My child has a disability, how can I ensure they get the help they need in college?Parents can help by encouraging their student to utilize the services provided by the SAS (Student Accessibility Services) office. Assisting your college student to obtain or locate disability documentation and encouraging them to make all necessary follow-up appointments to complete registration with the SAS office are some of the best ways you can support your college student.
What are the differences in the school’s responsibilities in working with students with disabilities in college versus in high school?While there are some similarities between the two, there are also some major differences. We have created a detailed chart of many of these differences . But in a nutshell, in high school the school must identify which students need accommodations. In college, the student must self-identify as being someone who needs accommodations. In high school, the lead is taken by parents and the IEP team as to what accommodations are needed. In college the student has control over when and if accommodations are used and they are the only person who is able to disclose their need for accommodations. Get more information about the transition from high school to college.
Because my child has signed a waiver to allow me to speak with anyone at the college, am I able to do so on their behalf?The student can sign a release giving staff permission to share information with parents. However, Student Accessibility Services will never communicate about a student without them being present. Even if a parent joins a meeting, the majority of the talking should be done by the student. This is an excellent time for college students to practice advocating for themselves and their needs.
Can I request accommodations for my child?All requests for accommodations must come directly from the student.
I’d like to request regular progress updates or hear about any issues my child may be having.In college, students are expected to keep up with their assignments and grades. If they have any questions, those should be posed to instructors directly. It is inappropriate for a parent to contact an instructor to ask questions about their college student. If a student is having issues finding information or communicating with an instructor, they are welcome to contact the SAS office for assistance or advice. The SAS office will not share information of any kind with anyone besides the student. All requests for information must be made through them, and in their presence.
What are the differences if my child is under 18 years of age?The information presented above is applied to all students enrolled in classes at the college, regardless of age.
