Disability services at the post-secondary level
Disability services at the post-secondary level
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Are there differences between high school and college disability services?
Disability services at the post-secondary level are not a continuation of services from high school. In high school, a students' education falls under a law called Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures that students are provided with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Disability services at the college level must follow federal civil rights laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Individual Education Plans
HHS students with an IEP will have a transition plan discussed at each annual team meeting. Part of this meeting will include discussing post-secondary plans and possible transition to college. IEP's are not transferable to the college level, but services are available to students through the college disability office. Many disability offices will want to see a copy of the student's most recent evaluation reports. While students with an IEP may be eligible for waived SAT/ACT requirements, the disability services office and admissions office make decisions independently from one another.
Students with an IEP may be referred for services through Mass Rehab Commission (MRC). MRC provides comprehensive services to people living with disabilities that maximize their quality of life and economic self-sufficiency in the community. All programs have their own intake criteria including financial, medical, and other eligibility requirements.
504 Plans
Students with a 504 Plan are encouraged to seek appropriate services offered at the college level to meet their individual needs. A 504 Plan is transferable to the college level, however the college's office of disability services will determine the best approach to meet the student's needs at their campus. The disability services office and admissions office will often not communicate with each other during the admissions process on behalf of a student.
For ALL Students
It is important to maintain health and wellness in college, which means doing WHAT WORKS for you. If you receive academic services, receive treatments, work with academic tutors, take medication, attend therapy, etc. in high school, it is important for a college student to continue those practices in college!
Web Resources
College Search and Scholarship Resources for Students with Disabilities (CollegeX)
Examples of Programs and Services
Private college/additional fee: Curry College PAL Program
Community College: QCC Disability Services
Public state university: Westfield State University Office of Disability Services
Additional State and Program Resources
(pull down for content)Additional State and Program Resources
State Agencies
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Erika Maurer- Erika.Maurer@MassMail.State.MA.US Elizabeth Farwell- elizabeth.farwell@state.ma.us Middlesex West Office
300 Howard Street Framingham, MA 01702
508-861-2211
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services
DDS creates, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Pam Stickles- Stickles-pamela.stickles@state.ma.us Richard Blacquier- richard.blacquier@state.ma.us
463 Worcester Rd # 305, Framingham, MA 01701
508 370-4700
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-rehabilitation-commission
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. MRC is responsible for Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Living and eligibility determination for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Department of Mental Health (DMH)
Dennis Miles dennis.miles@massmail.state.ma.us
Department of Mental Health
Child/Adolescent Division Clinical Supervisor
167 Lyman Street Westborough, MA 01581
508-616-2813
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages; enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.
Vocational Programs
Employment Options
Liz Gulachenski- lizg@employmentoptions.org
82 Brigham St, Marlborough, MA 01752 (508) 485-5051 http://www.employmentoptions.org/
Employment Options empowers individuals and families in mental health recovery to thrive in their communities and we powerfully demonstrate that people with mental illness can and do lead productive, happy lives. We offer young adults struggling with mental health challenges opportunities for friendship, employment, housing and education, and partner with them to explore life choices. We accomplish this by partnering with other non-profits and on a state level to develop programming to bridge the gap from childhood mental health services to young adult mental health services knowing this is a very at risk and underserved population.
Work Opportunities Unlimited
Tiffney Bergeron-Allard TBergeron@workopportunities.net
128 Providence St, Worcester, MA 01604
(978) 894-4887
We work together with local school districts to customize vocational-career/transition services that meet the needs of each district and their students. Utilizing resources within school districts as well as facilitating the access to adult service agencies are crucial aspects of creating transition programs that work. Through collaborating with school administration and faculty we hope to give each student the best opportunity for a successful transition that not only links school to work, but students to careers..
Post-Secondary Education
Framingham State University
100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01701 framingham.edu
508-620-1220
FSU joins other state universities and colleges in offering the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative, a statewide initiative since 2007 The Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University provides opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-22, to come to campus and engage in FSU courses, internships, and student life.
