The transition from high school to college requires that students with disabilities contact disability services well in advance of actual enrollment. Many colleges and universities have a diverse student population with many different needs and services which need to be planned in advance. Pre-enrollment services may be needed for assessment testing or other college requirements.
Successful accommodations come from effective collaboration between the student, college staff and faculty. Students are encouraged to:
- Know your rights as well as your responsibilities.
- Learn to communicate your needs, but be flexible.
- Become familiar with the college website. Know how to use the hardware and software needed for access.
- Utilize tools for independent access to college programs, services, and activities.
Especially for students attending college for the first time, here's a comparison between high school and college:
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School 6 hours per day, 5 days per week.
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Full time students attend class 12-18 hours per week.
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The school year is about 9 months long.
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The academic year is two 16 week semesters.
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Time is structured by others; teachers closely monitor attendance.
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Students arrange their own schedule and manage their own time.
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Students are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate.
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Students are expected to know the graduation requirements for their particular program.
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Teachers check student’s completed homework.
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Instructors may not always check student’s homework.
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Teachers might remind students of missed work and often provide students with information they missed when they were absent.
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Instructors may not always remind students of missed work; they expect students to get notes from classmates for any classes they have missed.
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Case manager acts as advocate.
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Students advocate for themselves.
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Services result from Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
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Services are based on individual needs, which must be supported by updated documentation, and the requirements for specific classes.
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Regular parent contact.
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Parent contact limited by privacy laws.
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High schools are required to identify students with disabilities and determine what is needed for the student to be successful
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Colleges are restricted from seeking out students with disabilities due to privacy laws.
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Educational and psychological testing is provided.
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Students are responsible for providing documentation to the college.
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Entitlement law (IDEA)
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Civil rights – Anti-discrimination law (ADA, Rehabilitation Act, Section 504 and the MN Human Rights Act).
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