HIGHER EDUCATION
RESOURCE GUIDE
for Students with Disabilities
Your Name
Links in this publication are current as of January 2020
For current links and to download a print PDF of this document: https://tcdd.texas.gov/resources/publications
HIGHER EDUCATION
RESOURCE GUIDE
Thinking Ahead 1
Getting Ready for Higher Education ......................................... 1
Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering .................................... 2
Employment and Career Goals: What You Want to Do Affects School Options ........ 3
Types of Schools and Special Options ....................................... 3
Can’t Afford School or Need a Break? ....................................... 4
Resources for Educators, Parents and Students 5
Selecting a School: The Application Process 7
Choose the Best School for You ............................................ 7
Admissions and Placement Testing ......................................... 8
College Applications, Essays and More ...................................... 8
Working with High School, Transition and Vocational Staff ....................... 9
Plan How to Pay for School ................................................10
Congratulations: You Are Accepted 11
Adjusting to Higher Education ..............................................11
Working with Disability Services and Other Supports ...........................11
Self-Advocacy and Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities ................13
Know the Law. ..........................................................13
What If You Don’t Get Accepted into a School? ................................14
Texas Schools, Colleges and Universities 15
Texas Colleges and Universities ............................................15
Vocational, Trade and Career Schools .......................................15
Online and National Schools, Colleges and Universities 16
Texas Colleges and Universities Disability Services Links 17
CONTENTS
N
ow more than ever, students with disabilities
have access to educational supports,
accommodations, and resources that assist
them in continuing their education beyond high
school and preparing for a career. But higher
education, also called postsecondary education,
is more than just job training. It opens doors
to new friendships, opportunities, experiences
and careers. It can broaden your abilities — both
socially and academically — while increasing
your independence, job choices, knowledge and
income.
Studies indicate that almost all colleges
are enrolling students with disabilities.
About 19.4% of college undergraduates are
considered individuals with disabilities (about
3,755,000 students nationwide). While schools
are becoming better skilled at supporting
individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, you may need to do research
to find a school that meets your needs and goals.
Designed for students with disabilities, this guide
also includes information for parents, as well
as teachers, counselors, and vocational and
transition staff (referred to here as Educators).
While this guide focuses mainly on attending
college, it also touches on other options, such
as online training as well as technical and trade
schools. Additional options include job training
programs, adult education programs, and new
transition models for students with disabilities.
Each section of this guide is broken into
subtopics that provide tips to help you prepare
for higher education and website links where
you can find more information. We are excited
by the many possibilities ahead and hope
this guide helps you on your journey.
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
INTRODUCTION
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 1
Thinking Ahead
I
t is never too soon to start planning for higher education. All schooling, from kindergarten through
high school, is designed to prepare all students for life after graduation. Now is a good time to
experience new things to see what you like, build skills, and start saving money — even if it is only a
small amount each month.
Getting Ready for Higher Education
The better prepared you are for higher education,
the easier it will be to be successful. Getting
prepared includes developing good study habits,
exploring educational options, considering how
you will pay for higher education, and thinking
about a career field. You also need to take the
classes and tests required by the school(s) you
want to attend. Please note, Texas high school
graduation plans require different classes, and
some graduation plans and class modifications
may restrict admission to some schools.
While in high school, prepare yourself to
assume more responsibility and advocate
for yourself. If you go to college, you are
responsible for registering for classes, managing
your time effectively and arranging for the
supports and accommodations you need.
Student Resources
Going to College: High School “To Do” Lists
bit.ly/1heg15
Tasks for each year of high school to prepare
you for higher education.
Going to College: My Place
bit.ly/2heg15
Tips and activities to help you determine your
learning style and strengths, explore interests,
understand challenges, and set goals for your
future.
Texas Transition and Employment Guide
bit.ly/3heg19
This guide has steps you and your parents can
take to make sure you are able to make the right
educational or work choices after high school. It
also tells you where to get the services you may
need after high school.
TCDD: The Next Step
bit.ly/3heg15
In this video, five Texans with disabilities share
their stories about attending higher education
schools. Included are discussion sheets with tips
to share with parents, teachers, counselors, and
vocational and transition staff.
Opening Doors to Postsecondary Education and
Training: Planning for Life After High School
bit.ly/4heg19
Handbook to prepare students with disabilities
for postsecondary education and training.
Includes comparisons between high school
and postsecondary education, timelines for
planning, and tools to succeed in postsecondary
education.
Parent Resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources:
College and Career Readiness
bit.ly/6heg15
Links to college guides and resources.
Navigate Life Texas: College and Alternatives for
Students with Disabilities
bit.ly/7heg19
Resources and information to assist with
every step of the transition period including
education choices, supports and services,
financial aid, and a video that discusses life
after high school.
