Will my child’s college or university have support services for students with disabilities?

Exploring the university or college’s office of disability support services will give you and your student insight to which services are going to be provided. If you are unable to contact them directly, all questions can be answered through the admissions office.

How can I help my child make the transition from high school to college?

• Going to Collegeopens in new window , sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University, is designed to help high school students with disabilities plan for college.
• The Student Loungeopens in new window , designed by the University of Washington specifically for students with disabilities, has a variety of links aimed at preparing for and then succeeding in college.
• The Center for Parent Information and Resourcesopens in new window
• 7 Steps for Success: High School to College Transition Strategies for Students With Disabilitiesopens in new window , by E. C. Hamblet, 2011, Arlington, Virginia: Council for Exceptional Children.
• Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students With Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Success and Educational Revolutionopens in new window , by J. Mooney and D. Cole, 2000, New York, NY: Touchstone.
• Survival Guide for College Students With ADHD or LDopens in new window , by K.G. Nadeau, 2006, Washington, D.C.: Magination Press.
• College Success for Students With Physical Disabilitiesopens in new window , by C.W. Tiedemann, 2012, Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.

When my child decides where to apply for admission, should we visit the campuses?

Yes, absolutely. Your child should make it a point to explore any college her or she is interested in attending to learn how to navigate from place to place and identify any unexpected barriers they might encounter.

Should I speak to my child’s professors about his or her particular needs?

Generally speaking, no, you should not intervene. Most schools require a signed release from students permitting discussion between parents and faculty. Your child should be learning how to become their own advocate.

What about grades, studying and choosing a major? How involved should I be?

The first year in college is a big change. It is normal for students to struggle a little, so discussing academic supports and expectations the summer before school starts can be beneficial. Encourage your child to be responsible for their education.

I want to check in on my child to make sure everything is okay, but I don’t want to turn into a “helicopter parent,” either. What can I do?

Arranging a specific time to communicate during the week with your student and using social media, email and instant messaging can also be used to keep in touch.

When I talk to my child, what should I ask about?

Asking general questions about what their learning, what the food is like and their living situation is okay. Listening to and encouraging them to do better is effective.

Additional resources can be:

• Students With Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your rights and Responsibilitiesopens in new window
• Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educatorsopens in new window  includes helpful information for you and your student.
• National Center on Secondary Education and Transitionopens in new window
• Health Resources Center at the National Youth Transitions Centeropens in new window  is an online clearinghouse on postsecondary education for people with disabilities.
• Thinking About Disability Identity, by D.S. Dunn and S. Burcaw, November 2013, Spotlight on Disability, Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Additional Resources

All college students should seek out their campus resources as soon as possible. A few include:

• Campus Police
  Campus police can assist with understanding how to stay safe on campus.
• University/ College Counseling Center
    These centers can assist a student maintain a healthy well-being while in college.
• Title IX Coordinators
  These individuals assist students who have been sexually assaulted on campuses. If your campus does not have a Title IX coordinator make sure your student contacts the Dean of Student Affairs before the semester starts to identify who will handle such inquiries.
• Disability Resources Office
  This office can work with students to identify accommodations and assistive technology needs the student may have in college.

Is Your Student Interested in Psychology?

The American Psychological Association is a great place to learn about the discipline of psychology. APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives.” To learn about the discipline of psychology and the scope of APA, visit the organization’s website.

Use these resources to navigate your future in psychology:

• Psychology Student Network
• American Psychological Association of Graduate Students

To see what resources APA has available for people with disabilities, please visit the website of Disability Issues in Psychology.