Transition Supports for SWD

This overview provides information about how students access services in college, and the way that receiving accommodations can work differently in college vs. high school: "How Do Students Get Disability Accommodations in College?"

Please know that while colleges are required to provide accommodations to students, they are not mandated to do this at the same level as high schools, and it is not guaranteed that a student will be able to receive the same services in college as they have at Lab. Students/families are responsible for seeking out the services needed, and the requirements/accommodations can vary between colleges. Here are some highlights to keep in mind:

• Documentation requirements: Some colleges will accept IEPs/504s as documentation, but others will have different requirements, such as a psycho-ed evaluation. How current the documentation needs to be can also vary.

  • • For each college you're considering, it is important to visit the site for the office of disability services. Take note: what is the process and timeline for requesting accommodations? What kind of documentation is required for my disability/services needed?

• Even if students disclose their disability as part of their application, this does not make them eligible for services. Student must contact the office of disability services office directly to apply for accommodations (this can be done as soon as they enroll).

• We recommend having a conversation with a contact in the office of disability services -- this is often a helpful indicator of how things might feel on campus 

INCLUDEnyc

• INCLUDEnyc is the leading provider of training and information for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them. We create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community. All services are provided free of charge. 

• Calendar of events, including IEP workshops, parent support groups, transition planning workshops, advocacy training, etc.

• Guide available in English and in Spanish

Project Possibility (age 16+)

• Project Possibility (a partner of INCLUDEnyc) works with young people with disabilities who want assistance to reach their job training and higher education goals. Participants will create a meaningful post-secondary plan, receive coaching to support their progress, and be connected with programs and services to support their success. This can involve application help for job training, college, and other post-high school opportunities, and PP also helps students obtain the benefits and services they need to succeed! Let us know if you would like our assistance completing a referral

Training Opportunities Program (TOP) Application: 

Students with IEPs have the opportunity to participate in the Training Opportunities Program (TOP), designed to support schools in providing work-based learning experiences that align to students' measurable postsecondary goals. The program will be offered in a blended-model format to ensure students can participate both via a virtual platform, or at their respective school. Your school’s TTL or other designated staff should encourage students to apply by December 1. 

ACCES-VR

ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living. ACCES-VR helps students find internships, apply for financial aid, attend career schools, and obtain services. They assist students with the transition from high school to work and higher education. See video overview of services.  

Manhattan EOC

MEOC delivers student-centered academic and workforce development programs and serves as a gateway to access further education, career achievement, personal growth, and self-sufficiency for adult learners in the NYC area. We offer both academic and career training (vocational) programs. Courses in our academic programs are designed to improve reading, writing and math skills. They are also designed to prepare students for the official High School Equivalency (HSE) exam and prepare students for college.

Programs are offered at no-cost to qualifying New York State residents.  In addition, the cost of testing, licensure, and certification are provided by the MEOC for students who successfully complete a career training program. While Manhattan is named specifically here, all five boroughs have an Equal Opportunity Center 

Manhattan Transition and College Access Center 

• 1:1 Transition Planning Support: individualized transition planning support for students and families. If you are interested in setting up a meeting, please email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov and we will work with you to set up a time.

• TCAC Pre-Employment Transition Services - Students with a documented proof of disability may apply for Pre-ETS services focused on career and college exploration, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy and more! Email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov for more information. 

Bridges from School to Work

• For students aged 17-24 years old with an IEP or 504: Employment coaches help young adults with disabilities find meaningful jobs during and after they complete high school. We match youth with businesses seeking capable entry-level workers and provide the training, mentoring, and long-term support they need to thrive.

• For more information and to get started with Bridges, email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov and we will connect you with an employer representative!

