Students with disabilities transition into college

Students with Disabilities Transition into College Prepared by the ND Colleges and Universities Disability Services Council February 2007 The Laws are Different…  The laws that govern post secondary are civil rights statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973  Mandates “equal access” to education programs that receive federal dollars – Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)  Extends protection from educational programs receiving federal dollars to the private sector ADA Definition of a Disability “…a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits an individual in one or more major life activities.” (e.g., walking, seeing, learning) IDEA vs. Section 504 and ADA IDEA = vs. Section 504 and ADA = Success vs. Access Services vs. Accommodations What does “equal access” mean? Colleges & Universities Provide…  academic accommodations - provisions made in HOW a student accesses or demonstrates learning….  …not academic modifications - changes in WHAT a student is expected to learn and demonstrate The Services Are Different…  Purpose of the Accommodation – To remove a barrier that limits access to the learning environment/activity  Determination of the Accommodation – Based on Functional Limitations of the disability – In discussion with student, identify specific accommodations – Cannot fundamentally alter course or program – Made on case by case and course by course basis  Examples of Accommodations – Print and audio format – Scribe – Extended time – Distraction reduced environment – Texts in alternate format – Note taker – ASL interpreters Student Rights Are Different…  Students have the right to: – Equal access to  Courses  Programs  Services  Jobs  Activities, and  Facilities – Reasonable and appropriate accommodations – Academic adjustments, and/or – Auxiliary aids Rights Are Different…  Colleges have the right to: – Request current documentation of disability – Select appropriate accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids for each student on a case by case, course by course basis. Determination based on discussions with student and functional limitations described in documentation – Deny a request if the need is not supported by documentation. **“Student’s and Colleges’ Rights and Responsibilities” www.und.nodak.edu/org/nddsc Responsibilities Are Different…  Students have the responsibility to: – Meet the college program’s essential technical standards – Self disclose the disability in a timely manner when requesting accommodations – Provide documentation that states the diagnosis, describes the functional limitations and justifies specific accommodation needs Responsibilities Are Different…  Colleges have the responsibility to: – Respond to accommodation requests in a timely manner – Refuse accommodations that –  Pose a direct threat to the health & safety of others  Constitute a substantial change to the essential course elements  Substantially alters how the services or educational opportunities are delivered  Pose undue financial hardship or administrative burden to the institution [...]... – Students on IEP or 504 Plans should be referred to VR in JUNIOR YEAR  VR may be able to assist with college costs, equipment, or assistive technology when related to the disability and the career goal Financial Resources are Different…  Students are responsible to secure funding to pay for college education – Possible Funding Sources   Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) Scholarships for Students with. .. Scholarships for Students with Disabilities **Nat’l Clearinghouse on Post-Secondary Ed for Individuals with Disabilities http://www.heath.gwu.edu Putting it All Together   Students need to become SELF ADVOCATES Know: – – – –   How the disability affects them Accommodations needed Differences in the laws, and Rights and responsibilities as adults and college students Colleges provide equal access... testing of learning, psychological or medical disabilities Provide personal attendants Provide personal or private tutors Prepare Individual Education Program (IEP) Confidentiality Is Different…  Individuals considered adults – FERPA protection –  college personnel cannot discuss disability without written permission Third-party medical records HIPPA – college personnel cannot release third-party . Students with Disabilities Transition into College Prepared by the ND Colleges and Universities Disability Services Council February. Different…  Students are responsible to secure funding to pay for college education – Possible Funding Sources  Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)  Scholarships for Students with Disabilities **Nat’l. Postsecondary…  Vocational Rehabilitation (“VR”) – Students on IEP or 504 Plans should be referred to VR in JUNIOR YEAR.  VR may be able to assist with college costs, equipment, or assistive technology