Texas Project FIRST: Transition and the
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
bit.ly/45heg19
What parents need to know about the IEP
including its development, associated services,
and links to other resources.
College Prep: What You Need to Know
bit.ly/5heg15
Helping your child through the process of
choosing a college, applying and then getting
ready to go can seem like a daunting task. Like
everything, it’s easier if you break it down. This
resource features information to help you get
your freshman-to-be all set for their four-year
adventure.
Texas Education Agency: Graduation Toolkit 2019
bit.ly/8heg19
A comprehensive toolkit for planning for high
school, graduation, and beyond.
Extracurricular Activities
and Volunteering
College admission committees will consider
everything about you when they review
your college application. They will take into
consideration your high school grades and
scores on college entrance exams as well
as your life experiences, personal attitudes,
and academic interests. Participating in
extracurricular activities and volunteer
opportunities can show your strengths
and the challenges you’ve faced.
Typical extracurricular activities could be
participating in clubs, sports, doing volunteer
work, or some type of community service.
2 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 3
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Keep a list of the following:
• hobbies
• religious activities
• training and camps attended
• skills learned while in high school
• accomplishments or awards received
Keep track of your extracurricular activities
including dates, times and number of hours.
Keeping a list will make it easier to complete
applications for higher education, scholarships,
and nancial aid.
Student Resource
Volunteer Match
bit.ly/8heg15
Volunteer opportunities by ZIP code
or interest.
Educator Resource
College Board: The Extracurricular Edge
bit.ly/10heg19
Helping students select extracurricular
activities.
Employment and Career Goals: What
You Want to Do Affects School Options
Your interests, abilities and goals will affect
the kinds of jobs you may want and what
schools you should attend. To get some ideas
on the kind of work you want to do, you can
take vocational interest and aptitude tests and
talk with your family, friends, teachers and
counselors. Once you know what kind of job
you want, explore the training and schools
that will prepare you and work best for you.
Student Resources
Mapping Your Future: Explore Careers
bit.ly/10heg15
What do you want to be? Once you know what
career path you want to follow, how do you get
there? Use these free tools to help you make a
choice about which career to pursue.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Career
Exploration & Trends
bit.ly/12heg15
Explore career opportunities and planning,
wages, occupations, and employment trends.
TWC: Vocational Rehabilitation – Adults
bit.ly/13heg19
Overview of the TWC Vocational Rehabilitation
Services.
Types of Schools and Special Options
There are many types of schools to choose
depending on your career and personal goals,
budget, individual preferences, accommodations
needed, and other factors. Additional options
are available for students with disabilities,
including an option for students who receive
special education services to continue their
high school education after graduation.
Some individuals can attend community
college classes while still receiving special
education support from their school districts.
4 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Other possibilities include:
• Two-year community or junior colleges
• Four-year colleges
• College programs designed specically
for students with disabilities
• Vocational, technical or trade schools, or
internships and apprenticeship programs
that prepare you for a specic job
• Adult education courses at many
school districts and community colleges
that provide training for adults who
would like to learn new skills
Student Resources
College Board: Quick Guide – Your College
Degree Options
bit.ly/16heg19
Guide to the different types of college degrees
and what you need to do to earn them.
College or Training Programs: How to Decide
bit.ly/15heg19
Options to consider before graduation and
what to discuss with family members and your
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.
National Youth Transitions Center: Awareness of
Postsecondary Options
bit.ly/17heg19
Overview of educational and training options
available after high school to students with
disabilities.
National Youth Transitions Center: Community
College
bit.ly/18heg19
Basic knowledge of considerations and options
in choosing to begin postsecondary training
and/or education in a community college
setting.
Can’t Afford School or Need a Break?
Going straight from high school to higher
education isn’t a good fit for everyone. Some
people want a break, a chance to achieve a
personal goal, or time to earn money for school.
You can also use this time to do volunteer
work, take remedial classes to strengthen skills
in weak subjects, or gain new experiences
and increase your self-advocacy abilities.
Student Resources
Corporation for National and Community Service
bit.ly/18heg15
The Corporation for National and Community
Service provides multiple volunteer
opportunities, including AmeriCorps, which
provides educational funds and small stipends
for doing community service jobs.
National College Fairs: Taking a Gap Year
bit.ly/19heg15
Alternatives to going to college right after
high school.
RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, PARENTS
AND STUDENTS
Educator Resources
2018 - 2019 Counselors and Mentors Handbook
on Federal Student Aid
bit.ly/22heg19
A guide for those advising students about
financial aid for higher education.
Access College: Accommodations
bit.ly/24heg15
Examples of accommodations for students
with specific disabilities in different academic
settings, such as large lecture halls, group
discussions, distance learning courses,
labs, and field trips. This resource includes
information on how universal design can reduce
the need for accommodations.
