Office of Services for Students with Disabilities

• High School vs College
• Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD): Resources for students and parents

Here are some considerations for you as your child transitions to West Chester University

• Parents may not request accommodations and/or services on behalf of their student; students must request their own accommodations and/or services.
• Students have new freedoms and new responsibilities and must make decisions on their own.
• Students must manage their own time and arrange their own schedules.
• Students must seek out assistance and campus resources.
• Students must develop strategies and learn how to advocate for themselves.
• Accommodations provided in high school may not necessarily be appropriate at the postsecondary level.

At postsecondary institutions students have the responsibility to:

• Self-identify or disclose their disability to the designated office for disability services.
• Provide documentation from an appropriate professional source that verifies the nature of the disability, functional limitations, and the need for specific accommodations.
• Act as independent adults and use appropriate self-advocacy skills.
• Arrange for and obtain their own personal assistant, tutoring, and individually designed assistive technologies.

Postsecondary institutions are not required to:

• Reduce or waive any of the essential requirements of a course or program.
• Conduct testing and assessment of learning, psychological or medical disabilities.
• Provide personal assistants.
• Provide personal or private tutoring.
• Prepare Individualize Education Plans (IEPs).

Important Things to Remember

Students who attend college are considered to be adults, protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). OSSD staff cannot talk to parents about the student's academic activities. Parents need to talk to the student directly about disclosing disabilities and requesting accommodations.

How Parents Can Help Their Student

• Listen and provide support and consultation, but give your student the space to figure it out on their own. Resist the urge to "fix" the problem.
• Encourage them to make connections. Direct your student to talk with the OSSD, their professors, their academic advisor, and other individuals who can assist them while at West Chester University.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the learning process; allow them to learn from their experiences.
• Help promote your student's self-advocacy by encouraging them to set their own goals and take ownership of their education.

Summer Transition and Enrichment Program (S.T.E.P.)

First year students, along with their parents/guardians, are invited to attend our annual Summer Transition and Enrichment Program in July.  The program is designed to assist students in making a successful transition to WCU while providing pertinent information to parents/guardians.

Students who are interested in attending may register by contacting our office before the 2nd week in July.