Effective Consultant Collaboration in the College Process to Support Students with Visual Impairments

Yesterday, I sat down with Denise McLinden. Denise is a college consultant with Alliance Coaching . We chatted about our collaboration, supporting a student with a visual impairment in the college search and selection process. In Denise’s work with the student, they focused on the college search and application process. Denise supported the student in finding the right programs and academic fit. I supported the student and family with thinking through the transition components related to having a visual impairment, and helped the family develop questions for the disability support office, as well as a working list of accommodations to request. Denise and I were able to share information with the permission of the family, and the results were fantastic! 

This conversation covers:

• The college search process
• Creating a college list
• Application essays
• College Accommodations for students who are visually impaired or blind
• Questions for the Disability Support Office
• The value of working with both a college consultant and a transition consultant

If you have questions about college transition for blind or visually impaired students, contact me!

Bios:

Denise McLinden is a seasoned professional counselor and coach that has worked in the fields of higher education, secondary and middle school education as a certified school counselor in the State of Ohio and, formerly, in the State of Illinois. She has delivered coaching for college search for more than twenty-five years. Her Bachelor’s degree is in English and Secondary Education and her Masters is in Counselor Education with many post-graduate professional hours as well. Contact her and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Annie Tulkin is the Founder and Director of Accessible College, where she provides college transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions nationally. Annie was the Associate Director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University for nearly 6 years. In that position she supported undergraduate, graduate and medical students with physical disabilities and health conditions and oversaw academic support services for the entire student body. Annie has worked in the field of disability for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Special Education from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Certificate in Health Coaching from Georgetown University. Annie was a Peace Corps Volunteer (Mongolia, ‘03-’05) and a Fulbright Fellow (Mongolia, ‘07-’08). She resides in Silver Spring, MD with her husband and toddler. Contact Annie. Follow Annie on Facebook and Twitter