Helping Youth with Mental Health Needs Avoid
Transition Cliffs: Lessons from Pioneering
Transition Programs
bit.ly/24heg19
Discusses challenges faced by youth with
mental health needs during their transitions
to adulthood. Describes strategies used by
youth service professionals to avoid age-
related transition cliffs and prevent service
interruptions.
Guidance and Career Counselors’ Toolkit:
Advising High School Students with Disabilities on
Postsecondary Options
bit.ly/25heg19
Answers questions guidance counselors
E
ducators, parents, and other professionals have an important role in encouraging you and other
students with disabilities to attend higher education institutions and achieve your goals as you
enter adulthood. This includes supporting you in preparing and applying for college, as well as
making the transition to higher education and directing your own life. General college resources also
offer important information about higher education that can help you reach your goals. The following
resources can be beneficial for students with disabilities, parents, and professionals.
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
6 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
frequently ask to better assist high school
students with disabilities in accomplishing
transitions into postsecondary education and
employment.
TCDD: The Next Step
bit.ly/3heg15
Information sheets — targeted to teachers,
counselors, vocational and transition staff,
students, and parents — accompany a video
of five Texans with disabilities who attended
colleges, universities, or technical schools.
The Transition Coalition
bit.ly/27heg15
Resources and professional development
opportunities to assist with the transition to adult
life for youth with disabilities.
Parent Resources
Think College: Healthy and Ready for College!
bit.ly/20heg19a
Explores healthcare challenges for youth
with intellectual disabilities, including a skills
checklist for managing care.
Parent Advocacy Brief — Transition to College:
Strategic Planning to Ensure Success for
Students with Learning Disabilities
bit.ly/21heg15
Help for parents to understand requirements
and opportunities included in the law regarding
youth with learning disabilities. Important
planning documents are highlighted with a
checklist that notes critical points in college
planning.
National Youth Transitions Center: Parents’ Guide
to Transition
bit.ly/22heg15a2
Your role in transition planning; how to be
involved in the transition; the differences
between the rights and responsibilities of
schools and students as your child moves from
high school to college; and what to ask when
you tour college campuses.
Educator, Parent and Student Resources
A Practical Guide for People with Disabilities
Who Want to Go to College
bit.ly/23heg19
This guide provides an overview of the
challenges and supports needed to help
people with disabilities attend college, including
finding the right school, locating supports at
your school, managing your disability and your
education, and using your new educational
qualifications in the search for a better job.
College for All Texans
bit.ly/28heg15
Information and resources for planning for
college; selecting a Texas university, college,
junior college, or technical school; and applying
for college and financial aid. Available in English
and Spanish.
Texas Comptroller: Educational Opportunities and
Investments
bit.ly/30heg15
Tools provided by the Texas Comptroller’s office
to help learn about the state’s prepaid tuition
and savings plans, scholarship opportunities,
and more.
Know How To Go
bit.ly/31heg15
This resource is geared towards mentors of
low-income students and those who are the
first in their families to pursue higher education.
The Mentors section (in English and Spanish)
advises people who aren’t familiar with the
college process on how to help their students
succeed.
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 7
Choose the Best School for You
Finding a school that meets your individual
needs, goals, and preferences becomes easier
when you think about what you want and the
type of environment that works best for you.
First think about what job you want and what
schools will prepare you for it. Then look
for a good academic and social match.
Some things to consider include:
• where you want to live
• school and living costs
• if you prefer a small or large school
• if the campus is accessible
• transportation
• what accommodations are available
• if the people are welcoming and
the school feels inclusive
Also think about applying to alternative
schools in case you do not get accepted
into your first school of choice.
Many students start with community college
and then transfer to a four-year college to
save money, to allow more time to decide on
a career, or because they do not feel prepared
for a four-year college. A lot of online research
can be done on a school, but nothing reveals
more than a campus visit. When you tour a
school, you can meet with advisors, ask about
financial aid, and request an appointment with
the school’s Office of Disability Services to see
what accommodations they can provide. You
can also ask to talk with other students who have
disabilities about their experiences, or ask to sit
in on a class as a prospective student — maybe
going with another student with disabilities.
I
n choosing and applying to a school, it is important to look at the school’s full environment. This
includes learning opportunities and characteristics such as accessibility, supports, social aspects and
inclusiveness, and work opportunities after completing the training.
Selecting a School:
The Application Process
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
8 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Student Resources
Going to College: Applying for College
bit.ly/32heg15
Overview of the college application process,
including writing essays and getting letters
of recommendation.
Going to College: Choosing a College
bit.ly/33heg15
What to consider when choosing a college,
including waivers and substitutions, course
load and graduation time, student groups,
support sessions, and orientation sessions for
students with disabilities.
