommodation needs are being taken care If accommodation needs are being taken care of by parents and teachers, begin to consider of by parents and teachers, begin to consider other options, including assistive technology other options, including assistive technology (spell check, alarms on cell phone for (spell check, alarms on cell phone for reminders, etc.)reminders, etc.)

► Student should take a college preparatory Student should take a college preparatory curriculum, which includes foreign language.curriculum, which includes foreign language.

Ways to Help (cont.)Ways to Help (cont.)

► Student should be involved in at least one extra-Student should be involved in at least one extra-curricular activitycurricular activity

► Student should take advantage of mentorship, Student should take advantage of mentorship, internship or other work experiencesinternship or other work experiences

► Review the requirements for admission into the Review the requirements for admission into the college(s) that the student is interested in with the college(s) that the student is interested in with the student.student.

► Review the documentation requirements and Review the documentation requirements and procedures to apply for disability services at the procedures to apply for disability services at the college(s) the student is interested in with the college(s) the student is interested in with the student.student.

► Look at the college as a whole to ensure the best fit Look at the college as a whole to ensure the best fit for the student (not just at disability services).for the student (not just at disability services).

Types of Higher Education Types of Higher Education InstitutionsInstitutions

► Junior or Community CollegeJunior or Community College

►Technical/Vocational SchoolsTechnical/Vocational Schools

►College (4 year)College (4 year)

►UniversityUniversity

Technical/Vocational SchoolsTechnical/Vocational Schools

► Emphasize preparation for specific careersEmphasize preparation for specific careers

► Some schools specialize in only one area, while Some schools specialize in only one area, while others provide a wide variety of programsothers provide a wide variety of programs

► Award diplomas, certificates, licenses, and Award diplomas, certificates, licenses, and sometimes associate’s degrees and bachelor’s sometimes associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degreesdegrees

► Students may or may not be able to transfer credits Students may or may not be able to transfer credits to traditional academic degree programsto traditional academic degree programs

College (4 Year)College (4 Year)

►A four-year college grants bachelor’s A four-year college grants bachelor’s degrees (Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of degrees (Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science)Science)

►Some colleges also award Master’s Some colleges also award Master’s Degrees, and some also offer a two Degrees, and some also offer a two year Associate’s Degreesyear Associate’s Degrees

UniversityUniversity

►A school that offers both undergraduate A school that offers both undergraduate and graduate studies, and it may be and graduate studies, and it may be made up of several collegesmade up of several colleges

►One of the major differences between a One of the major differences between a College and a University is that a College and a University is that a University usually has graduate degrees University usually has graduate degrees (master’s and doctoral) and research (master’s and doctoral) and research programsprograms

College vs. University?College vs. University?

University

Pros Cons• Wide variety of majors and courses • Well-stocked libraries • Variety of housing opportunities • Well-funded sports programs •Wide range of academic and social opportunities • Distinguished or famous faculty

• Large class sizes • Many courses taught by teaching assistants, not professors • Professors focused on their own research and graduate thesis projects—little student-teacher interaction •Pressure on students to take initiative; to be go-getters • More rules and procedures related to enrolling in and designing course study—red tape • Potential of getting lost in crowd

www.collegeboard.com

College vs. University?Community or 4-Year College

Pros Cons• Small class sizes • Hands-on learning opportunities • Individually-designed majors •Strong advising system; advisors know students very well • Strong sense of community •Professors, not graduate students, teach most courses •Opportunity to get to know professors well

• Limited housing options • Fewer majors to choose from • Fewer physical resources • Smaller libraries •Fewer entertainment and social opportunities • Less emphasis on sports programs

www.collegeboard.com

What is the Right Fit For You?

Talk with people who know you best and who have graduated from a college or university (e.g., parents, siblings, teachers).

Meet with your guidance counselor to help you explore options and review college/university information online.

Attend college and university fairs at your high school or in the community.

Visit the college and university campuses you are most interested in or take a virtual tour on their Web sites if you aren’t able to visit all of your choices.

Contact the admissions office of the college or university you are interested in attending.

Talk to students with disabilities who are currently enrolled in a college or university.college or university.

www.going-to-college.org

Which College?Which College?

