Information for Parents

Printed below are several web sites which include information on transition to college for students with disabilities. These sites can be helpful for parents who are interested in learning more about eligibility for services for students with disabilities in college, documentation issues, differences between high school and college, financial aid and much more.

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 the Western New York Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates web site at www.ccdanet.org.
• The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education provides information explaining the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend postsecondary schools. This information also explains the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, to ensure that the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability.  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.  http://www.heath.gwu.edu/publications/2009-2010-heath-financial-aid-information/

Adult Career & Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR) (formerly Vocational and Educational Services for Individual with Disabilities)

ACCES-VR is an office of New York State Education Department.  ACCES-VR'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.acces.nysed.gov/vr/do/locations.htmor call the local Buffalo office at (716)847-3294 or the Albany Office at (518)473-8097.

ACCES-VR 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.acces.nysed.gov/vr/do/transition.htm