Working with Students with Disabilities in College Access

We have a College Academy course in tandem with learning more about Working with Students with Disabilities in College Access.

Entering college marks a significant milestone in any student’s life, but for those with disabilities, it can come with unique challenges and considerations. From navigating accommodation services to ensuring campus accessibility, the journey to higher education requires careful planning and advocacy.

One common misconception is that students must disclose their disabilities during the college admissions process. However, disclosure is voluntary, and students have the right to privacy regarding their disability status. Instead, prospective students should focus on researching colleges and identifying available support services. Students should utilize various resources to identify colleges with robust disability support services. A simple Google search using the college’s name followed by “student disability services” can provide valuable information. In rare cases where such information isn’t readily available online, contacting the college’s counseling department via phone or email is recommended.

To access disability services in college, students typically need to provide specific documentation, including psychological testing, doctor’s letters, medical records, and documentation of accommodations received during standardized testing. It’s essential to ensure that all documentation is recent, typically less than three years old, and sourced from qualified medical professionals. While colleges strive to provide accommodations, it’s essential to recognize that not all accommodations received in high school may be applicable in college. The process for securing accommodation differs from high school. In college, students must take the lead in advocating for their needs. Students with disabilities must become their own advocates throughout the college access process. This entails proactive communication with college disability services, professors, and campus personnel to ensure that their needs are met. By advocating for themselves, students can empower themselves to succeed academically and personally in the college environment.

For students with physical disabilities, assessing campus accessibility is crucial. Prospective students should ask pertinent questions about wheelchair accessibility, rooming options, classroom locations, and dining facilities. Whenever possible, visiting the campus in person can provide firsthand insight into its accessibility and suitability. Navigating college access for students with disabilities requires careful planning, research, and advocacy. From researching college disability services to ensuring campus accessibility, each step plays a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition to higher education. By understanding the process and becoming empowered advocates, students with disabilities can thrive in college and beyond, achieving their academic and personal goals with confidence.