PLANNING FOR POSTSECONDARY SERVICES

 

Planning for our children who are young adults living with disabilities for postsecondary pathways who have different learning needs and require individual accommodations is a collaborative effort, which takes planning ahead before junior or senior year of high school. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team that is established in the K-to-12th grade should be able to identify the student's strengths, goals, and interests before graduation. Students and parents should be involved and participate in the IEP's teams transitions process before the age of 16. Before entering high school, creating secondary goals and assessments is essential for the step-by-step process. 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a student with learning and other types of disabilities an IEP, which is conclusive in grades K-to-12. Postsecondary public and private institutions must follow certain laws, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires students with disabilities to have equal access to electronics and technical information. 

• The United States prohibits any forms of discrimination at postsecondary or vocational institutions, and we work together with our special education teachers, IEP teams, and postsecondary institutions and agencies to help every young adult have a successful academic and social transition. 
• Taking our students on different college tours before they are accepted into an institution is essential to establish that the campus is accessible and Section 504 compliant.
• Once the student has selected the university, college, or vocational institution of their choice, knowing where student services are located can assist them during their course of study.
• Ensuring that the IEP team or Case Manager, parent, and student meet with Disability Services at the postsecondary institution or vocational institution is important for this collaborative team so the student can discuss their goals, future plans, accommodation needs, and accessibility needs. 
• Obtain and review present or new medical documentation by a licensed medical practitioner to obtain new accommodations, which might not have been received in K-12 (i.e., extra-time, screen-reader, transcriber device, or emotional support animal). 
• Let's work together before the age of 16 years old to prepare our students for self-advocacy at the postsecondary level for their own learning needs and higher educational services
• Students should identify where the Tutoring Services are on Campus 
• Our Parents and Students should know how the Financial Aid Office and Bursars Offices work together and how the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services can provide financial assistance to students living with disabilities in postsecondary programs and assist with career skills and training. Students and parents should apply for Financial Aid services each year until completion. 
• Establishing a supportive community is essential for our students and their goals, so planning ahead and allowing the student to meet and identify the Wellness or Counseling Center on campus is essential so the student can have different ways to express themselves or talk to mentors or advisors about their academic needs or social issues. 

•  Every campus provides Career Services or Career Advising Services that can help us assist our students with their career goals before and after they graduate from their postsecondary institutions that can assist with obtaining internships, employment opportunities, or apprenticeships.   

Student Affairs: This is an on-campus department that can help establish the campus climate for our students. This department can unite diverse communities, which helps establish inclusion and empower engagement inside and outside the classroom. Other social activities can be explored through student organizations and student clubs, and on-campus and off-campus housing can also be chosen for students living with disabilities. Student Affairs provides our students various supportive services to help them achieve their academic and career goals. Let's Expect, Engage, and Empower our Students,' so they have a successful transition!