Resources
Transition to College for Students with Disabilities
A group of college service providers in Western New York has updated a document entitled "Effective College Planning" for students with disabilities. A companion workbook is also available to assist students in completing necessary college transition activities. Check out this website: http://www.ccdanet.org
Office of Civil Rights
At the following website, the Office of Civil Rights (US Department of Education) provides information, which explains the rights responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend post-secondary education: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html
Financial Aid for College Students with Disabilities
The HEATH Resource Center is the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. HEATH has created a very thorough resource paper on financial aid for college students with disabilities. Call HEATH at 1-800-544-3284.
Accommodations
Many students with learning disabilities entering college have not experimented with various types of academic accommodations beyond testing modifications. The Job Accommodations Network is a wonderful resource to tap into for ideas on how various types of limitations (e.g., writing, reading, math, concentration, memory, time management) can be accommodated. Call JAN at 1-800-526-7234 or check out their information on the web at http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/links/.
Assistive Technology
The Center for Assistive Technology is located at the University at Buffalo and provides assistive technology assessment and training services for college and career-oriented individuals with disabilities on a fee-for-service basis. Contact CAT at (716) 829-3441; 515 Kimball Hall Tower, Buffalo NY 14207, or on the web at http://www.cat.buffalo.edu/
Vocational and Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities (VESID)
VESID is an office of NYS Education Department. VESID’s vocational rehabilitation services program can help students with disabilities decide on career goals and get help to prepare for a job. To find a local office check out their website at http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/ or call the local Buffalo office at (716)847-3294 or the Albany office at (518)473-8097.
VESID also has a transition web site, which describes the transition for secondary students with disabilities to help students prepare for post-school employment, community living, and postsecondary education. Check out http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/transition/