► College Matching Wizard College Matching Wizard https://studentaid2.ed.gov/gotocollege/collegefinder/wizard_i

ntro1.as Narrows down by criteria you decide:Narrows down by criteria you decide:

► TypeType► LocationLocation► Setting Setting ► Size Size ► Academics Academics ► Cost Cost ► Campus Life Campus Life ► Student Body Student Body

Comparing General College Comparing General College ResourcesResources

• Contrast and compare college resources:Contrast and compare college resources:► www.going-to-college.org/planning/activities.

html Activity #5 under “Choosing a College” sectionActivity #5 under “Choosing a College” section

• Contrast and compare college resources:Contrast and compare college resources:► www.going-to-college.org/portfolio/campuslife

.html Under “Finding Resources” sectionUnder “Finding Resources” section FYI: Disability Services at different institutions will FYI: Disability Services at different institutions will

vary greatly, so do your research on a school vary greatly, so do your research on a school before you apply.before you apply.

Determining a Degree ProgramDetermining a Degree Program

• What interests you? What can you What interests you? What can you see yourself doing as a career?see yourself doing as a career?

►Several online resources to help you:Several online resources to help you: Discover Your Perfect Career QuizDiscover Your Perfect Career Quiz

► http://resources.monster.com/tools/quizzes/perfectcareer/http://resources.monster.com/tools/quizzes/perfectcareer/

Explore careersExplore careers► http://www.bls.gov/k12/

Career Values TestCareer Values Test► http://www.stewartcoopercoon.com/jobsearch/freejobsearchtests.p

html#cvt

Occupational Outlook HandbookOccupational Outlook Handbook► http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm

College AdmissionsCollege Admissions

► Commonly asked questions about the Commonly asked questions about the admissions process:admissions process:

What role does my student’s disability play in their What role does my student’s disability play in their likelihood of being admitted to a post-secondary likelihood of being admitted to a post-secondary institution?institution?Students with disability are admitted no differently than Students with disability are admitted no differently than students without disabilities; held to same admission standardsstudents without disabilities; held to same admission standards

When should my student disclose disability When should my student disclose disability

information?information?Can not be required to disclose disability status during Can not be required to disclose disability status during admissions process; may choose to do so if feel this information admissions process; may choose to do so if feel this information is necessary to explain portions of your academic record (e.g. is necessary to explain portions of your academic record (e.g. missing foreign language classes, change in grades due to missing foreign language classes, change in grades due to diagnosis and subsequent disability-related services)diagnosis and subsequent disability-related services)

College Admissions Cont…College Admissions Cont…

My student would prefer to disclose information My student would prefer to disclose information about their disability, what should they tell an about their disability, what should they tell an admissions committee?admissions committee? Type of services received, strengths, academic interests, Type of services received, strengths, academic interests,

other information necessary for admissions committee to other information necessary for admissions committee to understand your academic record and/or unique high understand your academic record and/or unique high school experienceschool experience

Does the admissions committee need my Does the admissions committee need my disability documentation paperwork?disability documentation paperwork? Specific disability documentation (e.g., psychological Specific disability documentation (e.g., psychological

assessment report, IEP, 504 plan) should not be sent to an assessment report, IEP, 504 plan) should not be sent to an admissions committee. This information can be sent to the admissions committee. This information can be sent to the disability services office at the institution of choice, once disability services office at the institution of choice, once the student has accepted an offer to attend.the student has accepted an offer to attend.

College Application PreparationCollege Application Preparation► Visit www.going-to-college.org/planning/applying.html for Visit www.going-to-college.org/planning/applying.html for

more tips, thoughts and suggestions on applying to more tips, thoughts and suggestions on applying to college.college. Before you get started, think about how you would answer the Before you get started, think about how you would answer the

following questions:following questions:► What is the best way for you to manage multiple deadlines?What is the best way for you to manage multiple deadlines?► What resources are available in your high school to help you write What resources are available in your high school to help you write

an impressive personal essay for your college application?an impressive personal essay for your college application?► What are some advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your What are some advantages and disadvantages of disclosing your

disability in your college essay? disability in your college essay? Think about using an optional essay to do this and explain any Think about using an optional essay to do this and explain any

discrepancies.discrepancies.

