Things You Should Think About

When Considering A

Post-Secondary Education

You may want to pursue further education or training after leaving high school.  It may be academic in nature and pursued in a university or college setting, or technical in nature and pursued in a trade school or vocational center setting.  It could also be community –based instruction which can be accessed through a local community college or outside agencies providing rehabilitation services or community education programs.

There are several things you should consider when deciding about post-secondary education.

1.)   The nature/severity of your disability.

2.)   Your understanding and acceptance of your disability.

3.)   Your level of interest in pursuing academic or technical education after high school.

4.)   What accommodations would you need during any type of entrance exam, College Board or SAT testing (e.g., testing in Braille, having the questions read to you, untimed testing, etc.)

5.)   Identification of the types of accommodations and support services you might need that relates to your disability.

6.)   Identification of post-secondary institutions that provide the accommodations or support services you might need.

7.)   Where are you going to apply and how do you advocate for your accommodations.

So, let’s look at each one of these…

1)     The nature/severity of your disability.

What is your disability?  It is better to focus on your abilities rather than your disabilities but sometimes it is necessary to look at some limitations you may have so you can work around those limitations.  This will help you decide what accommodations might help you.

2)     Your understanding and acceptance of your disability.

It is to your advantage to understand the true characteristics of your disability. Having a good knowledge base of your disability allows you to understand yourself better.   Knowing the myths surrounding your disability helps you to understand why people may say or act the way they do.  It also allows you to help eliminate society’s (if not at least your friend’s) misconceptions about your disability.  Acknowledging and understanding your disability is the first step to self-advocacy, which is essential to being successful in the world!

3)     Your level of interest in pursuing academic or technical education after high school.

What are your reasons for wanting to go to college, a trade school or other types of education?  There are no right or wrong reasons.  It is just a good idea to understand what goal you want to achieve by going on to post secondary education. When you have a specific goal in mind it is much easier to look at the steps you need to do to fulfill that goal.  It helps you to stay on track. 

4)     What accommodations would you need during any type of entrance exam, College Board or SAT testing (e.g., testing in Braille, having the questions read to you, untimed testing, etc.)

Taking any kind of exam can be stressful.  Individuals with disabilities can sometimes get certain accommodations while taking a test.  If the test is a timed test you might be able to get extra time to take the test. You may be able to take the test in a quiet room with just a few people.  You may be able to have the test read to you.  Part of being a good self-advocate is taking advantage of what is offered you…or at least KNOWING what is offered so you can choose for yourself if you want to take advantage of it or not! Just remember, the bottom line to a college entrance exam is you must be able to read, write and do math in order to meet the requirements of the college.

5)     Identification of the types of accommodations and support services you might need that relates to your disability.

It is important that you realize that if you received “modifications” in high school this is much different than the “accommodations” you will receive in a college class or training class.  “Modifications” change the content taught and/or changes the mastery level.  “Accommodations” will help the student with a proven disability complete the exact same course work as the rest of the class.  It is the method of learning that may be altered. (ex. Additional time, tape recording, note taking, tutoring) You can see other differences in high school and post-secondary education by going to the “Planning for Post-Secondary Education”.

6)     Identification of post-secondary institutions that provide the accommodations or support services you might need.

All institutions of higher learning, whether it is a college, university, community college, trade school or continuing education classes at area agencies. There are many schools in Texas and beyond that support individuals with disabilities. To find a list of colleges go to “Resources for Post-Secondary Education for People with Disabilities.”

7)     Where are you going to apply and how do you advocate for your accommodations?

Deciding where to apply is an important and sometimes difficult decision.  You would be wise to ask your support network to help you in your decision.  You might start at a local community college and visit the counselors in the Disability  Services Office. It is also important to learn how to self-disclose your disability so you can request any accommodations needed. Now that you want to go on in post-secondary education you are responsible for taking care of yourself and communicate your needs.  You must be your own self-advocate!