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Transitioning

Transitioning

From high school to college, students will face many challenges. However, for students with disabilities, the difficulties they encounter will be different.  In high school, the laws regarding accommodating students differ from the laws in college.  Therefore, it will be helpful for students to familiarize themselves with the main regulations protecting them, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended) and the Rehabilitation Act.  Once you understand how the laws can help you, you will be further able to advocate for yourself.  By taking matters into your own hands you will take on the responsibility of learning, and you will fully recognize what you need to do in order to be successful.

Advocacy

In college YOU are responsible for getting the help you need.  You must be willing to advocate for yourself to ensure your college experience is successful.  Planning in advance and managing your time wisely may be the most important factors in being a successful student.  Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) strives to enhance and improve communication, collaboration, and rapport between students with disabilities, the faculty, and the staff.  Being a good self advocate may be the most important first step to building a solid foundation into the college community. Remember to:

  • Know Yourself and Your Disability
  • Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
  • Know Where to Go for Help
  • Take Action

Also remember to keep these key ideas in mind:

  • Use time management
  • Develop a Routine
  • Know school policies and procedures
  • Work with your advisers and professors
  • Use resources and any assistance needed for disability management and coursework

A Comparison of  High School vs. College

                          High School                                                      College
Disability Laws
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended)
   • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973
• Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended)
Services         • Services delivered to the student
• Annual review & IEP
• Regular parent contact
• Entitlement law (IDEA)
• Educational and psychological testing
provided by school system
   • Eligibility for services determined
after admission to the institution
• Student must seek out services
• Services based on individual needs
• No annual review or IEP
• No parent contact
• Anti-discrimination law (ADA) and Section
504
Responsibilities      • Identify students with disabilities
• Provide a free and appropriate education
• Modify educational programs as needed
   • Inform students of office location and procedures for requesting accommodations
• Accept and evaluate verifying documentation.
• Protect student’s privacy and confidentiality
• Provide equal access to programs and services

Learning to Study

  • Be Organized
    • Use a daily planner
    • Look over syllabi from professors
    • Mark down all important due dates/ test dates
    • Prepare for an Exam
      • Ask professors the format of the exam
      • Study in advance (Don’t CRAM!)
      • Create your own notes, study from teachers notes
      • Read the text, break it down into smaller segments to understand better
      • Do practice tests, read over old tests and quizzes

Contact

Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)
Roscoe West Hall, Suite 202
The College of New Jersey
P.O. Box 7718
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628

609.771.3199

609.637.5082 FAX
arc@tcnj.edu

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New Students Starting in Fall 2024 -- wait to register with ARC until AFTER May 1st 2024
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