Going To College What Parents Need to Know & Do

Lori BrielResearch Associate

VCU Center on Transition InnovationsJune 18, 2015

Importance of Higher Education for Employment

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2011) the number of young adults (25-34) who were employed full time:

• 48% without a high school diploma

• 59% with some college

• 65% with an associate’s degree

• 71% with a bachelor’s degree or higher

Importance of Higher Education for EmploymentYouth who participated in inclusive postsecondary education:

Data Set: RSA 911

Migliore, A., Butterworth, J., & Hart, D. (2009). Postsecondary Education and Employment Outcomes for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities. Fast Facts Series, No. 1. Boston, MA: Institute for Community Inclusion

Why Attend College?

“I wish to seek full time employment so I can become financially independent. Ultimately I would like to have my own home.”

Why Attend College?

“I would like to participate in VCU ACE IT in College because I think it will help me get a better job. It will give me something else to do besides watching TV and maybe I can make some friends.”

# 1 Be Aware of Trends in Higher Education

First Year Movement Experience

• Student engagement and retention

• Collaborative and shared learning communities

Use of Technology• Online processes and classes

• Electronic communication and digital resources

# 2 Review “Going To College” Resource with your family member

going-to-college.org

# 3 Accept a New Role for Parents

• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• No access to student grades

• No communication with instructors

• Tuition bills are accessed by student

# 4 Get College Accommodations From the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office • Learn the process

• Start early

• Have recent medical documentation of the disability with recommended accommodations for learning in college

• Get letters for faculty each semester

• Students monitor accommodations

Sample Accommodations• Extended time on tests

• Alternate format books

• Scribe or reader for tests

• Recording device for lectures

• Use of calculator

• CTI College Accommodation Fact Sheet

# 5 Keep High Expectations For Your Son or Daughter

• Maintain academics

• Participate in one student club

• Volunteer in community

• Hands On Greater Richmond

• Encourage early work experiences

# 6 Talk Straight about Disability

• Break down the label into “layman’s” terms

• What does this mean in everyday life?

• What is helpful to promote success?

Acceptance of Disability

• Disability is only one aspect of an individual

• Disability is one form of diversity

• Find role models

• Accepting Disability

# 7 Use the College Career Centers

• Many offer “menu-type” services that require initiation by student

• Counselor: student ratio

• Workshops (Resume express, Interview tips, etc)

• Attend College Career Fairs

• If your FAFSA is awarded by March 1st of the prior year, check out Work Study

• Work CO-OP (based on GPA and interview)

• Ask about the federal Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

# 8 Pay Attention to Scheduling Classes

• Take advantage of Priority Registration!

• Consider:

• Course load

• Course type/style

• Time of day

# 9 When Choosing a College, Consider the In School Predictors

The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) has identified 16 evidence-based predictor categories that are correlated with improved post-school outcomes in employment, education and independent living (Test, Mazzotti, Mustian, Fowler, Kortering, and Kohler, 2009).

In-School Predictors of Post-School Success

Evidence-Based Secondary Predictors and Suggested Supporting Evidence-Based Practices. (2013, January 1). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from www.nsttac.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdf/pdf/ebps/PredictorPPT_Jan2013.pdf

Choosing a College

• Compare across types of programs: • 2 yr vs 4 yr

• DSS Supports

• Specialized program

• Talk with students

• Visit college fairs

• VA Colleges

VA’s 5 PSE for Students with ID

Mason Life - Learning Into Future Environments

masonlife.gmu.edu

Program for Adults in Vocational Education (PAVE)

www.reynolds.edu/student_services/accommodations/pave.aspx#

On Campus Transition Partnership

www.thinkcollege.net/component/programsdatabase/program/26

On Campus Transition Program

www.thinkcollege.net/component/programsdatabase/program/121

VCU’s ACE-IT in College

School of Education Certificatewww.aceitincollege.org

Certificate Requirements

• A five semester program

• 20-24 credits (4 required courses and 4 electives)

• One credit internship semester

• Campus and community employment

• Volunteer hours and campus activities

# 10 Prepare for Life Long Learning

“The only thing constant in life is change” François de la Rochefoucauld 1630-1680

“What I learned about myself from this class is that I’m a lot more creative than I thought before taking this class.”

College student, 2014

Rachel’s Blog for Curiousness Class

Resources

• Going to College A Resource for Teens with Disabilities www.going-to-college.org

• Collaborative Career Planning for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders worksupport.com/ccp

• Think College www.thinkcollege.net