by Lisa Cosseboom, M.Ed. & CAGS School Psychologist & Special Education Evaluation Team Chairperson

Published: Lifelines for Health Spring 2019

Most transitions can cause stress but transitioning from high school to college can be a scary one! In high school, the laws require that staff identify a student with a disability. Higher education is not required to identify students with disabilities. At the college level, it falls upon the student to be their own advocate. This may be difficult for some parents who have been used to being their child’s advocate for 17+ years! Because of privacy laws (FERPA), parents do not have access to their children’s records or are able to make decisions for their child. It is important that students with disabilities begin to advocate for themselves in high school so that they learn how to navigate difficult situations.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA), section 504 requires colleges who receive federal funding to
provide equal access and reasonable accommodations to a student with a disability. Many private higher education institutions do not receive federal assistance and therefore do not necessarily have to offer a student with a disability, accommodations. However, even if a college is exempt from Section 504 requirements, a student may be covered under other disability rights legislation.

Here are some examples of accommodations that may be available at the college level:

• Use of note-takers for class lectures

• Making audio recordings of lectures

• Use of a laptop computer in the classroom

• Taking exams in a distraction-reduced room

• Accessible testing locations

• Course substitutions

• Accessible software

These accommodations are not automatically given to a student with a disability. The student must seek out and apply for reasonable accommodations through the college’s disability services department. A student does not need to disclose that they have a disability when applying to college. Once a student begins at a college, they will want to go to the Disability Services Center at the university. Be prepared to have supporting documentation of the disability. Each college has their own documentation requirements. Some examples may include a high school 504 plan, doctors’ documentation etc. However, keep in mind that the documentation must be recent (generally within 3 years). It is highly recommended that families review colleges’ disability services prior to choosing which institution will best support their child’s educational future.

Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities

The Federal Programs of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) offer many options for services. Each state receives funding from these federal programs that are distributed into state programs. If a person is already receiving either SSDI or SSI, they are automatically qualified to receive Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. Vocational Rehab services include preference evaluations, job training and job placement. The mission of VR is to assist an individual in receiving the support they need and guidance to access that support.

To qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation, an individual must have a physical or mental condition that causes a “substantial impediment” to work and be able to benefit from VR services to gain employment. Each state has their own processes and procedures. When researching, look into your state’s Department of Health and Human Services or Education Department.

• a personal assessment of your disability(ies) to see if you are eligible and to determine how VR can help you

• job counseling, guidance, and referral services

• physical and mental rehabilitation

• vocational (job) and other training

• on-the-job training

• financial assistance while you are getting some vocational rehab services

• transportation needed to get to some vocational rehab services

• help transitioning from school to work (for students)

• personal assistance services

• rehabilitation technology services and devices

• supported employment services, and

• help finding a job

In my home state, Massachusetts, Vocational Rehab services are administered under the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). They explain that “Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with physical, psychiatric, and learning disabilities find and keep a job.
VR helps you identify job goals based on your interests and skills and explore college and vocational training. It also reduces or removes barriers to employment. Priority is given to people who have the most severe disabilities in areas such as communication, mobility, work tolerance, and work skills.” Similar to applying for disability services in college, documentation including school records, medical history, evaluations etc. are required to become eligible for services.

Helpful links: http://www.askearn.org/state-vocational-rehabilitation-agencies/ https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability