Notes

Outline

Everything Put Together:  Transitions to College for Students with Disabilities Presented by: Michelle Nilsen & Julie Kratzig Counselors – Sehome HS

The College Bound Learning Disabled Student Over 10% of college freshmen have identified learning disabilities. Most students who are successful in college have had above a 2.0 GPA in high school and took primarily college-prep courses. Keep in mind that true accommodations are skills that students can take into their job field…education should always be about their future job.

The College Bound Learning Disabled Student Continued… Most colleges would prefer you try a world language in high school and not be successful than not to try at all. While SAT scores are still required for most schools, these are generally not a strong predictor of a LD student’s success in college. Attitude and the need for teacher approval are positively correlated with college success.

Success In College-Can It Be Yours? The student who has scored in the average to above-average range or higher on individualized intelligence tests. The student who has successfully completed college-prep classes, as a minimum in high school.  With some help, he/she has been productive and successful with these classes. The student who knows he/she wants to attend college and is motivated to succeed.

Success In College-Can It Be Yours? Continued… The student who is aware of his/her strengths as well as their weaknesses and who has a good understanding of him/her self. The student who can self-correct. The student who has successful study habits. The student with a family or similar support system willing to provide emotional and financial aid advice.

Will I see differences in my rights and how they are addressed? Yes…unlike your high school, your postsecondary school is not required to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE). Accommodations cannot change or alter the curricular requirements of a degree program or the course outcomes as defined by faculty. The student is responsible for requesting accommodations.

What Documentation Do I Need? Students must submit evidence of learning or attention challenges. Students with diagnosed disabilities should submit comprehensive documentation of the disability using tests which measure intellectual functioning, achievement, and cognitive abilities. Documentation must be current (1-3 years old).

What Types of Programs are Available? Institutional Specialization Comprehensive Programs Accommodation Programs

Institutional Specialization These institutions focus specifically on students with disabilities. Landmark College – Vermont Gallaudet University – Washington, D.C.

Comprehensive Programs Typically, services are fee-based. Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center (SALT Center) – Univ. of Arizona Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) – University of Denver

Accommodations Programs Accommodations Programs are the most common. Typical accommodations may include: Extended time on exams Priority registration Advocacy Assistance with world language substitutions Interpreters Classroom changes

Questions To Ask When Visiting A College Ask to speak with current users of support services. Ask if they track their LD graduates; if so, where do they go? (Grad school, work) What’s the retention rate of LD students? Ask how accommodations are determined and granted at the college and who grants them?

How do I Access Services? You must inform your school that you have a disability. Locate your Disability Services or Services for Students with Disabilities Office. Make an appointment with a counselor.

Are You a Self-Advocate? Can you explain your disability to another person? How does your disability impact your educational achievement? Do you need a course schedule that allows you to have breaks between classes and why? What strategies have worked for you in the past and why?

Self-Advocacy Continued… How are your time management skills? If someone were to ask you why you get accommodations, what would you say? How comfortable are you asking for your accommodations?

To Disclose or Not To Disclose... You do not have to inform your postsecondary school  that you have a disability. However, if you want the school to provide accommodations, you must identify yourself as having a disability.

Special Thanks To… Robert E. Dannenhold, Educational Consultant – College•ology, Inc. Bill Cullwell, DSS Director – Whatcom Community College Laine Johnston, Life After High School and College Fair Coordinator – Whatcom Community College