Mass Bay Transitional Scholars
Phoebe Bustamante pbustamante@massbay.edu
MassBay Community College 50 Oakland Street Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
781-239-2625
www.massbay.edu/academics/aac/transitional-scholars
The Transitional Scholars Program at MassBay is a student centered program designed for transition age students with a documented intellectual disability. This program serves students typically between
18-22 years old, currently enrolled in their high school transition programs or transitioning from high school to post-secondary education.
Quinsigamond Community College
Ann Panetta apanetta@qcc.mass.edu Sabine Dupoux sdupoux@qcc.mass.edu Quinsigamond Community College
670 West Boylston Street Worcester, MA 01606
508-853-2300
QCC was established in 1963 to provide access to higher education to residents of Central Massachusetts. Since the early 60s, enrollment has grown from 300 to over 13,000 full and part-time day and evening students served. Over 120 associate degree and certificate career options in Business, Hospitality Management, Engineering Technology, Education, Healthcare, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Maintenance Technology, and General Studies
Independent Living Supports
MetroWest Center for Independent Living (MWCIL)
Heidi Bishay- hbishay@mwcil.org
280 Irving Street Framingham, MA 01702
508 875-7853
The MetroWest Center for Independent Living was created by people with disabilities seeking full integration into society. We empower people with disabilities with the practical skills and
self-confidence to take control over their lives and become active members of the communities in which they live. We work to promote access and change within society and advocate for programs and services needed by people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. We are dedicated to helping people with disabilities gain freedom from nursing homes and other institutional settings. Core services offered; Advocacy, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support and Transition.
Center for Living & Working, Inc.
Erica Torres etorres@centerlw.org
484 Main Street, Suite 345 Worcester, MA 01608
508.755.1746
Center for Living & Working, Inc. helps people with disabilities learn to live more independently. Independent Living Specialists provide one-to-one services to individuals in their homes throughout Central Massachusetts.
Transportation
Metrowest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA)
Emily Van Dewoestine emily.vandewoestine@mwrta.com
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority
15 Blandin Ave, Framingham MA 01702
508 935- 2222 x 7122
Transitions Travel Training: Transitions is a comprehensive program with instruction designed to teach seniors or individuals with disabilities how to travel safely and efficiently on the MetroWest Regional Transit System (MWRTA) fixed route bus system. The main goal of this program is to prepare participants to travel independently on the MWRTA bus system. Specially trained Transitions trainers will provide training on a one-to-one basis.
Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Theresa Sebastia (Tess) tsebastia@therta.com Worcester Regional Transit Authority
60 Foster Street Worcester MA 01608
508 791-WRTA -(9782)
http://www.wrtaparatransit.com/index.htm
WRTA Travel Training
Let the WRTA make it easier for you. The WRTA Travel Training program is designed to help people who
would like to use the regular WRTA fixed route bus but aren't sure where to begin. You can receive instruction on a one-on-one basis, or you may prefer to bring a friend or relative and do it together –
you decide. The instructor will show you how to read a schedule, how to pay your fare, and how to use a specific route or routes, until you are comfortable traveling on your own. Anyone 13 years of age and older. The program is customized to each individual’s abilities. Travel Training is free of charge, and
while you are with a training instructor, your trips are free as well. You will learn how to read a schedule, understand transit terminology, pay your fare, where to purchase tickets, what to do in case of an emergency, and all things having to do with learning to use public transit. If there is a particular route or routes that you would like to use, the travel instructor will tailor the training to meet your needs.
