What To Do While in High School

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:

    1. Transcripts

    2. ACT or SAT scores

    3. Current or last IEP

    4. Medical records

    5. Copies of updated documentation

    6. Writing or other relevant work samples

    7. 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

  • College Bound Program

  • Virginia College Quest

  • Virginia VIEW (Career Educational and Information Delivery System)