Compare College Texas
bit.ly/15heg34i
Select what’s important and find the school
that’s right for you.
Getting into College: What Students with
Disabilities Want to Know
bit.ly/35heg15
Information on how college is different from
high school, preparing and planning for college
the admissions process, how to decide what
accommodations you will need, and how to
choose a college.
Think College: College Search
bit.ly/36heg19
Directory that includes information on college
programs for students with intellectual
disabilities. You can search by program name,
location, and other keywords.
,
Admissions and Placement Testing
The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is an
assessment of basic reading, writing, and math
skills for high school graduates that is mandated
by the Texas Legislature prior to enrolling in
a public college or university. Most four-year
colleges require that you take the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test
(ACT) entrance exams. Most students take one
of these tests two times to improve their scores.
If you want accommodations for the test, submit
the required documentation at least two months
before the test date. Community colleges may
require additional tests to identify a student’s
strengths or determine if extra training is needed
in any areas. You can apply for accommodations
for these tests, too.
Student Resources
College Board: Services for Students with
Disabilities
bit.ly/36heg15
How to apply for accommodations for college
board tests and use of accommodations after
approval.
Number 2: Free SAT, ACT and GRE Test
Preparation
bit.ly/38heg15
Free online test preparation, tutorials, practice
sessions, a vocabulary builder, and more that
adapt to each student’s ability level.
Overview: TSI
bit.ly/38heg19
Provides an overview and answers frequently
asked questions about the TSI Assessment.
Partners Resource Network: Navigating
Admissions to Colleges for Students with Learning
Disabilities
bit.ly/37heg19
This resource provides tips for parents of
college-bound students with learning disabilities
to help with the college admissions process.
Texas Comptroller: Entrance Test Dates and Fees
bit.ly/39heg19
A list of registration and test dates for college
entrance exams and the fees to take the tests.
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 9
College Applications, Essays and More
Each school has its own application process
and deadlines. Be sure to check what the
individual school requires. To make it a little
easier, all public universities in Texas — as well
as many community and private colleges —
use the same basic admission application.
Most colleges also require you to complete at
least one essay. The topics change each year
and may give you an opportunity to discuss your
disability as it relates to your life experiences,
personal attitudes, and academic interests.
Schools often want letters of recommendation,
too. Letters are usually from teachers, but they
can be from other adults or professionals who
know you. You also will need to submit high school
(and college) transcripts that show the classes
you have taken and the grades you received.
Student Resources
Apply Texas
bit.ly/39heg15
Online admission application to any Texas public
university and to participating community and
private colleges.
College Board: Tips for Writing an Effective
Application Essay
bit.ly/31heg19
Tips on how to write an admissions essay,
including a video featuring advice from an
admissions officer.
Going to College: Applying for College
bit.ly/32heg15
College application process overview, including
essays and letters of recommendation.
Ask Early and Nicely for Letters of
Recommendation
bit.ly/41heg15
Letters of recommendation advice for
scholarship applications, including how early
to request, how to ask, and what information to
provide to letter writers.
Working with High School, Transition
and Vocational Staff
Selecting a career path and navigating the
admissions process, costs, and demands of
higher education is challenging. You can ask
for help from teachers and school counselors,
as well as vocational and transition staff.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) can
also help you plan for the transition to higher
education and work. TWC staff can assist you
with participating in Admission, Review, and
Dismissal meetings; getting disability evaluations
and tests; and work training, including college,
technical schools, and on-the-job training.
Please note: you may need recent disability
testing and documentation to get accommodations
in higher education schools, so check ahead
of time to see if the documentation you have
meets what is required by the school you want
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
10 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
to attend. Your high school or TWC may be
able to help you get updated tests during your
last year of special education services. TWC
can only help with testing if they need to test
you to determine if you qualify for services.
Student Resources
TWC: Vocational Rehabilitation — Youth and
Students
bit.ly/42heg19
Contact information and services available
through TWC Vocational Rehabilitation
services.
Disability Rights Texas: The Vocational
Rehabilitation System in Texas
bit.ly/43heg19
How to get vocational rehabilitation services,
the Individualized Plan for Employment, and
what to do if you have a problem with services.
Parent Resource
Texas Project FIRST: Transition and the
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
bit.ly/45heg15a
What parents need to know about transition
services including links to other resources.
Plan How to Pay for School
There are many ways to pay for college,
from building a savings account or college
fund to applying for scholarships, loans, and
participating in a school’s work-study program.
Financial aid application deadlines vary, and
some schools bundle aid programs into one
application to make it easier to apply. You
can also check on scholarships for students
with disabilities, assistance with disability-
related expenses, and help from TWC.
