Helping Your Child Obtain College Accommodations
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As your child prepares for a university, community college, trade school, or online courses, it is crucial to encourage them to request the accommodations they need to access their education, especially if they are blind or have low vision. Mastering this self-advocacy skill ensures that they receive the necessary accommodations for academic and social success.
Choosing the Right Path
Not every learner needs a four-year degree. Explore community colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs such as nursing, computer support, or HVAC technician courses. These options often require less time and are less costly. Many of these options offer online classes and industry certifications that lead directly to in-demand careers.
When evaluating any program, contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (or equivalent) to understand the support they provide:
- Accessibility of Campus or Platform: Ensure that physical campuses have any necessary braille signage and are free from obstacles. For online programs, confirm that materials are compatible with screen readers and include audio descriptions.
- Supportive Technology: Check if the institution provides or allows loaner devices, software licenses, and tech support aligned with your child’s existing tools.
- Experienced Staff: Look for disability service teams familiar with visual impairments and online accommodation processes. Your child can create a document to share with staff on how to make any necessary accommodations.
- Community and Peer Networks: Investigate clubs for students with blindness or low vision, mentorships, and online forums where your child can connect with others.
- Feedback from Current Students: Encourage your child to reach out to alums or others within the field in which they are interested. Learn about their personal experiences and the real-world accessibility and career outcomes.
Communicating with Instructors
Once enrolled in your classes, lecture style, lab, or virtual online classroom, encourage your child to proactively introduce themselves to each instructor:
- Clear Introduction Email: Explain their visual needs, the assistive technologies they rely on, and preferred formats (e.g., digital text vs. scanned PDFs).
- Meeting to Discuss Supports: Recommend your child schedule a short video call or office visit to review course materials and agree on accommodations, such as extended test time or arrangements for accessing tactile graphics and other necessary materials.
Five Tips for Effective Communication
Remind your son or daughter to communicate their needs assertively. Convey the following five communication tips for requesting college accommodations:
- Be Clear and Concise: Specify exactly which accommodations are needed (e.g., “I need alt text for images”).
- Offer Solutions: Recommend accessible formats or apps that help (e.g., using Learning Management Systems that integrate with screen readers).
- Set Regular Check-ins: Plan brief biweekly or monthly meetings to adjust supports.
- Educate on Challenges: Share examples of past successes and hurdles, so instructors understand the “why” behind requests.
- Express Gratitude: A simple thank-you email encourages a positive, collaborative relationship.
Handling Difficult Situations
Resistance can happen, even with legal mandates in place. Encourage your child to:
- Document Everything: Save emails, accommodation letters, and meeting notes.
- Seek Peer Support: Join student disability organizations for advice and solidarity.
- Utilize Formal Processes: Learn the college’s grievance or appeal procedures for accommodations.
- Stay Professional: Approach conflicts calmly and factually.
- Escalate When Needed: If the issue remains unresolved, involve the Dean of Students or the legal services office.
A Final Note
Self-advocacy requires courage, persistence, and resilience. With the right tools, such as understanding their rights, knowing how to make their learning accessible, and a strong support network, your child’s voice will carry them through any program, from a certification course to a four-year degree.
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