► ACT/SATACT/SAT Find out if a standardized test is required; if so, does the Find out if a standardized test is required; if so, does the

college prefer the SAT or ACT.college prefer the SAT or ACT. In appropriate situations, students can receive testing In appropriate situations, students can receive testing

accommodations for both types of exams:accommodations for both types of exams:► ACT - www.act.org/aap/disab/chart.htmlACT - www.act.org/aap/disab/chart.html► SAT - http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/for-students-with-disabilitiesSAT - http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/for-students-with-disabilities

Financial PlanningFinancial Planning► What is financial aid?What is financial aid?

Financial aid is monetary assistance that allows individuals to Financial aid is monetary assistance that allows individuals to pay the costs of attending college when their own resources are pay the costs of attending college when their own resources are not enough. not enough.

There are four types of financial aid (Heath Resource Center, There are four types of financial aid (Heath Resource Center, 2007):2007):

► GrantsGrants – Aid that generally does not have to be repaid. – Aid that generally does not have to be repaid.

► LoansLoans – Money borrowed to cover school costs, which must be repaid, – Money borrowed to cover school costs, which must be repaid, usually with interest, over a specified period of time, typically after the usually with interest, over a specified period of time, typically after the student has graduated or left school. student has graduated or left school.

► Work-studyWork-study – Employment that enables a student to earn money toward – Employment that enables a student to earn money toward a portion of school costs during or between periods of enrollment. These a portion of school costs during or between periods of enrollment. These usually on-campus positions are supplemented by the federal usually on-campus positions are supplemented by the federal government.government.

► ScholarshipsScholarships – Gifts and awards based on a student’s academic – Gifts and awards based on a student’s academic achievement, background or other criteria. achievement, background or other criteria.

www.going-to-college.org/planning/aid.html

Financial PlanningFinancial Planning

► Online resources:Online resources: Financial Aid Easy Planner – determines cost, see Financial Aid Easy Planner – determines cost, see

if you’re saving enough, search for scholarships, if you’re saving enough, search for scholarships, apply for aid and more!apply for aid and more!► http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/ep/wizard-home.jsphttp://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/ep/wizard-home.jsp

Financial Aid Planning Calendar for your senior Financial Aid Planning Calendar for your senior year:year:► http://www.vaview.vt.edu/resources/pdf/9-12/Financial%20Aidhttp://www.vaview.vt.edu/resources/pdf/9-12/Financial%20Aid

%20Planning%20Calendar.pdf%20Planning%20Calendar.pdf

Questions to ask financial aid offices at the Questions to ask financial aid offices at the colleges of your choice:colleges of your choice:► www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/398.htmlwww.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/398.html► www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/231-15-questions-to-ask-your-www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/231-15-questions-to-ask-your-

financial-aid-officefinancial-aid-office

Financial ResourcesFinancial Resources

► Fastweb ~ http://www.fastweb.com Fastweb ~ http://www.fastweb.com FastWeb is the nation’s largest source of local national and FastWeb is the nation’s largest source of local national and

college-specific scholarships.college-specific scholarships.

► BrokeScholar ~ http://www.brokescholar.com BrokeScholar ~ http://www.brokescholar.com

► College.net ~ http://www.collegenet.com College.net ~ http://www.collegenet.com

► Heath Resource Center ~ http://www.heath.gwu.eduHeath Resource Center ~ http://www.heath.gwu.edu Go to the Modules tab at the top and select “Financial Aid”Go to the Modules tab at the top and select “Financial Aid”

► Disaboom ~ Disaboom ~ http://www.disaboom.com/Resources/DisabilityScholarhttp://www.disaboom.com/Resources/DisabilityScholarships/Default.aspx ships/Default.aspx

How to Access Disability-Related How to Access Disability-Related Services at the College LevelServices at the College Level

► Look at college web site and search for “Disability Look at college web site and search for “Disability Services”Services”

► Application process for Disability Services is usually Application process for Disability Services is usually different than, and separate from, the application different than, and separate from, the application process for admission to the institutionprocess for admission to the institution

► Make an appointment to visit staff in the Disability Make an appointment to visit staff in the Disability Services office and come with questions (it is best if Services office and come with questions (it is best if the studentthe student does most, if not all, of the talking!) does most, if not all, of the talking!)

► Once a student is registered with Disability Once a student is registered with Disability Services, he/she needs to follow their procedures to Services, he/she needs to follow their procedures to access services. Advanced notice is usually access services. Advanced notice is usually necessary before services and accommodations necessary before services and accommodations (e.g., extended time on tests) can be provided. (e.g., extended time on tests) can be provided.

