Going to college is a major step in your life
involving new responsibilities and independence. Successful college
students with disabilities possess many of the skills listed below. How
about you? Take the inventory and discover the skills and attitudes you
need to develop.
Can I clearly explain my special talents and abilities?
Can I describe my disability so that someone else understands my strengths and limitations?
Do I have copies of the evaluations that document the current impact of my disability? Do I understand and can I discuss the content of these reports?
Can I describe my disability history and explain the diagnosis?
Can I explain how I learn and how I compensate in the areas where I have difficulty?
Can
I describe the types of academic adjustments, accommodations and
services appropriate for me in various classroom settings and in my
living environment, if needed?
In the past, have I used similar academic adjustments, accommodations and services to those I need in college?
Do I know where, how and when to apply for disability services at college?
Am I prepared (academically, emotionally and socially) for the challenges college has to offer?
Do I take regular college preparatory courses, modified courses or individualized courses?
Am I ready to live away from home, to manage my finances, to take care of my health and to manage my academic and leisure time?
Do I seek assistance for academic and other problems when needed?
Do I know how to advocate for myself?
Do I accept that it may take me longer to graduate from college than my friends?
Do I understand that I might have to study harder than my friends?
Do
I understand that college is a challenge and that dealing with
temporary frustrations is part of being an ordinary college student?
Do
I know my long-term goals? Am I beginning this life-changing process
with some career goals? Do I have some idea about how I want to earn a
living?
Am I a good problem solver?
Do I know and understand my legal rights?
Adapted from Virginia’s College Guide for Students with Disabilities (2003 Edition). Available at http://www.pen.k12.va.us