Start Planning Now

This is the time of year when high school seniors are taking the final steps to determine which school they will attend in the fall, and juniors are embarking on the college search process. For students with physical disabilities and health conditions there is a lot of work to do! Here is a timeline for the next 6 months:

Seniors
When the acceptance letters start rolling in, students with physical disabilities and/or health conditions need to check in and make sure they have considered all of their needs BEFORE they say “yes” to the school. 

Prior to selection (March-May1st):

• Identifying college accommodations (accommodations may be different from high school)
• Creating questions for the disability support offices and setting up a meeting with them prior to deadline
• Understanding the college accommodations process
• Comparing the schools where they have been accepted to in terms of disability support/medical support/accommodations

Post selection (May-August):

• Continuity of care (possible transfer of care to local doctors) 
• Medication management/Healthcare management 
• Hiring Personal Care Attendants (PCAs)
• Creating and identifying appropriate documentation 
• Applying for academic accommodations, housing, and dining accommodations. 
• Preparing for conversations with the disability office/housing office, student health, professors, and peers
• For parents: Understanding your role in the process. Preparing documents: power of attorney, HIPAA, FERPA, etc.

Juniors
When students are starting to explore colleges that might be a good academic fit, they should also be thinking about needs related to their health condition and/or physical disability.

Before Touring (Now-Summer)

• Identifying considerations for college based on healthcare needs 
• Identifying college accommodations (accommodations may be different from high school)
• Creating questions for the disability support offices and setting up a meeting with them during tours
• Understanding the college accommodations process

  Prior to Applying (Now-Fall)

• Comparing the schools in terms of disability support/medical support/accommodations
• Developing self-advocacy skills and independent living skills 
• Disability disclosure 

There is a lot more for students with physical disabilities and health conditions to consider when transitioning to college. Accessible College provides support in this process! Getting started early is key! Do not hesitate to contact us for a free 30 minute consultation! Learn about our services.