Office of Educational Accessibility

Students with disabilities entering college need to be prepared for the transition to college, which includes being well informed about changes in their rights and responsibilities as well as the rights and responsibilities afforded by the university. A well informed student will enjoy the benefits of the post secondary education experience without confusion or delay.

Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact or visit the Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) in their junior or senior year of high school to find out more about disability services at the college level (see Information Sessions below).

There is often a misperception by students entering college and their parents that postsecondary schools have the same responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. While there are some similarities, the responsibilities of postsecondary schools are significantly different from those of school districts at the secondary level. Also, the responsibilities of students with disabilities are significantly different as well.

• Practice articulating some changes between high school and college
• Explain how these changes may impact you (e.g., how to disclose your disability; how to get disability-related services; what types of accommodations you may receive)
• Recognize that privacy laws in college prevent college staff from communicating with parents/guardians about students' disabilities, services and grades without written permission from the student

• Research college admissions requirements early in order to take appropriate college preparation courses in high school
• Recognize that students applying to college must meet the college’s standard admissions requirements (e.g., SAT scores, language requirements, etc.) regardless of disability
• If applicable, complete the process to request accommodations for college entrance examinations
• If desired, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore scholarship opportunities when applying for college
• Connect with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), if appropriate
• Tour college campuses to select the right environment for you (e.g., large student body vs. small/medium, rural environment vs. urban environment, class sizes, climate or temperature)

• Practice describing how your disability impacts you
• Don’t use a disability “label” if that makes you uncomfortable, but be able to talk about your strengths and your needs
• Be involved in IEP/504 meetings and decisions in high school
• Ask high school teachers if they can connect you to high school graduates who are currently in college to talk to them and learn from their experiences

• Practice explaining what academic accommodations you received in high school
• Describe how you benefit from your academic accommodations
• Consider establishing connections to medical care, both physical and emotional, local to your college to build support away from home
• Start using a planner or calendar to organize activities and academics
• Talk to school staff about learning and reading strategies
• Practice independent living skills (e.g., waking up independently, managing and budgeting money, preparing meals, managing medication independently, building awareness of college safety issues)

• Start a portfolio of documentation needed to get disability services in college
• Schedule and complete evaluations to determine college disability services eligibility prior to exiting high school
• Contact the OEA and inquire about establishing services and documentation guidelines prior to entering college
• Begin the disclosure process early so that your accommodations will be effective when your classes begin

• OEA Information Sessions are designed to provide general information about the OEA at West Chester University.  Although you may find the information quite detailed, we will not be able to review documentation, nor will we be able to commit to any accommodations until the student has been admitted to and enrolled at WCU 
• Sessions may include more than one family group; therefore, questions of a more personal nature and those relating to a diagnosis should be saved for the student’s one-on-one meeting with the OEA Director 
• Sessions are conducted by the OEA Director or the Accommodations Coordinator and will address topics that include How to Disclose, Documentation, and Student Support Services.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND A SESSION

• Tour the WCU campus prior to starting classes:  CLICK TO LEARN MORE
• Attend a New Student Orientation offered by WCU
• Explore college organizations, activities, and clubs offered to students

Coming soon!