Students with disabilities entering college need to be prepared for the transition
to college, which includes being well informed about changes in their rights and responsibilities
as well as the rights and responsibilities afforded by the university. A well informed
student will enjoy the benefits of the post secondary education experience without
confusion or delay.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact or visit the Office of Educational
Accessibility (OEA) in their junior or senior year of high school to find out more
about disability services at the college level (see Information Sessions below).
There is often a misperception by students entering college and their parents that
postsecondary schools have the same responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations
for students with disabilities. While there are some similarities, the responsibilities
of postsecondary schools are significantly different from those of school districts
at the secondary level. Also, the responsibilities of students with disabilities are
significantly different as well.
- Practice articulating some changes between high school and college
- Explain how these changes may impact you (e.g., how to disclose your disability; how
to get disability-related services; what types of accommodations you may receive)
- Recognize that privacy laws in college prevent college staff from communicating with
parents/guardians about students' disabilities, services and grades without written
permission from the student
- Research college admissions requirements early in order to take appropriate college
preparation courses in high school
- Recognize that students applying to college must meet the college’s standard admissions
requirements (e.g., SAT scores, language requirements, etc.) regardless of disability
- If applicable, complete the process to request accommodations for college entrance
examinations
- If desired, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore
scholarship opportunities when applying for college
- Connect with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), if appropriate
- Tour college locations to select the right environment for you (e.g., large student
body vs. small/medium, rural environment vs. urban environment, class sizes, climate
or temperature)
Experience for high school students on the autism spectrum that will prepare them
for college. Students should intend on pursuing a 4-year undergraduate degree. Application
and further information can be found:
CARR Application (click here)
- Practice describing how your disability impacts you
- Don’t use a disability “label” if that makes you uncomfortable, but be able to talk
about your strengths and your needs
- Be involved in IEP/504 meetings and decisions in high school
- Ask high school teachers if they can connect you to high school graduates who are
currently in college to talk to them and learn from their experiences
- Practice explaining what academic accommodations you received in high school
- Describe how you benefit from your academic accommodations
- Consider establishing connections to medical care, both physical and emotional, local
to your college to build support away from home
- Start using a planner or calendar to organize activities and academics
- Talk to school staff about learning and reading strategies
- Practice independent living skills (e.g., waking up independently, managing and budgeting
money, preparing meals, managing medication independently, building awareness of college
safety issues)
- Start a portfolio of documentation needed to get disability services in college
- Schedule and complete evaluations to determine college disability services eligibility
prior to exiting high school
- Contact the OEA and inquire about establishing services and documentation guidelines
prior to entering college
- Begin the disclosure process early so that your accommodations will be effective when
your classes begin
Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) Information Sessions are offered via Zoom
and are open to students as well as any other interested parties. These one-hour sessions
are hosted by either the OEA Director or the OEA Senior Accommodations Specialist
and are designed to include multiple students/family members. Please note that because
these sessions are open to the public, we are unable to discuss any personal information.
Please Pre-Register in advance for these meetings. You can do this by selecting the
Zoom Link below: https://wcupa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpcuyrqzgoHNBEQ-AjX7-4TVxgYU7ottHd.
Here are the dates for our Spring 2024 Information Sessions:
1) Monday, January 29th
2) Monday, February 26th
3) Monday, March 25th
4) Monday, April 29th
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our main office by email:
OEA@wcupa.edu.
Prospective applicants interested in learning more about the OEA at WCU are welcome
to review our website and are invited, along with their parents/guardians to attend
OEA Information Sessions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A SESSION