View Full Version : Going to postsecondary? Identify yourself early


scuro
08-27-05, 07:29 PM
Here is a link to a local college and why students with ADHD should let the insitution know they have a disability.


Attention: Students with Disabilities
(Learning, Medical, Psychological, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, Low Vision, Mobility, Physical, Brain Injury)

Why should I identify myself to the disability services office?

* You identify early so that accommodations can be in place prior to school starting in September or January.
* Examples of accommodations (extra time for exams, quiet space)

What services are available at Fanshawe College for disability services students? Examples:

* Counselling (academic, disability, personal and career)
* A test writing centre offering extended time, quiet space, tape recorded exams, scribes, readers, as recommended by our staff
* Learning strategists, tutors
* Disability Services Computer Lab (Kurzweil, Dragon, JAWS, WordQ, Inspiration, etc.)
* Visit www.fanshawec.ca/disability/ for detailed information.

EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF YOUR DISABILITY IS CRITICAL!
Identifying yourself does not affect your college application.

Note: Many students want to try college on their own without using resources and many regret that decision. After mid-terms in October, some students find themselves in academic trouble, and then have to scramble to get services at a very busy time of year.

Resources in college are very different from high school; over 1200 students use our services. Once you have prepared for assistance, you choose what services you want to use and when you want to use them.

How do I identify myself as a student with a disability?

* Contact 452-4282 and make an appointment for an intake interview with Sandra Pretty.
* Do this well before school starts - the earlier the better (April, May, June, July is best) (Keep in mind that technology training dates may be scheduled for you during the months of July/August) This way you can learn the technology before school starts.

What documentation should I bring to the intake interview?

Bring examples to show the results of testing or assessments such as:

* IEP, IPRC, psychological and educational assessment reports, medical note from family physician

What happens at the intake interview?

* We complete an intake form for your file.
* We discuss your disability. You will be asked questions about your memory, reading, writing, note taking, study habits, test anxiety, homework as well as your organizational and time management skills.
* Based on your answers, we make referrals to the services you require to promote your success. We may refer you to computer training, tutors, bursary training sessions or financial aid.
* You will be given a tour of our facilities.
* The intake interview can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.
* Your parents are welcome to attend.
* All information remains confidential.

What happens after the intake interview?

* You may be referred to attend technology/strategy sessions during the months of July/ August. Once again, this allows you to learn the recommended software prior to starting school in September or January. You may also see a learning strategist to learn about effective ways of studying, reading, planning, etc. These are more reasons to IDENTIFY EARLY!
* A disability services counsellor will make sure that the accommodations you need are all in place for September or January and that you understand how to use the services. You can see your counsellor on a regular basis or on an as-needed basis.

QuiltingMarie
09-04-05, 10:28 PM
Hey. I'm in grad school to get my masters in special education. I definitely get services from my disability office. Its even more important with postgrad work- they expect so much from you! I only use testing accommodations of being in a distraction-reduced environment. Of course, the professors are usually really understanding, what with them teaching courses about learning disabilities and such. Marie

scuro
09-04-05, 11:05 PM
Good luck to you! I'm a Spec Ed. teacher, I think we bring something extra to the table when we service the public.

QuiltingMarie
09-05-05, 09:07 PM
I absolutely agree. I talk to the parents of my students with ADHD about my experiences. I think they enjoy knowing that I wasn't medicated until high school (they think all teachers want them to drug their children) and that I am very successful in life, professionally and personally. I know that in some of the discussions, a lot of adults don't discuss their ADHD with other adults in their lives. However, I don't mind people knowing. My principal really approves of my work, and the parents seem pleased. I think more teachers, both regular and special ed, should know what it feels like to be "different." Marie

scuro
09-05-05, 09:34 PM
I'm still not medicated beyond regular and consistent doses of coffee during the day. lol
I am able to hyperfocus on things that interest me and I hate failing at things....probably because I have failed at so many things. Thats why I can be "driven"...just ask the other board members. :)

mctavish23
09-05-05, 11:50 PM
Very well said scuro (as usual).

Im still doing half days Tues & Wednes., and one of the many things I have to do is finish the stack of letters to diffeernt school districts and the community college, in support of OHI accomodations (or 504,etc).