9th Grade
- Develop academic independence by learning how to use accommodations – LEARN HOW TO LEARN!
- Learn strategies to help access the same course work as peers
- Carry a daily planner or other organizational device
- Start working with your case manager to discuss your accommodations and needs with your instructors
10th Grade
- Research disability services when researching colleges
- Register and take the PSAT with accommodations (if eligible)
- Students should learn basic independent living skills and practice these skills
- Learn how to use the library
- After learning several strategies for studying and accommodations choose the skills and strategies that suit your needs best
- If taking medication, take responsibility for this task
- Buy an alarm clock and use it!
- Attend College Fairs
11th Grade
- Determine what kind of campus best suits you
- Learn time management, study skills, assertiveness training, stress management and exam preparation strategies
- Continue to practice self-advocacy
- Keep a current list of academic accommodations and auxiliary aids in a portfolio or file
- Gather information about college programs that offer needed disability services
- Visit campuses and the Office of Disability Services
- Check to see if documentation is current – this is a family responsibility
- Communicate with teachers concerning your accommodations
12th Grade
- Update documentation if needed
- Role-play college interviews with counselors, family members and teachers
- Talk with college students with disabilities at schools of interest
- When accepted, consider starting during the Summer Semester or participating in the pre-college program
- Finalize the transition portfolio or college file and make sure it contains:
- Transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- Current or last IEP
- Medical records
- Copies of updated documentation
- Writing or other relevant work samples
- Current list of academic accommodations and auxiliary aids and services needed in college
Needed Skills
- Describe the disability and education history
- Identify accommodations that work
- Provide appropriate documentation
- Know how to use an organizational system
- Access Disability Support Services
- Go to each professor and request authorized accommodations
- Manage a class schedule
- Study independently
- Access extra support services if available
- Keep track of grades
- Know rights and responsibilities under ADA and Section 504
- Recognize when things are NOT going well and do something about it!
Additional Resources
Ann Ford Scholarship (email: AFScholarship@ncld.org)
Association on Higher Education and Disability
Virginia VIEW (Career Educational and Information Delivery System)