Most scholarships require you to re-apply
each year. The average cost for tuition,
books and supplies, and room and board
for two semesters at the state’s four-year
public colleges in 2019–2020 is $20,306.
Student Resources
Texas Comptroller: Compendium of Texas
Colleges and Universities
bit.ly/48heg19
List of Texas colleges and universities,
admission requirements, expenses for a
school year, financial aid data, and scholarship
deadlines.
Let’s Talk about the Money: Planning for College
bit.ly/49heg19
There are many sources of money to pay for
college that people may know about. Financial
advisors pull from personal and professional
experience to share their expertise on how to
pay for college.
Disability Scholarship Opportunities
bit.ly/51heg19
This resource features scholarships specifically
for people with disabilities.
College for All Texans: College Costs
bit.ly/46heg15
Average tuition and fees, books and supplies,
room and board, transportation, and personal
expenses for Texas public and independent
universities, community and junior colleges,
technical colleges, health-related institutions,
state colleges, and chiropractic institutions.
U.S. Department of Education: Federal
Student Aid
bit.ly/49heg15
How to prepare for college, what types of aid are
available, how to qualify and apply for aid, and
how to manage loans.
College for All Texans: Paying for College
bit.ly/47heg15
Options for paying tuition and fees, types of
financial aid, how to apply for financial aid,
savings plans, and how to avoid scholarship
scams.
Federal Student Aid: Students with Intellectual
Disabilities
bit.ly/47heg19
Information about financial aid and grants
available to students with disabilities. Grants
and scholarships available to students with
disabilities — some with deadlines listed.
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 11
Congratulations:
You Are Accepted
H
igher education is very different from high school. There is more freedom and more responsibility.
You will be expected to make all of the arrangements you need and complete all course
assignments without any prompting. While attending classes and staying on top of homework are
important, so are social activities, clubs, and relationships. The key is to find a healthy balance.
Adjusting to Higher Education
Once you are accepted into a school, the
following can make the transition easier:
• Register for a campus orientation and ask if
your school has a summer transition program.
•
Register for classes and learn your way
around campus. Visit your classrooms to
learn where they are and check accessibility.
•
Arrange for housing, transportation,
meals, and paying bills.
•
Arrange for supports and develop back-
up plans. If you want accommodations
or supports from the school, submit
documentation on your disability.
• Collect healthcare documents and
determine whom to contact and where
to go in case of an emergency.
• If you want the school to share information
with your parents, consider signing a release.
Student Resources
PepNet: A Nuts and Bolts Guide to College
Success for Students who are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing
bit.ly/52heg19
Keys to college success, choosing classes, daily
to-do lists, self-advocacy, transition to college,
financial aid, accommodations, campus life, and
more. Information is written for students who are
deaf but may also be useful to other students.
California State University: From Where I Sit
bit.ly/53heg19
Video series of eight California State University
students with disabilities sharing their
experiences in college classrooms, including
teachers’ viewpoints.
Going to College: Campus Life for Students with
Disabilities
bit.ly/54heg15
What to expect in college and what your
professors will expect, including tips for getting
good grades, accommodations, and using
technology.
Navigating College: Handbook on Self-Advocacy
bit.ly/55heg15
Written for students with autism by adults with
autism who provide information about advocacy,
accommodations, independent living, health
and safety, self-advocacy, and social issues,
including links to other resources which are also
useful to all students.
Working with Disability Services and
Other Supports
It’s important to seek help when you need it
and arrange for reliable supports. This will
help minimize stress, improve your grades,
and help you qualify for financial aid.
12 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
For disability accommodations, you must
disclose your disability and provide the required
documentation about your disability.
This is usually done before classes start with
the school’s Disability Services Office — staff
can tell you what is needed. Also, ask if there
is a special disability orientation, discuss what
accommodations you will need, and find out what
services and supports the school can provide,
including adaptive technology, tutors, or other
services. Some schools are better at providing
supports than others, and accommodations
must be requested each semester. If you are
requesting accommodations, you will need to
give accommodation letters to your teachers,
discuss your support needs, and advocate to
ensure accommodations are provided to you.
Talk with all your teachers, even if you are not
requesting accommodations. Most teachers are
willing to work with students who get to know
them, participate in class, and ask for help.
Talk with other students with disabilities who can
give you valuable tips. See if there are mentors
on campus, and get the phone numbers and
email addresses of fellow students in your classes
for when you need something explained. If your
disabilities affect your capacity to succeed in
some classes, the Disability Services Office
may help you request substitute classes for
classes that are not essential for your major.
You can also use supports available to all students
such as counseling services, help with study skills,
proofreading services, study groups, and websites
that rate teachers to help you choose classes
that match your learning style. A learning coach
or a tutor can help you with choosing classes,
creating a study schedule, and degree planning.
