Transition Guide: Students With Disabilities
Chapter One: Preparing for College
Students must understand their disability
Know the primary disability
Know how it impacts their daily living
Know when it was diagnosed and why
Students must be able to articulate their strengths and weaknesses
Be able to describe what courses are easier
Be able to describe what courses are more difficult
Be able to explain learned compensatory skills
Student should be able to describe services being used
Be able to explain what help they are receiving
Be able to identify the accommodations being used
Be able to provide explanations to instructors about the accommodations that have been successful
Students must be sure their psycho-educational testing is current
Review when the last evaluation was done
Make sure testing is current within the last three years, and that tests done were appropriate for adults
Make sure that they have the results of the assessments that are required by the College
Students should request copies of all testing to take to college
Ask for several copies of current testing
Have parents (or student if over 18) release testing to the appropriate individual on the college campus
Students should identify the location of services on the campus
Schedule an appointment with a counselor well in advance of the need
Review accommodations being received and verify that necessary accommodations will be in place when college begins
Students should develop good time-management skills
Practice being in charge of own assignments
Learn how to use a daily scheduler or calendar
Learn how to plan and allot time for assignments
Students should develop good organizational skills
Develop a system for keeping notes in order
Develop a strategy for staying current with assignments
Students should develop good note taking skills
Take a study skills course
Practice taking notes and taping at the same to use for review
Seek help in learning to identify key topics in lectures
Students should develop test-taking strategies
Practice taking multiple choice tests
Practice writing essays
Learn how to allocate time effectively during testing
Students should learn how to access the library or learning resources
Learn how to use the Internet
Learn how to use the library computer system
Learn how to use the reference section
Students should develop good social skills
Work on making small talk or conversation
Learn to understand body language
Understand what it means to be a good friend
Students should have a good sense of realistic career goals
Explore career options through the Online Career Center
Talk to teachers or other individuals in careers of interest
Take an interest inventory through the Online Career Center
Student should be knowledgeable about their legal rights
Ask for a copy of student rights
Ask for an explanation of grievance procedures
Be aware of what is considered a “reasonable” accommodation
Students should verify the level of available services
Ask specifically about necessary services
If problems develop, contact your Counselor of record
Students should be comfortable with their disability
Be proud of accomplishments
Be willing to disclose the disability
Be patient with new people as they get to know you
Reprinted from The Post Secondary LD Report Newsletter – Spring 1998, Lydia S. Block Ph.D., Publisher
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