The move from K12 to post-secondary education can be challenging for many students, especially those with disabilities. We examine helpful resources for students making the transition.
Determining Accommodations
Universities and colleges expect all students to advocate for themselves, and they staff departments to support a broad range of physical, mental, social, and academic challenges that students may encounter.
Students who previously received support through an IEP or 504 plan may seek support at the college or university level through a department specializing in disability services. Higher education accommodations reflect the independence and responsibilities of the adult student. As such, accommodations that students have been accustomed to may be required to be re-evaluated.
Helpful Resources
Disability Resource Center (DRC) ― Office responsible for ensuring that campus classes, programs, buildings, and other programs and services are accessible for students with disabilities.
TRIO Program ― Federal program with liaison or office at a college or university. May provide student services for individuals with disabilities, first-generation college students or low-income individuals.
Official Department of State Resources for Students With Disabilities ― Provides additional disability resources related to studying abroad programs and international travel.
Rights and Responsibilities ― A Department of Education pamphlet about rights and responsibilities for students with disabilities.
Wheelchair Accessibility ― An article from Accessibility.com that lists the best college campuses that are wheelchair accessible.
Finances
To estimate the cost of attending a college, university, or other higher education institution, include tuition and fees, housing, books and materials, travel expenses and other possible living expenses. Do not forget to include additional expenses such as adaptive materials, peripherals, and other necessary materials for engaging in a class or items required for independent living, especially for students who plan to live on or commute to campus since one’s living situation may change.
Additional resources
College Affordability and Transparency Center
School Types
Higher education institutions generally utilize online course management systems and may offer courses online or in-person. Communication will often occur through university-hosted email to maintain legal compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and protect sensitive student data. Students will need to fill out FERPA clearance forms to allow other individuals access, such as a parent paying a tuition bill through a college portal.
When evaluating a college or university, consider digital accessibility, along with the ability of a school to provide technical support, resource alternatives or other help to ensure equal access to information or campus. Accommodations will often be individually based and require self-advocacy.
Large universities offer many majors, minors, programs, activities, and experiences. Many unique offerings are available to explore and if one’s interests change, a new experience awaits.
Some large institutions have established honors programs to quickly introduce academically oriented students to an environment of smaller class sizes, unique experiences and discussion type coursework more characteristic of a small college experience. These programs often have additional requirements for admission.
Expect initial class sizes of over 300 people for beginner courses, class sizes will decrease as one takes higher level coursework. Classes are often taught by a professor and may have a Teaching Assistant present in a lecture. Each course has different requirements which will be listed at registration. Expect very extensive use of online course sites. The university may also utilize online student management systems to handle inquiries and route issues to the correct department. Amenities on campus are often plentiful to cater to the diverse needs of a large student body.
Given the varying sizes of classes, availability of resources, and pace at which students are expected to maintain, it is also helpful for new students to understand two important roles, and note that they are not the point of contact for accommodations:
- Teaching Assistant ― will often be a graduate student enrolled in the subject being taught in the class, may lead a smaller discussion section in a larger lecture class, assists professor with grading, may also be individual to appeal grades to, could possibly manage course management system and class grade book, holds own office hours.
- Professor ― teaches a course through lecture or by leading discussion, handles grade book and grading, may have supervision over and delegate responsibilities to teaching assistants, holds own office hours.
Smaller universities and colleges have distinct advantages. Professors lead classes with fewer students allowing for a more familiar format. A course may be discussion-based instead of lecture-based. Admissions often rely less on standardized tests and test scores, an experience that many may be more accustomed to. However, with a limited number of students, there may be fewer services, options, and choices available for student life, dining, and residence hall options. Online course management systems are prevalent, but a smaller college or university may make a greater effort to treat the student as an individual.
Many students in K12 have become accustomed to the lecture structure as they transition from high school to college, but it is important to note that the university experience will likely incorporate various types of instruction. Students with disabilities should be prepared to participate in discussions with their class and communicate any accommodation needs ahead of time to avoid any negative impact to their grades due to a lack of participation. Students that may need interpreters, note-takers, or any other accommodation to effectively communicate should make those requests ahead of their first day in class.
- Lecture ― the professor will host a presentation that students take notes from, may have a midterm and final test or research papers, depending on the subject.
- Discussion ― the professor will facilitate dialogue over a topic within the class to foster learning by shared inquiry, notes are developed from the discussion. The format may involve students asking questions and exploring content depending on the subject.
Conclusion
Identify your DRC well ahead of your first day. It is critical that students with disabilities have accommodations in place beforehand as professors and teaching assistants are unlikely to have the ability to provide accommodation on their own.
Large classes can be impersonal and move quickly. Utilize office hours or set up an appointment to meet with your professor or teaching assistant to get to know your teachers and the subject matter better. Introductory required courses may often have additional support offered by the college to all students tailored to the class and covered material.
Finally, understand that each university and college experience is different – and there are certainly varying levels of capability regarding an institution’s ability to accommodate. Look for universities and colleges that embrace persons with disabilities (rather than those striving only for compliance) and have healthy student resource groups that speak to your individual needs and interests.
At the end of the day, the best way to evaluate your future alma mater is to schedule a college tour to assess for yourself how you will be living and learning.
AccessibilityPlus 2022
Accessibility.com is proud of our role in promoting accessibility and equal access while recognizing there is much work to be done. As we welcome a new year in 2022, we have opened registration for AccessibilityPlus 2022, which will feature monthly events dedicated to promoting actionable solutions in implementing accessibility initiatives. Registration is limited. For more information about the conference, speakers, and topics, please visit our AccessibilityPlus registration page.
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