Transitioning from high school to college can be an exciting–yet challenging– time for any student. For those with disabilities, there may be additional considerations and obstacles to overcome. In this post, we’ll explore 7 valuable tips and tools to help students and their families navigate this important transition period and set themselves up for success in their post-secondary education journey.
- Start Early: Planning for the transition to college should ideally begin well before high school graduation! Encourage students to explore their post-secondary options early on, attend college fairs, and research colleges and universities that offer support services and accommodations for students with disabilities.
- Know Your Rights: Students with disabilities are entitled to accommodations and support services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It’s essential for students and their families to understand their rights and learn how to advocate for themselves during the college application and enrollment process.
- Connect with Transition Services: Most high schools have offices or departments dedicated to providing transition support services. Often called “transition specialists,” these professionals work with students, their families, and school staff to develop individualized transition plans that outline goals, services, and activities to support the student’s transition to adulthood. Transition specialists advocate for students with disabilities to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations, support services, and opportunities for post-school success. They also empower students to self-advocate and take ownership of their transition planning and decision-making. Encourage students to reach out to these offices early to learn about available resources and start creating a plan.
- Develop Self-Advocacy Skills: One of the most important skills students can develop for college success (and life thereafter) is self-advocacy! Encourage students to learn how to communicate their needs effectively, ask for accommodations when necessary, and seek out support when facing challenges.
- Get Involved: College is about more than just academics—it’s also an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. Encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and volunteer organizations that align with their interests and passions while looking into post-secondary options. This will help them build a strong support network, add valuable experience to a resume, and help them stand out in the application process.
- Touch base with a TWC Counselor: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) plays a key role in assisting students with disabilities in finding and attending inclusive post-secondary education opportunities through various programs and initiatives. TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, retain, or regain employment. This includes providing guidance and support to students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or employment. VR services may include career counseling, job placement assistance, assistive technology, vocational training, and support for higher education expenses. If you are not an existing TWC customer and think you may qualify, you can do a self-referral on the TWC website; click on “Start My VR” to do a self-referral.
- Utilize ThinkCollege: ThinkCollege.net serves as a valuable resource and support network for students with disabilities (and their families) who are navigating the transition to post-secondary education. The website’s resource library contains a wide range of downloadable materials, including fact sheets, toolkits, and research reports, covering various aspects of inclusive post-secondary education. Students can access these resources to deepen their understanding of relevant topics and gain practical guidance.
Transitioning from high school to college with a disability may present unique challenges, but with careful planning, self-advocacy, and access to support services, students can overcome obstacles and thrive in their college journey. By starting early, knowing their rights, connecting with resources, and developing self-advocacy skills, students can set themselves up for success and make the most of their college experience!
