Making a Plan

Below are some general guidelines to help make the transition from high school to college more successful

1. Sign up for an appointment

You may want to make an appointment with the Disability or Access coordinator of the schools you are considering in order to find out what each school has to offer and the process that needs to be followed if you want to be able to access accommodations in college. A list with phone numbers and links to websites for several colleges in Colorado can be found in our College Links section.

2. Gather your documentation

When you go for your appointment you may be asked to bring documentation of your disability to your meeting. Have this documentation available as it will make the process go more quickly and smoothly. Some documentation that you will likely be asked for includes: your most recent triennial evaluation and IEP, doctor note confirming diagnosis of disability -for example Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disability (ADHD/ADD), Cystic Fibrosis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). You may also be asked to bring results of any evaluations that were performed. You can get results of educational testing, ADHD testing, etc from your school if the testing was performed there. Some schools may require additional evaluations or testing, Be prepared to have your documentation available prior to course registration. Often, students with disabilities have priority registration, so the sooner you provide the school with the required documents, the better.

3. What has helped you gain success in your classes?

When you meet with the disability services or access coordinator, you will be asked questions about the impact of your disability and the special services and accommodations that helped you to be successful in your classes. Think about this ahead of time - you want to be able to talk about these. Remember, colleges do not provide special education but they "must provide reasonable modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids which will enable qualified students to have equal access to, participate in, and benefit from the full range of the educational programs and activities which are offered to all students on campus." (https://www.msudenver.edu/access/studentinformation/makingthetransitiontocollege/)

STEP PROGRAM through Metro State University of Denver (click on link below regarding registration)

A Supportive Transition Education Program (STEP) for High School Students with Disabilities. STEP is designed for Colorado junior and senior high school students with disabilities, including visual, physical/mobility, chronic health, psychological and students with ADD and learning disabilities who are considering or planning on attending college.

STEP participants will:

• • Obtain practical knowledge of disability rights and responsibilities in college

  • Learn how assistive technology can minimize the impact of the student’s disability in accessing and learning information

  • Gain insight regarding effective communication with professions and staff

  • Meet current college students with disabilities who will share their experience

  • Meet faculty who have experience providing academic accommodations for students with disabilities

Source of description :https://www.msudenver.edu/access/events/