Disability Services: High School and New Students Information

High School and New Students Information

If you are a high school student who is considering college, you may be asking yourself, "What do I need to do?" Whether you choose RACC or another school, you should consider these steps below.

  1. Research each school to determine the services available to you as a student with a disability. Do the programs provide good academic support and will the accommodations you need be provided as specified by ADA?
  2. Make an appointment with the disability services personnel on campus to discuss the support system as well as the availability of tutoring. Visit the tutorial center and talk to the students.
  3. Make certain you have a relatively current diagnosis of your disability to submit to the college. Some schools have specific requirements about how current documentation should be. Schools may require this documentation of your disability before accommodations are provided for your coursework.
  4. Meet with your guidance counselor or support teachers at school to discuss your strengths and weaknesses as a student. Understand your disability. Be prepared to discuss strategies and accommodations that will enable you to access your coursework at your new school.
  5. Ask about priority or early scheduling of classes for students with disabilities. Often colleges prefer that students requiring accommodations register early so everything is in place prior to the start of the term. This is especially important for students requiring books to be scanned for use with software or ordered in alternate format.
  6. If you require extended time for testing, inquire about the procedure for this accommodation. Does the college have an area designated that provides a good testing environment?
  7. Get to know the disability services staff. They are there to help you access your coursework. They cannot ensure your success; the work must be done by YOU!
  8. Review this chart of Significant Differences Between High School and College

If you decide to attend RACC, here is a general student checklist to follow:

  1. Apply to RACC online.
  2. Follow the Admissions process to become a RACC student.
  3. Follow the Advising process to get enrolled in classes.
  4. When you have a class schedule, meet with a disability staff person to discuss appropriate accommodations.
  5. Review and follow the step-by-step Admission and Registration Procedures for Students with Disabilities.