Student Resources
The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for
Youth with Disabilities
bit.ly/55heg19
Designed to help youth and adults who work
with youth learn about disability disclosure and
helping students make informed decisions about
whether to disclose a disability.
National Youth Transitions Centers: Academic and
Co-Curricular Accommodations in Colleges and
Universities
bit.ly/56heg15i
The role of Disability Support Services progams,
things to do before applying to and attending
college, what types of accommodations are
typically offered at colleges, and how universal
design in learning is applied in the college
environment.
Making the Move to Managing Your Own Personal
Assistance Services (PAS): A Toolkit for Youth
with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood
bit.ly/57heg19
Guide designed to help strengthen
essential skills for managing PAS: effective
communication, time-management, working
with others, and establishing professional
relationships.
Education Quest: Questions Regarding Disability
Services
bit.ly/58heg15
Questions to ask college disability services
coordinators to help determine what services
and accommodations are available, including
questions disability services coordinators may
ask students.
The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure in
an Academic Setting, After High School
bit.ly/59heg15
Accommodations are provided through a
school’s disability support services only
if you disclose your disability and request
accommodations. The timing of disclosure
depends on when accommodations are
needed.
Self-Advocacy and Understanding Your
Rights and Responsibilities
You should research the many resources there are
at the school and community to help you succeed
in higher education. Ask for help and stand up
for yourself, your goals, and your rights — no
one will be checking to see how you are doing.
You are responsible for all aspects of your higher
education from selecting classes that meet your
degree plan to paying bills, obtaining supports,
attending classes, completing class work on
time, eating well, and getting enough sleep.
If you live at home or close to home, your parents
and friends may provide some support, allowing
you to gradually take control of more parts of
your life. Getting to know other students will help
you adjust to school and new responsibilities.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. It can
help to make lists of what you need to do, work
ahead, do the best you can in the time available,
plan time for fun, and consider joining student
clubs and organizations related to your studies.
Higher education is a time to learn more about
yourself and your chosen career while enjoying
new experiences and taking control of your
own life.
Student Resources
Avoiding Studying Traps
bit.ly/60heg16
Tips to avoid common study traps.
50 Tips to Adjust to College Life
bit.ly/61heg19
A lot changes when you go to college. Tips for
students going off to college to make adjusting
to campus life easier.
Study Skills Guide
bit.ly/62heg15
Tips to help with time management, listening,
taking notes, and taking tests.
Tips for Students with Learning Disabilities,
Attention Decit Disorders and Related Disabilities
bit.ly/63heg15
Tips to talk with teachers about
accommodations.
Parent Resources
National Parent Center on Transition and
Employment: Building Self-Advocacy and Self-
Care Management Skills
bit.ly/63heg19
This resource highlights what families can do at
home to build self-care, self-management, and
self-advocacy skills.
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 13
14 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Know the Law
The main laws protecting college students with
disabilities are the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, which both prohibit discrimination against
“otherwise qualified” individuals on the basis of
disability.
While colleges are required to provide reasonable
accommodations to make their programs
accessible to students with disabilities, they
are not required to provide personal services
such as occupational or speech therapy;
individual tutoring; classroom aides for such
non-academic purposes as self-care or
handling materials; and transportation.
Familiarize yourself with these laws to best
understand your rights and responsibilities
when it comes to higher education.
Student Resources
ADA Q&A: Section 504 & Postsecondary
Education
bit.ly/64heg15
How the ADA and Section 504 apply to
postsecondary educational programs.
Department of Education: Disability Discrimination
Resources
bit.ly/65heg15
Success stories, technical assistance materials,
and links to other resources from the U.S.
Department of Education’s Office of Civil
Rights.
Students with Disabilities Preparing for
Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and
Responsibilities
bit.ly/66heg15
Rights and responsibilities of students with
disabilities, as well as the responsibilities
postsecondary schools have toward students
with disabilities.
What If You Don’t Get Accepted into a
School?
It’s always smart to think about what you will
do if you are not accepted into any school
where you applied. If not accepted,
here are next steps you can make:
•
Consider if other schools or types of training
programs will meet your goals. Community
colleges usually have open-door admissions
policies for individuals who have graduated
from high school or have a General Education
Development (GED) transcript. Many students
start here and then transfer to other schools.
• Contact the school’s admissions ofce
and ask what would improve your chances
of being admitted the next semester.
• Look for classes or other training to
strengthen skills you want to improve.
• Ask if it is possible to get a waiver or probation
that allows you to be admitted on a trial basis
— this may give you time to show you can
handle the workload and earn good grades.
• Consider volunteering or applying for
a job related to your career choice.
• Consider other career options
you would like to explore.
