Planning for Success:
College and Postsecondary Options
for Students with Special Needs
Renee Goldberg, Ed.D.
Educational Options, LLC
Needham and Worcester, MA
617.864.8864 & 508.304.9672
www.optionsined.com
Postsecondary Options
 College
 Transition programs
 Postgraduate year
 Work
Types of Colleges
 4 year
Public and Private
With and Without Dorms
 2 year
Community Colleges
Private Colleges
With and Without Dorms
High School vs. College
High School
 Schedule: Classes meet daily
College

Classes meet 1 to 3
times per week

Given 1 to 4 times
per term
 Where students live: At home

Recommended
 Who makes decisions: Parents

On campus

Students themselves
 Tests: Given frequently
 Attendance: Required
High School vs. College - 2
High School
College
 Schedules: Arranged by school

Created by students
 Homework: Regularly graded

May be graded
 Location of school: Community

Variable, often away
High School vs. College-3
High School
College
Degree of Freedom:
Limited
Great Deal
Student Responsibility:
Limited
Great Deal
Age of Students:
Sm.Range
Wide Range
High School vs. College for
Students with Learning Issues
High School
 IDEA & FAPE (IEPs)
 Section 504
Modifications in Classroom
 Teacher & Parent Directed
 Teachers Parents Students
Identify
College
 IDEA Ends with
Graduation
 Students Must
 Self-identify and
Request Reasonable
Accommodations
Importance of Technology
 Students must become proficient during HS
 Too difficult to learn new strategies while
adjusting to college life and academics
 Technology that may be useful: Kurzweil
Educational Systems www.kurzweiledu.com
Dragon Naturally Speaking
www.dragontalk.com
Inspiration Software www.inspiration.com
 Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic
www.RFBD.org
Documentation
 Make sure it is current
 Usually within 3 years
 Check each college; requirements can be
different!
 Government site:
http://www.ed.gov/print/about/offices/list/ocr/
transition.html
 College Example: http://www.ods.ohiostate.edu/prospective_lddocumentation.asp
Should I Disclose my Disability?
When?
Pros:
 Explaining an uneven
academic record
 Explaining courses listed
in transcript
Cons:
 Gives colleges a reason
to deny admission
 You do not have to
disclose disability in the
admissions process
 Wait until enrolled and
then sign up with
disability services to
arrange needed
academic
accommodations
Types of College Support
Services
 Comprehensive Services






Most support
May have separate admissions
May have additional fee
Often provide 1 to 1 tutoring
Much assistive technology
available
Types of College Support
Services -2
 Support Services



Majority of colleges in this category
Students need to self-advocate
Group workshops and course substitutions
available
 Basic Services




Usually limited staff
No additional cost
Follow laws
Additional services not provided
The 4 Year Game Plan
 Grade 9





Select strong academic program
Colleges want to see grades from all 4 years
Think about activities and volunteering
Keep good records
Grade 10



Make sure classes meet college requirements
Keep reading to improve vocabulary
4 Year Game Plan (2)
 Grade 11







Keep up grades
Attend college fairs
Take preliminary and standardized tests
Start on working list
Visit some campuses
Request recommendations
Keep narrowing the choices
4 Year Game Plan (3)
 Grade 12






Finalize list
Complete personal statement
Proofread everything
Apply and send in required documents
Wait for results
Attend accepted student day
CELEBRATE!
What to Do About College Visits
 When?
 With Whom?
 How to Arrange?
Educational Options Academic
Plan for Success
 Know yourself
 Self advocate
 Work to your potential
Interviews:
Questions You May Be Asked
 Tell me something about yourself.
 What is your favorite book?
 Tell me about your academic record.
 Do you have any passions?
Questions You May Be Asked-2
 Why do you want to attend _______
College
 What do you see yourself doing in 5
years?
 What will you contribute to our college
or university?
Questions for You to Ask:
Be Prepared
 I am interested in _____.
 What should I know about that program
or department?
 May I take courses at other campuses?
How does that work?
 (If disclosing) Are support services for
students comprehensive?
Letters of Recommendations
 Importance of Resume/Brag Sheet
 Request Early from Teachers Who Know
You Well.
Application and Financial Aid
Information
 Common Application
http://app.commonapp.org
 Fair Test
http://fairtest.org/
 Scholarship Information
http://www.fastweb.org
 Financial aid form
www.fafsa.org or
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Postgraduate or 13th Year
 Additional Maturity
 Improve academic record
 Improve athletic ability
Vocational Programs
 Certificate Programs
 May be at community colleges or other
institutions
 For experiential education
 Varying length of time
Transition Programs
 An additional year or more after high
school graduation
 Allows additional maturity
 Explore careers
 Examples
Questions and Answers