The following information is part of the college readiness workbook. You can download this and other parts of this workbook for your personal use. Each document is fillable.
Talk with your parents and/or guardians:
- What are my abilities and strengths?
- How does my disability affect my learning and ability to show what I know on tests?
- What accommodations do I need to be successful?
- What postsecondary education or training programs do my teachers and school counselors recommend for my areas of interest?
Talk together about your concerns with Student Support Services / Disability Office
- A school’s location could deter your child, even if the program is perfect. Where is the school located and does that school setting (urban, suburban, or rural) meet your student’s needs? If they cannot live independently, what is the distance from home?
- Does the student/instructor ratio ensure your student can access office hours with their instructor as needed?
- Not all programs provide the same accommodations, and colleges do not make modifications to alter academic requirements. Accommodations are what make it possible for your student to access the curriculum. An inaccessible program would be a waste of time and money.
- Are the housing options accessible for your student’s individual needs?
- Will they require someone to assist with self-help (like bathing), managing their medications and medical treatment, or nutrition and hygiene needs (like laundry, washing dishes, cooking)?
- Do they have a service or emotional support animal?
* High school counselors and teachers are resources for connecting with colleges and training programs. Many schools have “College Fairs.”
*This resource describes a typical process to ask for accommodations, and also lists key questions to ask of the Disability Office: How to Request Disability Supports in College
*You can also call postsecondary school admission officers to request brochures and fact sheets about the school and its programs. Schools almost always include information about their programs online.
Source: PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment – Preparing for Postsecondary Education
Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only. The information on this page is not a substitute for legal advice. When it comes to the law and policy matter, please consult an attorney or advocate on your child’s behalf.