Student Resources
National College Fairs: Plan B — What if I’m Not
Accepted to College?
bit.ly/67heg19
Options if you don’t get accepted into the
college of your choice including nontraditional
admission, community colleges, or taking a year
off.
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 15
Texas Colleges and Universities
College for All Texans: Texas Institutions of Higher
Education
bit.ly/68heg15
Links to Texas public and private college
websites, including admissions and financial aid
pages.
Postsecondary Programs and Services for
Students with Intellectual and Developmental
Disabilities (IDD)
bit.ly/69heg19
Higher education institutions in Texas that
provide programs and/or services for students
with IDD, including which services are
provided.
Vocational, Trade and Career Schools
Texas Workforce Commission: Texas Schools by
Type of Degree
bit.ly/71heg19
Find a school by the type of degree and
program including short-term workforce,
technical certificate, and advanced technical
certificate programs.
Trade Schools in Texas
bit.ly/72heg19
Texas trade schools for students pursuing
careers in the technical fields of art, automotive,
business, culinary arts, design, education,
health care, or information technology.
Texas Schools, Colleges and
Universities
T
exas has 37 public universities, 50 community college districts with multiple campuses, and 38
private universities, as well as six technical colleges, and other types of schools. More than 1.5
million individuals were enrolled in the state’s colleges and universities in the fall of 2017.
ONLINE AND NATIONAL SCHOOLS,
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
College Board: College Search
bit.ly/74heg15
Search for colleges in Texas and beyond.
You can also search for schools based on
the support services offered for students with
disabilities.
Virtual College of Texas
bit.ly/76heg15
Virtual College of Texas works with community
colleges to make distance-learning courses
available to students in different parts of the
state.
Photo: iStock by Getty Images
Texas Colleges and Universities
Disability Services Links
B
elow are links to the websites of many colleges and universities throughout Texas, as well as
links to information about services for students with disabilities, if available. The office that
provides advocacy and arranges for academic support and campus accessibility for students with
disabilities is usually called Disability Services. Please note, many schools have campuses in more
than one location, which are not all listed here.
For the most up-to-date website links, visit bit.ly/15heg194.
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
Abilene Christian University Abilene acu.edu bit.ly/77heg15a
Alamo Colleges San Antonio alamo.edu bit.ly/78heg15a
Alvin Community College Alvin alvincollege.edu bit.ly/79heg15a
Amarillo College Amarillo actx.edu bit.ly/80heg15
Angelina College Lufkin angelina.edu bit.ly/81heg15a
Angelo State University San Angelo angelo.edu bit.ly/82heg15a
Austin College Sherman austincollege.edu bit.ly/83heg15a
Austin Community College Austin austincc.edu bit.ly/84heg15
Baylor University Waco b
aylor.edu bit.ly/85heg15a
Blinn College Brenham blinn.edu bit.ly/86heg15a
Brazosport College Brazosport brazosport.edu bit.ly/87heg15a
Brookhaven College Farmers Branch brookhavencollege.edu bit.ly/88heg15a
Cedar Valley College Lancaster cedarvalleycollege.edu bit.ly/89heg15a
Central Texas College Killeen ctcd.edu bit.ly/90heg15
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 17
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
Coastal Bend College Multiple Locations coastalbend.edu bit.ly/91heg15
com.edu bit.ly/92heg15 College of the Mainland Texas City
Collin College Austin collin.edu bit.ly/93heg15
concordia.edu bit.ly/94heg15a Concordia University Austin
Dallas Baptist University Dallas dbu.edu bit.ly/95heg15
dcccd.edu bit.ly/96heg15
Dallas County Community
Dallas
College District
Del Mar College Corpus Christi delmar.edu bit.ly/97heg15
etbu.edu bit.ly/99heg1
5
East Texas Baptist University Marshall
Easteld College Mesquite eastfieldcollege.edu bit.ly/96heg15b
epcc.edu bit.ly/100heg15iEl Paso Community College El Paso
Frank Phillips College Borger fpctx.edu bit.ly/101heg15a
gc.edu bit.ly/102heg15a Galveston College Galveston
Grayson County College Denison grayson.edu bit.ly/103heg15a
hsutx.edu bit.ly/104heg15 Hardin-Simmons University Abilene
Hill College Hillsboro hillcollege.edu bit.ly/105heg15a
hbu.edu bit.ly/15heg106a Houston Baptist University Houston
Houston Community College System Houston hccs.edu bit.ly/107heg15a
