1. Florida State College at Jacksonville Preparing Students with Disabilities for Postsecondary Education Know your Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

2. Transitioning from High School to College Know the Law: IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act How IDEA and ADA differs

3. IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act This law requires that your high school provides you with a free, appropriate public education, whereas your high school was/is responsible for identifying your needs, provides appropriate assessment, and works with your parents to decide upon the support services that were/are needed.

4. ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 These laws require that colleges and universities do not discriminate against an otherwise qualified person with a disability. Section 504 is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance In 1990 the ADA extended coverage of Section 504 to protect people with disabling conditions from discriminatory practices in public accommodations including employment, transportation, and telecommunications

5. How IDEA and ADA Differ… In college, students with disabilities are expected to be more independent than in high school. The accommodations provided are designed to give you equal access to our learning environment. Students must self-identify with the college Student provides documentation of disability Accommodations are determined based on documentation provided Student receives accommodation memo to deliver to the instructor

6. Diploma Options 3 Types of Diplomas: High School Diploma, GED, or High School Diploma with FCAT Waiver Once you have your diploma, you are eligible to attend college credit programs and will be placed in courses based on SAT, ACT, or CPT (College Placement Test) scores. The programs may include AA, AS, AAS programs, Workforce and Technical Certificates

7. Special Diploma or Certificate of Completion To attend college courses, the student would need to enroll in Adult Basic Education classes to earn their GED You may be able to attend Vocational Certificate Programs if you have satisfactorily met the entrance requirements for the program and taken the TABE test prior to entry into the program We offer both Adult Basic Education and TABE remedial courses to assist you in this process TABE Waiver

8. Dual Enrollment (Duval and Nassau County) Dual enrollment is an option that allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school – Dual enrollment is handled by the designated campus dual enrollment counselor – A high school representative must submit an application packet to the College designated campus dual enrollment counselor

9. Getting Ready for College Documentation: You must provide the Disability Services office with documentation of your disability by self-identifying to the college Self-Advocacy: There are many resources available to all students, but you must be willing to discuss your needs and concerns to access assistance Utilize Resources: It is important to develop good study skills and take advantage of the resources that are available on college campuses

10. Documentation of Disability Documentation should be current-usually less than three years old Documentation needs to be comprehensive and establish that you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities Documentation will be reviewed with the student. Accommodations are determined based on the documentation presented

11. Learning Self-Advocacy Know yourself and your disability Be able to explain your disability to others Be able to explain needed compensatory strategies Take initiative and communicate

12. Utilizing Resources: Study Skills and College Success Students with disabilities have to meet the same academic requirements as all students enrolled in the class. Success in College depends on: Hard work Persistence Development of strong study skills – Take a college course on study skills – There are numerous books that explain good study habits Develop good time management skills

13. How to attend college? Complete an application to the College Request a copy of your High School transcripts be sent to college Register with the Office for Students with Disabilities for accommodations for placement test or courses Take SAT, ACT or CPT for placement scores Attend orientation Meet with an advisor and register for classes

14. Other Tidbits Return to the Disability Services office for accommodation requests every semester – Speak to your professors about necessary accommodations prior to your initial class meeting Pay tuition and fees by payment deadline Complete application for financial aid Parking decals are free and may be picked up at the campus security office Obtain your student identification card Work Hard and Have FUN!!!

15. Disability Services Contacts Downtown Campus904-633-8488 Voice or TDD Kent Campus904-381-3500 Voice or TDD North Campus904-766-6784 Voice or TDD South Campus904-646-2191 Voice or TDD Program Director904-632-5007