Parent Learning Series

When exploring colleges, students and families are inundated with information that complicates comparing and contrasting schools as well as supportive resources for students who learn differently. Using the “College Match Scale,” participants will explore methods of evaluating college services based on intensity of support, quality of resources, and perceived student need to guide more informed post-secondary decisions.

COVID has impacted every aspect of the college transition process, most importantly, how families physically can visit, explore, and assess college fit for a student who learns differently. In relying heavily on virtual visits, families often complete the process with unanswered questions prior to entry. This session explores methods of evaluating marketing materials and essential questions families should consider when exploring colleges during the age of COVID.

College affordability ranks of one of parents’ biggest concerns. Parents often perceive the financial aid process as daunting and many are unfamiliar with other supportive resources including Vocational Rehabilitation / Department of Rehabilitation Services. This session explores the financial aid process, and provides a timeline to understand deadlines and navigation tips.

College disability services professionals often discuss the difficulties parents have in relinquishing their role as their child’s lead advocate when the student enters college. Often, parents learn “this is the law” without a full explanation of the differences between college and high school policies. This session explores the major differences between IDEA and ADA, and describes common policies, including FERPA, to enhance parent understanding of the collegiate legal landscape.

Parents often are uninformed about their rights during final years of high school, especially as it pertains to transition planning, evaluations, and support. This sometimes leaves families unsure of the best post-secondary track, or in other cases, without necessary documentation to ensure post-secondary success. This session focuses on best practices associated with closing out relationships with secondary schools, whether that be through annual IEP meetings or transitional conferences.