Students have several choices after their high school graduation. These choices apply to students with and without disabilities. Students will make choices regarding
·
Higher Education
·
Employment
·
Transportation
·
Independent Living
·
Community Involvement
In this post, we will discuss opportunities for higher education
for students with disabilities in Tennessee.
Continuing education after high school may improve academic skills and various
skills needed for independence and self-advocacy.
Types of Higher Education
Higher education is education students receive after they complete
high school. This education may take
place at a community college, a four-year university, vocational-technical
school, a two-year program at a four-year university, or job training through
Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC).
The options available to students with disabilities will be largely
determined by the diploma(s) they have received at the end of their high-school
career.
Planning for Higher Education
Planning for education after high school is an important
step. If students are pursuing an
academic option at a four-year university, whether they are choosing the four-year
degree program or two-year certificate option, families will need to consider
the cost. Families may meet with the
high school counsellor to discuss TN Promise obligations, scholarship options,
and FASFA deadlines. The same rules
apply for vocational-technical schools.
Start reviewing locations and classes offered prior to high school
graduation. If job training through TRC
is a consideration, meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation counsellor to discuss
assessments needed and courses of interest.
The amount of personal support needed may need to be considered for some
students living on or off campus.
Rights and responsibilities
change after High School
Student rights and responsibilities change after high school. After high school students are no longer
supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Colleges offer accommodations but the student
will need to meet with the Disability Services department to determine what accommodations
will be needed. Two-year programs at
four year colleges offer modified curriculum.
These courses are certificate courses, not degree courses.
Disability Disclosure in College
Students may receive
accommodations in college. However, they
will need to self-advocate for needed accommodations. Under IDEA schools were responsible for
identifying the supports needed by students.
After high school, students are responsible for letting the school know
what supports they will need. Students
will not receive accommodations unless they advocate for themselves.
Communication in College
Communication in college is the
student’s responsibility. The school is
not responsible for assuming they know how to best instruct the student. It is never too early for students to start
self-advocating.
College
fairs and tours are offered for students and families to see campuses and learn
more about daily life offered by a campus.
Students may also be interested in participating in job-opportunities
and extra-curricular opportunities on campus, as well. Ask questions during your visit!
Additional
Resources
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