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	11/14/97

How can I help special needs students plan for college?

Q: Many special needs high school students want to attend college, but don't think they are "college material." What can guidance counselors do to help?

There are many colleges, universities and technical schools which provide excellent support services for special needs students. However, such support is not automatic. High school counselors need to produce current documentation of the student's disability, to include recent evaluation results and written reports describing the recommended accommodations. Otherwise, prospective students usually follow standard admissions procedures.

Useful resources for high school staff, parents and students:

Peterson's Guide to Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities (book) -

AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability)

Regarding accommodations for the learning disabled athlete:
"Connections: Straight Talk About School," sponsored by the NCAA
If adjustment difficulties arise while in college, encourage students to seek counseling or to join a peer support group on campus.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.
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