Specific Considerations for Specific Considerations for Students with Specific Types of Students with Specific Types of

DisabilitiesDisabilities► Students with Learning Disabilities – documentation Students with Learning Disabilities – documentation

of the disability is a major considerationof the disability is a major consideration State of Illinois no longer testing every three years – State of Illinois no longer testing every three years –

colleges need recent documentation of disability to colleges need recent documentation of disability to substantiate disability and determine accommodation substantiate disability and determine accommodation needsneeds

► Students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Psychological Disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.) – Psychological Disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.) – medication considerationsmedication considerations Consider how medication will be maintained while the Consider how medication will be maintained while the

student is in college. Can the student get the medication student is in college. Can the student get the medication on campus or does he/she need to bring enough while on on campus or does he/she need to bring enough while on campus and get refills over breaks?campus and get refills over breaks?

Specific Considerations Specific Considerations (cont.)(cont.)

► Students with Physical Disabilities – health/wellness Students with Physical Disabilities – health/wellness and disability management is a major considerationand disability management is a major consideration Students need to be aware of how to manage their disability Students need to be aware of how to manage their disability

and optimize their health in a college environmentand optimize their health in a college environment Students need to be able to explain their disability Students need to be able to explain their disability

management needs (feeding, dressing, etc.) to personal management needs (feeding, dressing, etc.) to personal care assistants (PCAs or PAs)care assistants (PCAs or PAs)

► Students with Vision and Hearing Disabilities – access Students with Vision and Hearing Disabilities – access to campus and curriculum is a major considerationto campus and curriculum is a major consideration Vision – orientation and mobility training to get around the Vision – orientation and mobility training to get around the

campus, access to printed information (Braille, text to campus, access to printed information (Braille, text to speech software)speech software)

Hearing – access to auditory information (sign language Hearing – access to auditory information (sign language interpreting in classes, captioning of movies, YouTube interpreting in classes, captioning of movies, YouTube videos, etc.)videos, etc.)

Top Ten Ways to Prepare for the Top Ten Ways to Prepare for the College TransitionCollege Transition

KNOW (OR BE WILLING TO LEARN) HOW TO:KNOW (OR BE WILLING TO LEARN) HOW TO:

10. Effectively use assistive technology.10. Effectively use assistive technology. 9. Effectively use organizational strategies.9. Effectively use organizational strategies. 8. Effectively use time management strategies.8. Effectively use time management strategies. 7. Effectively use learning strategies and 7. Effectively use learning strategies and

accommodations (esp. in reading).accommodations (esp. in reading). 6. Effectively use test preparation and test-taking 6. Effectively use test preparation and test-taking

strategies.strategies.

Top Ten Ways (cont.)Top Ten Ways (cont.)

5. Effectively understand and describe your learning 5. Effectively understand and describe your learning strengths and weaknesses (including areas of strengths and weaknesses (including areas of disability).disability).

4. Effectively understand and describe your rights 4. Effectively understand and describe your rights and responsibilities as a student with a disability.and responsibilities as a student with a disability.

3. Seek help when necessary, including utilizing 3. Seek help when necessary, including utilizing appropriate disability services.appropriate disability services.

2. Effectively advocate for yourself and your needs.2. Effectively advocate for yourself and your needs.1. Take responsibility for your own learning.1. Take responsibility for your own learning.

By putting these steps into practice, your students will By putting these steps into practice, your students will be more likely to be successful during their college be more likely to be successful during their college career!career!

ResourcesResources

► Post High School OptionsPost High School Options

http://www.ncld.org/college-aamp-work/http://www.ncld.org/college-aamp-work/post-high-school-options/transitioning-to-post-high-school-options/transitioning-to-collegecollege

►Making the Leap to College: What Students Making the Leap to College: What Students with Learning Disabilities Need to Knowwith Learning Disabilities Need to Know

http://www.ncldtalks.org/content/interview/http://www.ncldtalks.org/content/interview/detail/3116/detail/3116/

Wrap-UpWrap-Up

►Questions, comments?Questions, comments?►Thank you for attending today’s Thank you for attending today’s

presentation!presentation!

iacac conference 2011 transition to college for high school students with disabilities: what you...

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