Family Support
Adult Family Care (AFC)
Barbara Dunker-bdunker@oppsforinclusion.org
6 Chestnut Street , Waltham , MA. 02453
781-899-1344 ext. 4710
The Adult Family Care (AFC) program is a MassHealth program for individuals, 16-years-old and over, who have a medical or mental condition and require daily cueing and supervision or physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, eating, ambulating or toileting from an AFC caregiver. The caregiver may be a friend, parent or other relative, but may not be the spouse or legal guardian. Caregivers receive a tax-free stipend for the care they provide, which ranges from $9,000 - $18,000 annually, depending on the level of care necessary. They also receive ongoing support from a registered nurse and a care manager.
Special Needs Law Group of MA, PC
Attorney Deborah Clemons dclemons@SpecialNeeds-Law.com
20 Speen Street, Suite 101 Framingham, MA. 01701
508-861-3452
The best interests of all family members are served when you secure the counsel of experienced attorneys who practice in transition planning and related areas. Special Needs Law Group of Massachusetts, PC is just such a practice. We are unique in Massachusetts, offering outstanding service in transition planning, special needs planning, guardianship, disability advocacy, public benefits, estate administration, and Medicaid/Long Term Care. We are prepared to be an essential part of your support team.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
Leslie M. Leslie lleslie@fcsn.org
1135 Tremont St, #420, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
617-236-7210
Provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. We are committed to listening to and learning from families, and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities
Competency Consultation Group
Mary E. Provencher, LICSW meobro@verizon.net
James W. Caron, Ed.D. caronjw@aol.com
120 School Street Lexington, MA 02421 www.gaurdianshipevaluations.com
(781) 863-5555
The Competency Consultation Group a service for families whose son or daughter is turning 18 (or older than 18) and may require a guardian to assist with decision making. We provides private, professional and personal attention in assessing whether your family member needs to have a guardian. We provide an evaluation by a psychologist and social worker, review of records, and preparation of reports
required to apply for guardianship. The team can conduct the evaluation at the student’s home or school, and reports are generally delivered within 3-5 business days.
Waymark Wealth Management
Brendan Sheehan, MSFP, CFP® | Managing Partner Brendan Sheehan@WaymarkWealth.com Westborough Executive Park 110 Turnpike Rd., Suite 114 Westborough, MA 01581
https://www.waymarkwealth.com
508.621.5621
Our team’s core values are:
Integrity, Helping Others, Excellence, Innovation, Family.
It’s about everything that affects your wealth, not just your monetary decisions, but your challenges and concerns, hopes and dreams, values and ambitions. By taking time to go beyond the numbers, we create a plan that is designed to work towards . your vision for the long term.
Empowerment, Fitness, and Recreation
Thrive
Caitlin Fortwengler cdfortwengler@icanthrive.org
Mike Diggans mdiggans@icanthrive.org
65 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, Ma 01752
508-485-4227
Thrive empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to focus on ability and discover opportunities to shine. Through our unparalleled programs, proactive philosophy, and unfailing commitment to the participants and families we serve, Thrive helps create lives filled with happiness, meaning and pride. For more than forty years, Thrive Support & Advocacy (formally Greater Marlboro Programs) has promoted the personal growth, dignity and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities in the MetroWest area. We have stayed true to our mission of empowering individuals to lead rich, active and self-directed lives while supporting their families. Through our diverse and unique residential, social, and recreation programs; proactive philosophy; and unfailing commitment to the participants and families we serve, Thrive helps create and nurture lives of happiness, meaning and pride.
At Thrive, we believe we all should be defined by our strengths instead of our weaknesses. Disability does not define the participants we serve; we choose to focus on their ability by creating opportunities to succeed, in ways that support their unique spirits.
Best Buddies International
Sheri Dean sheridean@bestbuddies.org
Heidi Kalinowski heidikalinowski@bestbuddies.org
51 Union Street Worcester, MA 01608
978-427-8979 https://www.bestbuddies.org
A nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Olympics Massachusetts
Patti Doherty Patti.Doherty@SpecialOlympicsMA.org
Kathy Lutz kathy.lutz@specialolympicsma.org
512 Forest Street Marlborough, MA 01752 USA
508-485-0986
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community
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