Continuing Education After High School - A Guide for Parents and Students
For many students, the culmination of their K-12 academic career means heading off to college. Although all students conduct extensive research and preparation before the final college decision is made, students with learning disabilities have several additional steps. It can be an overwhelming process for the student and parents, but there are several places to turn for support:
- The student's child study team members are the first source of support available. They are the most familiar with the student's strengths and weaknesses, and can provide valuable feedback regarding attainable options.
- The school guidance department is another source of support, especially for obtaining applications, college information and general college search tips.
- The Internet is another source of information. For example:
Schwablearning.org has articles devoted to searching for a college or university for teenagers diagnosed with learning disabilities. [http://www.schwablearning.org/resources.aspx?g=4&s=7].
The HEATH Resource Center of the George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development has information for students with disabilities on educational disability support services, policies, procedures etc. [http://www.heath.gwu.edu/].
- There are several publications available to help with your search, including Peterson's Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities or ADD. [http://www.petersons.com/books/collegeld.asp].
- No matter what school you are considering, ask for more information about its services for students with disabilities. The Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is another online resource that helps students, parents and professionals become aware of the wide range of resources that are available. [http://www.ahead.org/index.htm]. Perhaps the most important advice is to keep a positive attitude. Dr. Loring Brinckerhoff, Director of the Office of Disability Policy at Educational Testing Service (ETS) and consultant to RFB&D, is a noted leader in the field of postsecondary learning disabilities. Dr. Brinckerhoff notes, "Despite the complexities of sorting out all the options, students should not be discouraged; instead they should be advised to use the transition planning experience as an opportunity to understand themselves better and to explore the array of postsecondary choices available after graduation."