dream vs. reality is college all it’s cracked up to be? ctebvi, march 21, 2015 betty henry,...
TRANSCRIPT
DREAM vs. REALITY
Is College All It’s Cracked up to be?
CTEBVI, March 21, 2015Betty Henry, Maureen Green, Sharon Sacks, & Jerry Kuns
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Purpose of the Workshop
• To examine why students with visual impairments & their families choose college.
• To examine the skills needed to attend college.• To understand the concept of eligibility versus
entitlement.• To discuss alternatives to college.• To share personal stories about the college
experience.
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Three Types of Students
1. Independence-ready
2. Need time-limited rehabilitation services
3. Need extensive, ongoing services
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Why Go to College?• College degree = social success
• Greater potential for employment
• Skill training• Next step in the
education process• Opportunity to meet
peers• College prepares
students for life• _______• _______
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Basic Skills Needed for College
• Reading & math acquisition at the 7th -8th grade levels
• Time management skills• Organization & study skills• Ability to use technology independently• Self-advocacy skills• Positive social interaction skills
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You’re Not in Kansas…
Eligibility ≠Entitlement
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IDEA K-12 College and ADA
Success more of a right No guarantee. Student responsible for own success
District identifies disability Student provides documentation of disability and need for accommodation
Free evaluation of disability Student's responsibility
District develops Individual Education Plan (IEP) Student identifies accommodation needs
Entitled to services identified on IEP College services not automatic; each college decides eligibility and services
District ensures that the IEP is implemented Student responsible for own progress
Teacher advocate Student advocates for self
Fundamental alterations to program of study permitted as identified on IEP
None allowed: Accommodation may not alter fundamental nature of course or impose an undue
burden on an institutionPersonal services:
e.g., transportation, personal attendant, nurse None provided
Differences between K-12* Education and College*The term K-12 refers to the years in school from kindergarten through the end of high school.
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College Options
4-year college
Community CollegeBusiness or Trade
schoolOn the Job
Training
VolunteerOnline training
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Alternatives to College
• Attend community college for classes related to personal interest or recreation/leisure
• Vocational training programs• Sheltered or supported employment
How Can Families & Professionals Help to Prepare Students for…whatever?
The Expanded Core Curriculum is the key
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What is needed for success?
Compensatory Academics
O&M
Social Interaction
Independent Living
Recreation & Leisure
Sensory Efficiency
Use of Technology
Career Education
Self-determination
ExpandedCore
Curriculum
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Compensatory Academics
Skills necessary for school success
• Concept development• Organization skills• Note-taking skills• Listening skills• Communication: proficient braille reading & writing• Reading & math ability at least at 8th grade level: ability to access &
use abacus, scientific calculator
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Orientation & Mobility
Ability to travel using public transportation or para-transit
Ability to learn routes in new environments, and ability to ask for assistance when lost
Develop strategies for alternative assistance to travel on campus
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Social Interaction
How is college different from high school?• Self-advocacy• Asking for assistance in an assertive rather
than passive or aggressive manner• Finding peers who have similar interests• Joining on-campus organizations• Coping with stress & knowing where to find
resources
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Independent Living
• Time management– Keeping track of assignments, use of readers,
managing materials & devices• Financial management– Budgeting, banking, paying bills
• Preparation for living options & skills needed– Dorm, apartment with roommates, living alone
• Appearance & social presence
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Recreation & Leisure
• Developing interest & hobbies• Engaging in group or club activities• Engaging in physical activities for health &
wellness
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Sensory Efficiency
• Knowledge of eye disease & ability to articulate needs to others
• Knowledge of using low vision aids & devices• Demonstrating to others the use & efficiency
of using low vision devices• Know how to hire & fire a reader or scribe• Knowing how to access disabled student
services for support
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Use of Technology
• Efficient keyboarding• Knowing how to use & access screen readers
on computers• Knowing how to use IOS devices with
accessibility features installed• Knowing how to use Book Share or Reading Ally
to obtain books & materials• Knowing how to download & scan documents• Knowing how to access & use the Internet
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Career Education
• Access to volunteer opportunities• Opportunities to participate in a range of
career experiences• Ability to communicate needs, and providing
solutions for purchasing equipment & technology
• Ability to be on time & sustain a designated work period without fatigue
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Self-determination
Can you squeak up?
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Self-determination #2Star ladder
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So what do you need to know?
What to consider:• Capacity and skills• Interests• How you like to learn• Motivation and drive• Financial realities• Future plans• Supports
The path forward:• Check services• Shop colleges• Meet staff• Check with others
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Department of RehabilitationAn Insider’s View
• What they will do…• What they won’t do…
When is the best time to connect with DOR?
16? 21?
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Personal ExperiencesMaureen, Sharon, & Jerry
Questions & Answers
How can we make the best decisions possible?