Information for Parents

What your college students need to know ---
The best gift parents can give their college-age daughters and sons is self-determination. Young adults must know how to take care of themselves, solve problems, and develop self-advocacy skills as they make the transition from high school to college.

A college student with a disability must be able to:

- Describe their disability and its impact in academic settings

- Schedule - and keep - appointments

- Take any needed medications at prescribed times

- Work with others to request and arrange their accommodations

When students enroll in college, they are considered responsible adults by faculty and staff. The expectations are that they will assume responsibilities for meeting their class requirements. Another student responsibility is that of self-advocacy. Students must become adept at realistically assessing and understanding their strengths, weaknesses, needs, and preferences. Also, they must become experts at communicating this information to other adults including instructors and service providers.

Although services will be available to students through an office specializing in services to students with disabilities, students will be responsible for seeking these services and supports. Good communication skills and knowledge about oneself become crucial to success in college.



Resources and Links:
Differences in the Law for High School and College (pdf)

A Parent's Guide to College (pdf)

Tools-for-College (pdf)

Information about Disabilities (pdf)

Role of Disability Services (pdf)

MNSCU Disability Services

Financial Aid

TRIO

ACE