Support Resources for Students With Disabilities

Understand your rights

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of students with disabilities, and colleges are responsible for meeting these requirements. Says Miller, "I reviewed Section 504 often over the course of my education, and I still refer to it."

Gather the required documentation

Colleges may request specific documentation as proof of your disability in order to use assistive services. Make sure you have all the required paperwork and records organized and ready.

Know where to go for help

Colleges and universities typically have dedicated departments to help students with disabilities. Find out the name of the department that offers assistance, and where it is located on campus. For instance, some colleges call the department "Special Services" while others may call it "Disabled Student Services."

Make sure you understand the academic expectations

Most instructors clearly spell out their expectations in the course syllabus, so read it carefully and ask questions if you need clarification about anything. Be sure to also let your instructors know about any special accommodations you need. "I always made it a point to speak with each professor before classes began in order to explain my situation," explained Miller.

Make sure you receive the proper accommodations

Each college has its own accommodation process, but students can expect the following typical steps:

• Register with the disability support services coordinator (DSS) on campus and provide the required documentation.
• Discuss your accommodation needs, including what you have worked with in the past and what you expect to need in college. Keep the DSS apprised of any changes that need to occur.
• Speak with your professors about the best way for you to receive accommodations at the beginning of each semester.

Be open and get involved

It can be tough to adjust to any new environment, but it's important to remember that all new college students—whether or not they have a disability—are facing many of the same issues, such as making new friends, discovering and cultivating interests, and balancing the demands of school and a social life. Get involved in clubs or activities that reflect your interests, whether it's attending basketball games or joining a campus political organization.

Also be open about discussing your disability, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many people are willing to offer assistance but need your input on what will be helpful. Finally, don't forget about your "old life." Keeping in touch with your family and close friends from high school will help you stay grounded.

Be your own advocate

Whether needing extra classroom assistance or help with access to a campus activity, self-advocacy is essential for anyone with a disability. "I had to learn to become my own advocate," said Miller. "The more you stand up for your rights as a student with a disability, the easier it gets." It will be entirely up to you to register with the college's disability services office, request necessary accommodations, and arrange for support services.

Utilize all your disability resources

Support staff can assist you in working toward the goals you have for college, including social and life skills, financial literacy and self-advocacy. Guidance counselors can also help you:

• Practice using auxiliary aids and services.
• Effectively explain your disability to peers and instructors so they understand your unique needs.
• Meet other students with disabilities through groups, organizations, or events.

Take advantage of other resources that are available to you as a student

College campuses have multiple resources to support their student bodies. Some of the most common support services that may be particularly helpful for students with disabilities include:

(Campus Center: Services)

• Counseling Center: Consultations, Counseling sessions.
• Learning Services Center: One-on-one tutoring, Study groups.
• Writing Center: Teach writing strategies, Writing workshops and assistance.
• Career Center: Prepare for job interviews, Career counseling and assessment, Help with resume writing.

Contact the college's disability support office

The disability support office will likely play an important role in your child's transition to college. Each school often has specific guidelines for documenting a disability, so be sure to find out early on what will be required to qualify for accommodations and services.

Make sure you understand Section 504

Know what rights your child has in case you need to help him or her receive all services and accommodations available or in case you need to help them understand certain laws and regulations. It will be up to you and your child to initiate the registration process and ensure all needs are being met properly and according to the law.

Encourage and allow your child to be an advocate for him or herself

As a parent, you want to make things easy for your child, but college students need to learn how to make mistakes - and how to correct them. Show your child that you're there for support and backup when necessary, but put the primary responsibility on him or her to ask for help when it's needed. In addition, parental rights typically cease when children reach the age of majority, so it's a good time to let your child begin advocating on his/her own.

Allow your child to choose which college to attend

You might want to keep your child close to home or may feel a particular college is better than another, but remember that it's your child who will be attending the school, not you. The most successful college students - with or without a disability - are those who are highly motivated. Let your child figure out which campus he or she is excited about. That excitement can help make the transition a little less scary and can also serve as motivation.