Information for Students with a Disability

You will need to become your own advocate! Decide whether or not you wish to disclose to the college that you are a student with a disability. In high school, your teachers are informed about your disability and know your accommodations - NOT so in college. High schools do not release information to colleges about your disability (without a written request from a parent/guardian).


You cannot be denied admission based on your disability. Colleges are required to provide services to qualified students with a disability. However, the college is under no obligation to change their admission standards due to your disability, you must still meet their admission criteria. Remember that all colleges are not created equal, and some may offer a more comprehensive set of services for students with a disability - so shop around!


Disclosure of your disability during the admissions process may help explain discrepancies in your records (i.e. inconsistent grades, lower SAT scores, problem courses/areas). This can provide admissions representatives insight that they may not otherwise have that can be advantageous in the admissions process. Remember, colleges are looking at the overall package: grades, difficulty of the courses taken, standardized test scores, class rank, activities, leadership roles, community service, personal essay, letters of recommendation, special talent/ability, and special circumstances.


Start Preparing Now

  • Attend your high school CSE or 504 Plan meetings. Be a part of the decision making. Understand your disability and accommodations (i.e. extended time, taking tests in a separate location, etc.) and be able to explain them to others. How does it affect your ability to learn? Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know your learning style and what works for you.
  • If at all possible, take math and science every year in high school to help prepare you for college. Not taking math or science for a full year before attending college can make your college level courses that much more difficult. In addition, continuing with math and science can help you be prepared for your standardized testing and college entrance exams.


If you decide to identify yourself as a student with a disability...

  • Find out what documentation the college needs from you.
  • Ask your parents to request (in writing) that your IEP or 504 Plan (along with the most recent cognitive and/or medical documentation of your disability) be sent to the college you will be attending (if you are 18 or over you can request this yourself). This request is made to the district's Special Education Office (315-426-3226).
  • Know that the college will review your IEP or 504 Plan and supporting documentation, and make their own determination about the level of service and accommodations you will receive.
  • Be realistic and understand that college brings a big change to your level of responsibilities: advocating for yourself, increased work load and the increased amount of time you will need to study per class, knowing deadlines, the increased pressures in your organizational and time management skills, less structure, and the importance of being involved on campus. Know your needs - do you need a less distracting atmosphere? Smaller campus or class size? Need assistance with time management or organization?


Campus Visits

Find the right college for you. Visit the Office for Students with a Disability when you are touring college campuses. Find out what services they have to offer, how they can support your needs (i.e. tutoring centers, counseling services - personal, academic or vocational), and what information they need from you.


Possible questions to ask colleges representatives regarding their services...

  • Is the admission criteria for students with a disability the same as for other students?
  • Can I receive testing accommodations on my placement exams? If yes, how would I go about receiving them?
  • What academic and personal characteristics have been found to be important for a student with a disability to be successful on your campus?
  • Who is the contact person for students with a disability?
  • Who counsels students with a disability during course advising, registration and orientation?
  • What documents do you require regarding my disability?
  • Is there assistance to help me manage my caseload?
  • Can students with a disability take a lighter caseload?
  • Am I allowed to create a 5-year graduation plan to reduce my course load?
  • Do you offer courses in study skills? Writing skills?
  • Is tutoring automatic or must I register for it?
  • Are there programs to help with the transition from high school to college, either during my senior year or over the summer?
  • What services can you prove me (after they have had the opportunity to review your records)?


Once in college

You will need to communicate with your professors regarding your disability. Meet with them - let them know about your strengths, weaknesses, and needs.


Seek out help! Don't wait until you are truly struggling in a class to get assistance. Meet with your professors, go to the Office for Students with a Disability, and take advantage of services offered (i.e. testing accommodations, tutoring, study groups, audio books, etc.).


Make sure to properly manage your time. Decide which organizational strategies work for you and utilize them (i.e. daily planner, separate course binders with a daily course agenda in the front). Set priorities and daily goals, write down deadlines, check off when an assignment has been completed. Don't let the work pile up!