What is a transition plan from high school to college?
It is simply a plan of a high school student on how they are going to reach their education or employment goals. It might include steps on how to reach their goals. If the student has a disability, the planning may need to be more specific, but is basically the same.  Things to consider:

1. Talk with your high school disability specialist, special education teacher, counselor or IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team members.

2. If you don’t already know, ask specifically what your disability is and how it affects your learning.

3. Ask what specific accommodations are being provided to you now on your IEP and get a current copy of it.

4. Ask if you can be re-tested for your disability assessment so you have current documentation.

5. Ask what accommodations they think you will need in college.  Request that they help you practice requesting accommodations from your teachers.

I had an IEP, will I get the same accommodations I got in High School?
Not necessarily.  It would depend on verifying your disability and what the classroom assistance was.  Accommodations or classroom assistance changes dramatically as you move from the public K-12 school system to the college level.

In the public school system they officially decide if you have a disability and provide classroom assistance.  Parents are usually actively involved in this process.

In the college system the individual student decides if they declare their disability and if they need classroom assistance.  They will need to make it known to the college before any class begins.  Contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services office for more information.

 

When do I need to complete forms for Student Accessibility and Support Services to get accommodations?
Anytime, before/after enrolling or completing the placement assessment (Accuplacer) or completing your Financial Aid (FAFSA).  It is preferred two to three weeks before the first class begins.  This is to allow time to set up classroom accommodations and the length of time needed to receive disability verification from licensed professionals. Student Accessibility and Support Services Forms.

What accommodations can I get?
You will need to think about what things, assistance or accommodations have helped you in your past classes.  Ask yourself what you think you may need now.  A complete discussion with Student Accessibility and Support Services staff will help clarify your needs 

What is a reasonable accommodation?
It is a request for assistance that can be provided to help you in your classroom learning environment that is with-in reason to provide.

Do I have to provide documents verifying my disability?

Documentation is needed for WSU Tech to determine a student’s eligibility for Student Accessibility and Support Services and support accommodation requests for classes. Along with completing the WSU Tech Student Accessibility and Support Services Request Students should provide documentation in the form of a completed Disability Verification form, IEP, Section 504 Plan, Psychoeducational Evaluation, or any other documentation completed by a licensed professional. These documents in addition to an intake interview and discussion with the student will provide information necessary to decide eligibility and create an accommodation plan. 

Documentation must be completed by a licensed professional that is familiar with the student and their disability. 

Please contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services office with any questions. 

I have a disability but don’t need any help, do I have to tell the college?
No you don’t need to tell the college.  If you aren’t needing any classroom accommodations then you can keep this information private.

If you think you may need accommodations in future classes, feel free to contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services Office for further discussion.

I am confused, what do I do first again?

If you are already enrolled, contact the Student Accessibility and Support Services office at 316-677-1065 or SASS@wsutech.edu. 

If you are not enrolled, complete the WSU Tech Student Accessibility and Support Services Request, and continue completing the following steps listed on the Get Started page.

Does one accommodation plan work for the whole time I am at WSU Tech?
No, with each semester enrollment you will have new and different classes and instructors.  You will need to contact and meet with the Student Accessibility and Support Services staff to create a new accommodation plan.

Do I have to use all or even any of the accommodations on my plan?
No, if you find that you don’t need the accommodation or that you have figured out how to ‘learn around’ an issue without it don’t use it. 

Do I have to speak to my professors and instructors about my disability and needs?
Yes it is best if you do. Student Accessibility and Support Services will email the accommodation plan and your current class schedule to professors and instructors, but you should speak to each of them, by prearranged appointment. If you need assistance or questions discuss this with your Student Accessibility and Support Services staff.

It would be important to discuss your learning style and your accommodation needs surrounding your disability with professors and instructors.  Keep in mind that the professors don’t need to know any specifics about your disability, or even what it is, just discuss how accommodations will help you have equal access to the information being taught.

How can I get more information on my specific disability and going to College?

  1. Best College’s collection of resources for students with disabilities. The collection includes information for:

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Students With Visual Impairments

Students with Physical Disabilities

Students with Learning Disabilities

Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

Each guide includes an outline of student rights, strategies for success, a listing of assistive technologies, and a curated list of scholarships.