If you’re a parent or mentor of a young person with disabilities, Life After IEPs is for you. Whether your child is an elementary student or a high school graduate, you’ll find information, resources, and support you’ll need along the way. (LifeAfterIEPs.com 2017)
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families. (ThinkCollege.net 2017)
“Going to College” is an online resource for teens with disabilities to learn about college life and what to do to prepare for it. It’s also a resource for parents to help their son or daughter learn about college and prepare for success. (Going-to-college.org 2017)
Liberal Arts College
Four-year institution which emphasizes program of broad undergraduate education. Pre-professional or professional training may be available but is not stressed.
University
An academic organization which grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. It is composed of a number of ’schools’ or ‘colleges’ each of which encompasses a general field of study.
An institution that offers educational instruction beyond the high school level in a 2-year or 4-year program.
College
Two-year institution of higher learning which provides vocational training and academic curricula (terminal and transfer). Terminal Course: Academic program is complete in itself. A student who completes it may not apply to a 4-year college for further study without completing additional course requirements. Transfer Course: Academic program is designed to lead into a 4-year course at another college or university.
Junior College
Community College
Two-year public institution offering similar programs as junior colleges.
Engineering or Technological School
Independent professional schools which provide 4-year training programs in the fields of engineering and physical sciences. They are often known as Institutes of Technology or Polytechnic Institutes.
A 2-year institution that offers terminal occupational programs intended to prepare students for immediate employment in fields related to engineering and physical sciences. These schools may also offer 1-year certificates in certain crafts and clerical skills.
Technical School
Nursing School
There are two kinds of nursing schools. At schools affiliated with 4-year colleges, students receive both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree and an R.N. and have the possibility of entering the field of nursing administration. At a community college, students receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree and an R.N.
Military School
Federal military academies prepare officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These institutions require recommendation and appointment by members of Congress. Private and state-supported military institutes, however, operate on a college application basis. They all offer degree programs in engineering and technology with concentrations in various aspects of military science.
Business School
Business schools fall into two categories. At some colleges it is possible to specialize in business administration or in a 2-year secretarial course in conjunction with liberal arts courses and earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). Other institutions offer predominantly business or secretarial courses and may or may not be regionally accredited.
Types of Postsecondary Education Institutions
(Information from ccdanet.org 2017)
College Planning and Higher Education
College Readiness
There are significant differences that students between high school and college accommodations for students. I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plan and/or 504 Plan High School I.E.P. and 504 are not always sufficient. Students with disabilities who are interested in going to college should keep the following in mind:
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Schools cannot discriminate on the basis of disability, so don't let your disability discourage you from applying.
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Schools must accommodate your disability at no additional cost to you
Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability. In high school, the school is mandated to provide an evaluation at no cost to the student. The evaluation focuses on determining whether the student is eligible for special education services based on specific disability categories governed under I.D.E.A. At the college level, documentation must provide information on specific functional limitations and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations. Disabilities services can vary widely amongst colleges. It is suggested that research of the disabilities offices should be considered based on the availability of resources and tools widely accepted at the college.
(West Chester University 2017)​
Different Between High School and
College Accommodations
Students Should:
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Contact the person that they met with in the disability services office after registering for courses. This will help to ensure that the disability services personnel are prepared for providing services for individual courses that you are registered. Remember that in college, academic adjustments are done on a case-by-case and course-by-course basis.
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Prior to arriving at college, schedule an appointment with the disability services office and discuss types of accommodations that the student required in high school to be successful.
Possible Question Guide:
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What types of support do you have to offer?
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Do instructors provide materials and information given in class online? Are instructors required to provide office hours for extra help when a student needs it?
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Are there any special note takers in class? Will I have access to the notes?
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Do they allow extra time on tests and exams?
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Is there a separate exam room I can take tests in?
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How can I transfer my IEP to this college or do you just want a letter for a teacher explaining what support tools I that will be helpful and beneficial to use ?
Digital Accommodations or Access to Assistive Technology:
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Digital audiobooks
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“Secret notetakers”
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Shared Google Docs folders
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Summarized units
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Differentiated digital media materials
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Separate testing settings to accommodate voice typing
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Digital shared “outline” with key information
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Pre-filled Graphic Organizers