COLLEGE PLANNING

Makenna Taylor
Special Ed 403
Lesson 12

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL &

COLLEGE
In college you must self-identify as having a disability and request
accommodations/services.
The laws are different
In high school you are entitled to services, in college you must provide
documentation of your disability to see which services/accommodations you are
qualified to receive.
The IEP is no longer a legal document in college you must provide documentation
of your disability and the impact your disability has on your learning.

The biggest difference is that you are now much more independent
someone will not just be there to know exactly what you need, it is now up
to you to inform people on what you need to be successful.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO HAVE

Self-Determination Skills
It is important that you understand your disability, as well as be able to describe who
are and what comes along with having your disability.
You should be aware of what services will benefit you.
Be determined to overcome obstacles and be able to advocate for yourself.

Self-Management Skills
It is crucial that you are able to manage your time.
Strong study habits are extremely important.
Being organized is a necessary skill.

Setting Career Goals

It is important to be aware of the programs and activities on campus related to your
career interest.
Prepare yourself for the idea of future employment and a future career.
Know what you are interested and what types of things do not interest you.

STRATEGIES TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Be involved in your IEP process this will help you develop your self-determination skills
and also help you learn to advocate for yourself. You will also learn more about your
disability and what services will be helpful to you.
Figure out what place/type of environment you best study in is it a quite place? Do
you need noise in the background? Where are you best able to focus?
Consistently review your syllabus make sure you are not missing anything.
Study an average of 2 to 4 hours each day
Take advantage of tutoring services and faculty office hours
Create a planner and write everything down due dates, test dates, office hours, study
sessions, reviews, etc.
Expose yourself to a variety of potential career opportunities
Know what your rights and responsibilities are and know how your disability will affect
your future employment opportunities. Are there risks to disclosing your disability?
Understand what type of accommodations will best benefit you and know what the
potential risks are

WHAT ABOUT TUITION?

College can be expensive, but it is important to know that there are

ways to pay for tuition, as well as other expenses that will come along.
Four types of financial aid to consider:
Grants: money that does not need to be paid back.
Loans: money that is borrowed and will need to be paid back either with
interest or without depending on the loan.
Work Study: employment where the student can earn money.
Scholarships: awarded money given based on certain criteria depending on
the specific scholarship. This money does not need to be paid back.

There are both private and public ways to receive financial aid.

WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE

THERE?
Accommodations:
E-textbooks or textbooks provided on CD/DVD
The availability of having someone write notes for you during class
Being given more time to take tests
Being able to take tests outside the classroom in a distraction-free
environment
Having priority when it comes to registering for classes
The ability to use different tools, such as calculators

Services
Counseling
Writing or math labs
Study skills and/or time management classes/workshops

BUILDING SUPPORT

It is important and helpful to form ongoing relationships with professors,

teachers assistants, advisors, and classmates.
Build positive relationships with your professor
Introduce yourself on the first day of class and greet your professor by name
Participate in class, especially class discussions. Take notes and be present in class - do
not be distracted by electronic devices
After class have short conversations with your professor and ask questions if needed.

Get to know the staff in the support services office

Be willing to use the services

Get to know students in your class

This will help you understand the course content and review for tests
Will help you stay up to date on assignments and due dates
If you happen to miss class, a classmate can assist in catching you up on what you
missed

REFERENCES

Wehman, P. (2013).Life beyond the classroom transition

strategies for young
people with disabilities. Baltimore, MD:
Brookes.