DREAM vs. REALITY Is College All It’s Cracked up to be? CTEBVI, March 21, 2015 Betty Henry, Maureen Green, Sharon Sacks, & Jerry Kuns

Purpose of the Workshop To examine why students with visual impairments & their families choose college. To examine the skills needed to attend college. To understand the concept of eligibility versus entitlement. To discuss alternatives to college. To share personal stories about the college experience. 2

Three Types of Students 1.Independence-ready 2.Need time-limited rehabilitation services 3.Need extensive, ongoing services 3

Why Go to College? College degree = social success Greater potential for employment Skill training Next step in the education process Opportunity to meet peers College prepares students for life _______ 4

Basic Skills Needed for College Reading & math acquisition at the 7 th -8 th grade levels Time management skills Organization & study skills Ability to use technology independently Self-advocacy skills Positive social interaction skills 5

You’re Not in Kansas… Eligibility ≠Entitlement 6

IDEA K-12 College and ADA Success more of a rightNo guarantee. Student responsible for own success District identifies disabilityStudent provides documentation of disability and need for accommodation Free evaluation of disabilityStudent's responsibility District develops Individual Education Plan (IEP)Student identifies accommodation needs Entitled to services identified on IEP College services not automatic; each college decides eligibility and services District ensures that the IEP is implementedStudent responsible for own progress Teacher advocateStudent advocates for self Fundamental alterations to program of study permitted as identified on IEP None allowed: Accommodation may not alter fundamental nature of course or impose an undue burden on an institution Personal services: e.g., transportation, personal attendant, nurseNone provided 1 Differences between K-12* Education and College *The term K-12 refers to the years in school from kindergarten through the end of high school. 7

College Options 4-year college Community College Business or Trade school On the Job Training Volunteer Online training 8

Alternatives to College Attend community college for classes related to personal interest or recreation/leisure Vocational training programs Sheltered or supported employment 9

How Can Families & Professionals Help to Prepare Students for…whatever? The Expanded Core Curriculum is the key

What is needed for success? 11

Compensatory Academics Skills necessary for school success Concept development Organization skills Note-taking skills Listening skills Communication: proficient braille reading & writing Reading & math ability at least at 8 th grade level: ability to access & use abacus, scientific calculator 12

Orientation & Mobility Ability to travel using public transportation or para-transit Ability to learn routes in new environments, and ability to ask for assistance when lost Develop strategies for alternative assistance to travel on campus 13

Social Interaction How is college different from high school? Self-advocacy Asking for assistance in an assertive rather than passive or aggressive manner Finding peers who have similar interests Joining on-campus organizations Coping with stress & knowing where to find resources 14

Independent Living Time management – Keeping track of assignments, use of readers, managing materials & devices Financial management – Budgeting, banking, paying bills Preparation for living options & skills needed – Dorm, apartment with roommates, living alone Appearance & social presence 15

Recreation & Leisure Developing interest & hobbies Engaging in group or club activities Engaging in physical activities for health & wellness 16

Sensory Efficiency Knowledge of eye disease & ability to articulate needs to others Knowledge of using low vision aids & devices Demonstrating to others the use & efficiency of using low vision devices Know how to hire & fire a reader or scribe Knowing how to access disabled student services for support 17

Use of Technology Efficient keyboarding Knowing how to use & access screen readers on computers Knowing how to use IOS devices with accessibility features installed Knowing how to use Book Share or Reading Ally to obtain books & materials Knowing how to download & scan documents Knowing how to access & use the Internet 18

Career Education Access to volunteer opportunities Opportunities to participate in a range of career experiences Ability to communicate needs, and providing solutions for purchasing equipment & technology Ability to be on time & sustain a designated work period without fatigue 19

Self-determination Can you squeak up? 20

Self-determination #2 Star ladder 21

So what do you need to know? What to consider: Capacity and skills Interests How you like to learn Motivation and drive Financial realities Future plans Supports The path forward: Check services Shop colleges Meet staff Check with others 22

Department of Rehabilitation An Insider’s View What they will do… What they won’t do… When is the best time to connect with DOR? 16? 21? 23

Personal Experiences Maureen, Sharon, & Jerry 24

Questions & Answers How can we make the best decisions possible?