VISITING COLLEGE DISABILITY OFFICES

As we move closer to spring, current juniors are making plans to visit colleges.  This is a great idea as it offers the student an opportunity to learn more about each college, and the elements that are important to a student.  The size of the college, location, role of Greek life, etc. are all elements to understand better through a college visit. One other aspect of visiting colleges in addition to signing up for the tours and information sessions, is to consider making an appointment with the college disability services office.  Each college will differ in the level of services they offer, their staffing, and their overall approach with students and faculty. Making an appointment to visit these offices can help the student better understand what will be available for their specific needs, as well as help the student to feel comfortable with the differences between services in high school versus college.  This article is helpful in outlining those differences. This article is helpful in delineating questions students can ask during their visit. It also reviews questions that the disability office might ask you, so you can be prepared.  Having the right academic supports in college will be very important to the success of many students, so making this a priority as you consider colleges is a good idea.