Get Ready for Fall!

Two people in beach wheelchairs under umbrellas, looking at ocean

from New Mobility magazine http://www.newmobility.com/2016/03/beach-wheelchairs/

It's all Fun in the Sun until someone says...
"Back to School."

GIF of Blackish star Anthony Anderson crying

from GIPHY

Don't worry, we'll help you prepare

We've pulled together information and resources from the NCCSD Clearinghouse and Training Center to help you get started - whether you're excited about Fall - or kicking and screaming!

Start with our Two-Minute Training, "Get Ready! Tips for Fall Semester"

Figuring Out Campus Accessibility - or -
"How Welcoming is my College to Students with Disabilities?"

While colleges and universities are required by law to make their buildings, programs and courses accessible, they are not consistent in how they do this. Some colleges are much better than others and have lots of services for disabled students. Others are behind the times or don't do a good job advertising what they have.
You can usually get a sense of how "welcoming" a college is to students with disabilities by checking out its website. Look for a "Disability Resources or Services" link on their homepage; a few schools have this. That will take you to a page that has more information for the programs and services it has for disabled students.
Most other colleges make it harder to find that information, even if they have a Disability Resource office. You can look in the Student Services, Campus Life or similar sections of the campus website. You can also do a search in the website's Search box for "disabilities." You'll usually find a link to the office that way. If all else fails, try looking for the Dean of Students office; they can usually help you.
If you are accepted at a college, you have rights, including a right to reasonable accommodations so that you can fully participate in classes and programs. Learn more about your civil rights from the Department of Education.

Picture of Group of students working on project to accompany our Getting Involved information

Check the Disability Resource Center page to understand what that office does at most colleges and universities.

Learn more about Disability Documentation in our Two-Minute Training, "Prove It!"

You might need tools and services - a/k/a "Accommodations" - to participate in your classes. Find out more about them at our Accommodations and Assistive Technology page.

Group of multi-cultural students in a campus building

Connect with other students on campus and beyond

College always seems to work out better when you can connect with other students. Find out if your campus has a student organization through the Campus Disability Organizations link at DREAM.

While you're there, see what DREAM does. It's a national, virtual student organization that offers information, connection, mentoring and more.

Maybe you just need some money - who doesn't?

Our Paying for College page has information about financial aid, scholarships for students with disabilities, and ideas for finding and maximizing your resources.