EVERFI Digital Transition Skills Lessons

• Our digital platform offers 100+ interactive, game-based lessons for teachers to better engage students. Lessons are available in financial education, college/career readiness, SEL, and health & wellness

Free Transition Support Services for Students with Paralysis

• Accessible College, in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, offer free transition services to students with conditions including: spina bifida, cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and more. Students and families can sign up for this service by contacting an Information Specialist at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to see if they are eligible: (800) 539-7309 

  • • Currently, the foundation is holding FREE consultations for students with paralysis of any kind, who are interested in pursuing college (the project is currently funded through June 2022)

Organizations that provide support for individuals with autism after graduating high school (some for a fee)

• JCC

• AHANY

• New Frontiers in Learning

• Integrate's Employer Connect

• Campus Disability Resource Database

  • • This database was put together by the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD). Students can search for disability-related information from degree-granting colleges and universities across the United States. This can give students a general sense of the types of accommodations a college might offer. They will still need to contact the Disability Support Office (DSO) directly to confirm. 

• Think College - Directory and College Search

  • • The only directory of its kind, Think College Search features 310 colleges and universities that offer postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability. Users of this searchable online database can filter by state, length of program, type of school, options for living on campus, and more. To learn more, view these Frequently Asked Questions about college programs, how we gather the information in the directory, and how to use the features of College Search. 

• The Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center (DHRC) University Disability Inclusion Dashboard

  • • This dashboard ranks universities on 4 criteria: accessibility of the built and virtual environment, public image of disability inclusion, accommodation request processes and procedures, and grievance policies related to disability accommodations. The ranking includes 23 colleges that receive the most National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. They are planning to expand this list soon. Students can use this information to inform their search and hone their questions for the DSO's at these colleges. 

• Resources for Students Who Use Wheelchairs

  • • Wheels on Campus: A Guide to Wheelchair Friendly Higher Education - Students who use a wheelchair, mobility device, have trouble walking long distances, or experience fatigue can use this guide as a starting point to identify colleges that may be more physically accessible for students with mobility impairments.

    • A Wheelchair User's Guide to Preparing for College - This is a must-read for students and families, with an outline of considerations that also highlights real student experiences

• Guide on How to Secure Housing and Manage PCA Services at a College

  • • For students who have 1:1 aides, or need support with personal care, this article is a great starting point. It also features first-person experiences from colleges 

• MTCAC Family Guide to Transition Planning, available in multiple languages 

• Spectrum Innovates Pathway Program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology

  • • SIPP is a new transition program designed to help students on the autism spectrum enter higher education, the workforce, and achieve adult independence. Students earn 13 credits over one calendar year, serving as a bridge year to higher STEM learning and employment for students with ASD who are interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and other STEM fields. 

    • The cost is currently $53,000 for a 12-month program, but they may be able to offer sliding scale fees to students. SIPP is also in the process of applying to be an ACCES-VR partner (would provide $10,000 in support) and hope to become a DOE-approved program in the future where students can attend for free. 

Colleges with Support Programs for Students with 

Learning Disabilities and Autism:

Link to full database of colleges with specific support: 

https://collegeautismspectrum.com/collegeprograms/ or https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/autism-in-college/ 

New York State:

• Adelphi University – Learning Resources Program and Bridges to Adelphi Project (ASD)

• Concordia College  – Concordia Connection

• CUNY (all campuses) - CUNY LEADS and Project REACH

• Hofstra University – Program for Academic Learning Skills (PALS)

• Iona College – College Assistance Program

• Long Island University, Post – Academic Resource Program

• Manhattanville College – Valiant Learning Support Program and Pathways & Connections Program

• Marist College – Learning Disabilities Support Program

• Marymount Manhattan College – Academic Access Program

• New York University - NYU Connections

• Pace University (NYC) – OASIS: Ongoing Academic & Social Instructional Support

• Purchase College (SUNY) - Cornerstone Program

• Rochester Institute of Technology – Spectrum Support Program

• St. Thomas Aquinas College – Pathways Program

Arizona: 

• University of Arizona – SALT Center

Colorado: 

• University of Denver – Learning Effectiveness Program

Connecticut: 

• Mitchell College – Bentsen Learning Center (paid)

Florida: 

• Barry University – Center for Advanced Learning

• Beacon College (specialized school for students with learning disabilities)

• Lynn University– Institute for Achievement and Learning

• Nova Southeastern University – Access Plus Program

Illinois: 

• DePaul University – Center for Students with Disabilities

Maryland/D.C.:

• American University – Learning Services Program

• McDaniel College – Academic Skills Program

Massachusetts: 

