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Students with Disabilities
Finding a good match between student and support
program is an essential component of the college search process for
students with special learning needs and disabilities. Because legal
entitlements change dramatically at the college level, it is critical for students to develop
academic compensatory skills and identify post-secondary educational
programs that will meet their unique learning needs and styles.
More and more, colleges, universities and other post-secondary
institutions are offering targeted programs and support services for
students with learning disabilities, attention disorders, health
impairments, psychiatric disorders and other special learning
considerations. There are, however, important preparation strategies
and key application procedures that students need to understand and
follow in order to find the most suitable match – and learning how to
best navigate the higher education system can turn a confusing and
daunting situation into a winning, successful experience for all.
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"I wanted college to be more
than a matter of finding a good fit. I wanted to find a place
where I could play out my dreams, my values, and my life visions
. . . a place were I could meet people who were different and
who would introduce me to new worlds. Thank you for helping
fulfill my quest."
Michelle, a Junior at McGill
University |
Academic
Connections provides customized
solutions to help students with disabilities effectively transition to
and succeed in higher education. A series of private, personalized
coaching sessions is conducted, and includes combinations of the
following services, as needed:
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Complete review of educational and
diagnostic record
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Evaluation of IEP and Section 504
documents
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Assessment of academic strengths,
needs, and goals
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Career/Interest Inventory
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Current information on
educational/career programs and colleges
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A list of recommended
colleges/post-secondary programs
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Assistance with the application and
required essays
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Interviewing strategies and
techniques
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Recommendations for specific school
visitations
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Recommendations for specialized
support services and accommodations at post-secondary institution
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Financial aid and scholarship
information
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Recommendations for Psychological and educational
evaluations
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PPT Planning and Advocacy services
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Suggestions for PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation and tutoring
services
The preparation for, and the selection
of an appropriate college or post-secondary program are complicated
and stressful processes, and students with special learning needs
and/or disabilities face particularly frustrating challenges and
pressures. Finding the most suitable, educationally sound and socially
appropriate school can be an overwhelming experience for students and
their families Furthermore, the successful transition to higher
education requires an entirely new level of responsibility and
self-advocacy, as well as the development of critical, new
compensatory strategies.
Academic Connections provides expert
guidance, counsel, and advocacy for students and families every step
of the way through the college process.
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