The transition to college can be hard for students who have disabilities. The laws that help people with disabilities in college are different from the laws for K-12 education. Students and families need to understand the major differences between these learning environments (PDF).
New Student Responsibilities
Self-advocacy is a skill that students should learn and practice both inside and outside of the classroom. When students understand their unique learning differences, they can better communicate with their teachers. Understanding these differences helps prepare students for their careers, internships, and life after college.
Students need to know what kind of help they need to do their best in school. If you are a student and need accommodations, you should talk to the Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources (CADR) and your teachers early in the semester. They can help you get set up with what you need to be successful in school. This might include giving your teachers a copy of your accommodations letter and talking with them about how to best put in place your accommodations.
Students must request new accommodation letters from CADR for each term (semesters, summer, and winter term) they attend the University.
Changes for Families
Parents or guardians may have difficulty with the transition to college as well.When students go to a postsecondary institution, they are considered adults and parents must take a secondary role. Sometimes parents are not aware of the changes at the postsecondary level and need to become familiar with legal limitations.
Contact Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources staff for more information.