What's The Difference Between High School and College?

STEPS TO TAKE TO TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

1. Learn more about your disability:      * Chat with your parents, special education teacher, school psychologist or guidance counselor         to learn about your specific disabilities.      * Understand how your disabilitiy might affect you in college      * Understand how your disability migh affect future employment and/or career choices      * Make sure that you have current documentation.  Request that you get reevaluated for a         learning disability during your senior year, as most schools require adult normed aptitude         measures (for which you must be 17 years old).

2.  Participate in all transition related meetings (i.e. IEP, CSE, 504):      * Participate in self-advocacy training      * Learn to express your current and future needs, concerns, interests and perferences      * Remember to ask questions about anything you don't understand      * Know what your rights and responsibilities are and what due processes are available to you

3.  Develop a persoanl information file which contains:      * Disability documentation       * Current high school records      * Medical records      * Immunization records      * Copy of current IEP or 504 Plan      * College Entrance Exam results/information (SAT/ACT)      * Psychological records      * Materials from colleges that interest you

4.  Contact VESID (Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) or CBVH (Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped).  VESID or CBVH can offer the following if you meet their eligibilty requirements:       *An assessment for vocational rehavilitation       * A written plan for reaching your career goals (Individual Plan for Employment-IPE)       * Counseling, guidance and work related placement       * Vocational training and education that improves your chances for employment upon graduation       * Payment for tuition, books, transporation cost, etc. may be covered       *Interpreter and reader services       * Orientation and mobility training for those who are blind or low vision       * Occupation licesnes, tools, equipment and inital stocks and supplies       * Computer software and hardware       * Personal assistance services       * Telecommunications, sensory and other aids and devices VESID:  333 East Washington Street              Room 230              Syracuse, NY 13202              Phone: 315.428.4179 http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/

5.  Select and Plan College Choices:        * Select the colleges you would consider attending and plan a visit        * Investigate what services each college provides through their disability support office or other           office that handles disability accomodations        * Match your academic interests (major) with colleges in which you are interested.        * APPLY