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Students with Special Needs. Transition from High School to College Patty Jacobsen Coordinator of Disability Services Text in blue is directly hyperlinked to web pages. Welcome to Hartwick College. You are about to embark on an exciting journey!
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Students with Special Needs Transition from High School to College Patty Jacobsen Coordinator of Disability Services Text in blue is directly hyperlinked to web pages
Welcome to Hartwick College You are about to embark on an exciting journey! “Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey.” “ To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”
Questions during the Journey • Should I disclose my special needs and request classroom accommodations? • Are the services and support at college different than high school? • Will instructors judge me differently if I request academic accommodations? • What are the support services available for me at Hartwick?
Should I disclose my special needs? Students may have received a myriad of services and accommodations in high school. When they get to college they tend to want their social, emotional and academic freedom. While it is admirable to take those steps towards independence, there is a difference in how students can exhibit that independence. A real show of independence is knowing your capabilities and when to get assistance. Students don’t have to disclose unless they are requesting academic accommodations.
How are college services different than high school? High School Free & appropriate education, IDEA applies School responsible for providing education and special help College Right to accessibility & non discrimination Student responsible for their learning and accessing services and accommodations
How are college services different than high school? High School Parents involved Teachers advocate for students College Communication to the student, not to the parent Student advocates for themselves
How are college services different than high school? High School Required to provide services & document student’s use College Required to provide service when certain provisions are met Not required to provide a service that has not been requested or is deemed “unreasonable”
Instructors’ Comments Iadmire students who are able to manage their disabilities, rather than let their disabilities manage them. I and my faculty colleagues understand how difficult that effort can be, and so we’re always willing to help. Robert Bensen, Professor of English & Director of Writing How wonderful it is when students are honest with themselves and take action to help themselves grow and achieve! Mary-Anne Ross, Instructor in Music Successful students in my class are ones who work to the best of their abilities, request assistance in a timely fashion and demonstrate that they are doing their part in the learning process. I understand that “best of one’s abilities” is different for individual students, and I am very willing to work with all students to help them achieve their academic goals. Edythe Ann Quinn, Chair, History Department Successful students in my class are those who participate in every class and put a real effort into understanding the homework assignments. I admire students who aren’t put off by initial difficulty with a subject but persevere and learn it in the end. Karl Seeley, Assistant Professor of Economics
More Instructors’ Comments Successful students in my class take responsibility for their own success. I admire students who thoughtfully adopt all the strategies they know they will need in order to learn well. I have greater respect for students who acknowledge their own, specific learning needs, without feeling embarrassed about it, and who do what is necessary to get the appropriate accommodations & support. They are being realistic, and I see this as a sign of maturity and good faith toward their education. I am actually more frustrated with the students who do not declare their disabilities right up front, because they make it harder for me to do my job and teach them well.Cherilyn Lacy, Associate Professor of History I really appreciate it when students with disabilities tell me right away about their situation. I'm here to partner with ALL students to help them reach their potential! I know it can take a lot of courage to approach a new professor with something personal but it is so worth it for everyone involved. Betsy Bloom, Assistant Professor of Education
What services are available? Learning Support Services at the Loft Counseling Center For All Students Career Development & Education Writing Center
Support AccommodationsBased on documented individual needs Advocacy aid Books on tape-RFBD Loan of CD Player Alternative print formats Extended time on exams Note takers Use of tape recorder
Support AccommodationsBased on documented need and individual needs • Use of word processor for exams • Reader/scribe during exams • Possible course substitution for foreign language requirement • Use of Kurzweil Reading Program
So what do I do if I need accommodations? Complete a Voluntary Disclosure Form Submit appropriate documentation The Coordinator of Disability Services reviews documentation and suggests appropriate accommodations if needed Student meets with the Coordinator at the beginning of each semester
What should I do this summer? Know your strengths & difficulties and be able to articulate them Continue to read & write Explore screen reader programs Explore Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Purchase organizational materials: color coded notebooks/folders, post it notes, highlighters, portable file folder box, bulletin board, wall calendar
Questions? Patty Jacobsen 607-431-4546 Jacobsenp@hartwick.edu Students with Special Needs