• Curry College – Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) (paid)

• Dean College – Arch Learning Community (paid)

• Merrimack College -- The Activate Program 

• Northeastern University – Learning Disabilities Program

Minnesota:

• Carleton College - First Year Transition Program (no fee)

New Jersey: 

• Centenary University – Project ABLE

• Fairleigh Dickinson University – Regional Center for Students with LDs and Compass Program (paid)

• Ramapo College of NJ – ENHANCE Program

• Rutgers University - College Support Program

North Carolina: 

• East Carolina University – Project STEPP

• High Point University – Learning Excellence Program

Ohio: 

• Bowling Green State University – Falcon Learning Your Way Program (FLY)

• Ohio State University - Ace! (paid)

Pennsylvania: 

• Drexel University – Drexel Autism Support Program (no fee)

• Kings College – First Year Academic Studies Program

• LaSalle University – LADDER Family Center

• Mercyhurst College – Learning Differences Program and Autism/Asperger Initiative

• Misericordia University – Alternative Learners Project

South Carolina: 

• Clemson University - Spectrum Support Program 

Vermont: 

• Landmark College (specialized school for students with learning disabilities)

Virginia: 

• George Mason University – Mason Autism Support Initiative (paid)

West Virginia 

• Marshall University – HELP Program and The College Program for Students with ASD

• Giant Steps Services (NY)

• Gersh Experience (NY)

• Winston Transitions (NY)

• Ramapo for Children- Staff Assistant Experience (NY)

• Institute for Collegiate & Career Studies (NY)

• Chapel Haven (CT)

• Thames at Mitchell College (CT)

• Watkinson School- The Academy (CT)

• Threshold Program at Lesley University (MA)

• Riverview School - GROW Program (MA)

• Mansfield Hall (VT)

• Reach Program at the College of Charleston (SC)

• College Internship Program (multiple locations)

• College Living Experience (multiple locations)

Include NYC (September 20 at 3:00) - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__lGC9DoJSFWoZyyPWwtyxw. 

Get to know the basics of transitioning into postsecondary life for students with disabilities, including changes in disability law, planning, procedures, evaluations, and next steps. 

• Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities – U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

• K&W Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences, 15th Edition– Or, borrow a copy from the library. I also have a copy in the College Office that students may use. 

• Gap Year Association

• CIP - The College Internship Program (CIP) is a private, young adult transition program for individuals 18-26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences, offering comprehensive and specialized services.

• Mansfield Hall – offers extensive living support while students attend nearby traditional colleges and universities.

• CLE (College Living Experience) – Offers post-secondary supports for young adults with learning differences, propelling them toward success as they journey through their transition to independence.

• Think College – A national initiative dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disabilities.

• ADDitude Magazine – ADHD resource.

• How to Prepare for College: Transition Tips for ADHD Students (additudemag.com)

• Executive Functions and the Four Domains of Learning (Parent Workshop) – Rebecca Matte, Associate Professor, Landmark College

• Landmark College Summer Programs

  • High School Summer Program, Traditional and Social Pragmatics Tracks

    • Scroll down the page to an article entitled, “Discovery and Transformation for a High School Student”, a look at the program through the eyes of a student who has ADHD.

    • A video: Summer Programs at Landmark College - YouTube

  • Summer College Readiness Program for recent high school graduates accepted at a traditional college for that fall.

• Landmark’s Online High School Dual Enrollment – For college-bound juniors and seniors. They earn 3 credits per course while developing skills and strategies to smooth the transition to college.

  • Online Dual Enrollment Features and Benefits – LC Online (landmark.edu)

  • Online Dual Enrollment Course Description – LC Online (landmark.edu)

  • Perspectives in Learning Course Receives Quality Matters Certification | Landmark College

• TaC (Transition at College), Landmark’s unique, one-year undergraduate Gap/PG track for students who struggle with executive functioning and want a slower transition to college.

• Landmark’s Bridge Experience - offers undergrads short-term (one or two semesters), intensive support with a focus on boosting learning strategies, academic skills, and self-awareness.

• Open Houses and Visits - Landmark College