COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AND SUPPORT

4 Year Colleges

Most colleges and universities provide some level of services and/or accommodations for students with disabilities. Contact the office at the college that oversees student support services before you start school. Learn about what supports they offer. Some schools offer more than others. You need to know what the school expects you to do as well as what the school can do to support you. Understanding your rights and responsibilities will help you enjoy college.

Technical Schools

The Technical College System of Georgia oversees the state’s 22 Technical Colleges with 88 campus locations across the state and over 600 programs. You will need to contact the Special Needs Counselor at your college in order to receive classroom accommodations. Typically, this must be done each and every semester you attend the technical college.

🎓 College Tips & Tools

For Students with Disabilities and Their Families

College is different from high school — but with the right tools and planning, students with disabilities can be successful and independent learners.

📌 Before Applying to College

✔ Know the Difference: High School vs. College

  • In high school, supports are automatically provided

  • In college, students must ask for accommodations

  • Colleges follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), not IDEA

  • IEPs do not transfer to college, but documentation is still important

✔ Choose the Right College

When looking at colleges, consider:

  • Does the school have a Disability Support Services (DSS) office?

  • Are tutoring, mentoring, or academic coaching available?

  • What is the campus size and class size?

  • Is there housing and transportation support?

👉 Tip: Technical colleges and smaller campuses often offer more individualized support.

🧠 Self-Advocacy Skills for Students

Students should practice:

  • Explaining their disability and needs

  • Emailing instructors professionally

  • Asking for help early

  • Managing time and deadlines

  • Keeping track of assignments

🧭 College Visits: What to Ask

When visiting a college, ask:

  • How do students request accommodations?

  • What documentation is required?

  • Are tutoring and mental health services available?

  • What support is available for first-year students?

  • Is there help with career planning or internships?

🧰 Tools to Use During the Application Process

📄 Helpful Documents to Gather

Students should keep copies of:

  • Most recent IEP or 504 Plan

  • Psychoeducational evaluation

  • Medical or psychological documentation

  • High school transcript

  • Assistive technology reports (if used)

🗂 College Application Checklist

☐ Research colleges
☐ Visit campuses (in person or virtual)
☐ Apply for admission
☐ Complete the FAFSA
☐ Meet application deadlines
☐ Apply for housing (if needed)

♿ Requesting Accommodations in College

✔ How to Get Accommodations

  1. Contact the Disability Support Services (DSS) Office

  2. Submit required documentation

  3. Meet with a DSS coordinator

  4. Request accommodations each semester

Examples of college accommodations:

  • Extended time on tests

  • Note-taking assistance

  • Preferential seating

  • Reduced-distraction testing environment

  • Assistive technology

👉 Important: Professors do not automatically know a student needs accommodations.

📅 Tools for College Success

📝 Time Management Tools

  • Digital calendars (Google Calendar, phone reminders)

  • Weekly planners

  • Assignment tracking apps

  • Setting alarms for class and study time

📚 Academic Support Tools

  • Campus tutoring centers

  • Writing labs

  • Study groups

  • Academic coaching or advising

  • Office hours with professors

💻 Assistive Technology Tools

Common tools students may use:

  • Speech-to-text or text-to-speech software

  • Audio books

  • Smart pens

  • Organization and task-management apps

accommodations and Support