Wrightslaw http://www.wrightslaw.com/ I like many parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys depend on Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. 

As many know, IDEA does not follow a child into post-secondary programs yet students do have rights and protections under Section 504 and ADA.

Check out the current issue of The Special Ed Advocate  and you willl find information and resources about college and continuing education, accommodations after high-school, and self-advocacy.

Going to College – http://www.going-to-college.org/

As a mom of three young adults, all with special challenges, I know that going to college and leaving home for the first time can be exciting, scary and challenging. Our children can look forward to it and worry about it at the same time.  As a parent, my emotions have soared high and low as I have contemplated life with my two oldest living several hours away from us.  This is a major transition and it can be is a difficult transition for your son or daughter and for you as well.

As parents, we have helped our children to receive the resources and supports that he or she has needed and now as they get ready for this transition, we must step back and let our youth step forward.  Services are no longer spelled out in Individualized Education Plan and we must depend our teens to voice their needs, share their strengths, and get the supports that they need.

 
“Going to College” has proven to be a great online resource in our house.  It is designed for teens with disabilities and helps them to prepare for it.  I have used it myself and it has given me much food for thought.  I have sat next to my daughter and we have learned together what helps to make college life successful for those with learning differences.

Preparing for College – While in High School -

To Do Lists:  http://www.going-to-college.org/planning/list.html

I love these year to year guides.  These lists can make life manageable.  There is much to learn and it is sorted sequentially. Special education educators, parents and teens will gain much in connecting to this source.  As they grow, inch by inch, year by year, our children can gather the resources and knowledge to help them succeed in college using these planning instruments.