There are several things to consider when choosing a post-secondary college or training program for students with disabilities.

• Student Support Services: Individualized Education Plans (IEP) may be helpful in determining appropriate accommodations for students at the college level, but colleges are not required to follow IEPs by law. Colleges will work with students to provide reasonable accommodations but they generally do not modify the academic curriculum. It is important for students to meet with a counselor at the college level to review the student's IEP and determine appropriate accommodations that the college may provide. Support services at the college level are different than the Special Education Team at the high school level. The process is interactive and initiated and driven by the student, only if he or she decides to disclose information about his or her disability.

• Housing: Most two-year college and training programs do not have dorm rooms for students; whereas most (but not all) four-year colleges do offer on campus living. It is important to determine whether or not your child is ready to live independently in a dormitory setting or whether off campus house (living at home or in an apartment) is a better option. Independent living schools can be assessed with a transition assessment.

• School size: Students who require individualized attention in the classroom setting may benefit more from smaller schools with smaller classes sizes. Larger universities with lecture-hall classes may be difficult for some students to create a relationship with his or her professor. Guidance counselors, Special Education Liaisons, and current teachers at the high school level may provide pertinent information about your child's self-advocacy skills in the classroom. It is important for students to voice their opinion on class size as well.

• Location: The location of college and training programs is very important. Factors to consider when determining whether an urban or rural setting is best may include cultural and extracurricular activities that the student is interested in, cost of living, transportation around campus, and any additional supports that may or may not be available in either setting.