howardcollege.edu bit.ly/108heg15a Howard College Big Spring
Howard Payne University Brownwood hputx.edu bit.ly/109heg15i
htu.edu bit.ly/110heg15 Huston-Tillotson University Austin
Kilgore College Kilgore kilgore.edu bit.ly/111heg15
lsco.edu bit.ly/112heg15 Lamar State College Orange Orange
Lamar State College Port Arthur Port Arthur lamarpa.edu bit.ly/113heg15
18 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
Lamar University Beaumont lamar.edu bit.ly/114heg15
Laredo Community College Laredo laredo.edu bit.ly/115heg15
Lee College Baytown lee.edu bit.ly/116heg15a
Lone Star College System Multiple Locations lonestar.edu bit.ly/117heg15
McLennan Community College Waco mclennan.edu bit.ly/118heg15a
Midland College Midland midland.edu bit.ly/119heg15a
Midwestern State University Wichita Falls msutexas.edu bit.ly/120heg15a
Mountain View College Dallas mountainviewcollege.edu bit.ly/121heg15i
Navarro College Corsicana navarrocollege.edu bit.ly/122heg15
North Central Texas College Gainesville nctc.edu bit.ly/123heg15i
North Lake College Irving northlakecollege.edu bit.ly/124heg15i
Northeast Texas Community College Mt. Pleasant ntcc.edu bit.ly/125heg15
Odessa College Odessa odessa.edu bit.ly/127heg15e
Panola College Carthage panola.edu bit.ly/128heg15
Paris Junior College Paris parisjc.edu bit.ly/129heg15a
Prairie View A&M University Prairie View pvamu.edu bit.ly/130heg15
Ranger College Ranger rangercollege.edu bit.ly/131heg15a
Rice University Houston rice.edu bit.ly/132heg15
Sam Houston State University Huntsville shsu.edu bit.ly/134heg15
San Jacinto College Pasadena sanjac.edu bit.ly/136heg15i
Schreiner College Kerrville schreiner.edu bit.ly/137heg15
South Plains College Levelland southplainscollege.edu bit.ly/136heg15a
South Texas College McAllen southtexascollege.edu bit.ly/139heg15a
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 19
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
Southern Methodist University Dallas smu.edu bit.ly/15heg140
swtjc.edu bit.ly/142heg15b Southwest Texas Junior College Multiple Locations
Southwestern University Georgetown southwestern.edu bit.ly/142heg15i
stedwards.edu bit.ly/15heg143 St. Edward’s University Austin
St. Mary’s University San Antonio stmarytx.edu bit.ly/15heg144a
sfasu.edu bit.ly/145heg15 Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches
Sul Ross State University Alpine sulross.edu bit.ly/146heg15
tarleton.edu bit.ly/147heg15a Tarleton State University Stephenville
Tarrant County College Fort Worth tccd.edu bit.ly/148heg15i
templejc.edu bit.ly/149heg15i Temple College Temple
Texarkana College Texarkana texarkanacollege.edu bit.ly/15heg150
tamiu.edu bit.ly/151heg15i Texas A&M International University Laredo
Texas A&M University College Station tamu.edu bit.ly/152heg15
tamug.edu bit.ly/153heg15 Texas A&M University at Galveston Galveston
Texas A&M University-Central Texas Killeen tamuct.edu bit.ly/15heg154a
tamuc.edu bit.ly/155heg15 Texas A&M University-Commerce Commerce
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi tamucc.edu bit.ly/156heg15
tamuk.edu bit.ly/157heg15 Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville
Texas A&M University-San Antonio San Antonio tamusa.edu bit.ly/158heg15a
tamut.edu bit.ly/159heg15 Texas A&M University-Texarkana Texarkana
Texas Christian University Fort Worth tcu.edu bit.ly/160heg15
tsu.edu bit.ly/161heg15i Texas Southern University Houston
Texas Southmost College Brownsville tsc.edu bit.ly/15heg161a
20 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities • 21
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
Texas State Technical College Waco tstc.edu bit.ly/162heg15
Texas State University
San Marcos,
Round Rock
txstate.edu bit.ly/163heg15
Texas Tech University Lubbock ttuhsc.edu bit.ly/164heg15i
Texas Woman’s University Denton twu.edu bit.ly/15heg165i
The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington uta.edu bit.ly/166heg15
The University of Texas at Austin Austin utexas.edu bit.ly/15heg167a
The University of Texas at Dallas Dallas utdallas.edu bit.ly/169heg15
The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso utep.edu bit.ly/170heg15
The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio utsa.edu bit.ly/171heg15
The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler uttyler.edu bit.ly/172heg15
The University of Texas of
the Permian Basin
Odessa utpb.edu bit.ly/15heg173a
The University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg utrgv.edu bit.ly/15heg174a
Trinity University San Antonio new.trinity.edu bit.ly/15heg175a
Trinity Valley Community College Athens tvcc.edu bit.ly/176heg1511a
Tyler Junior College Tyler tjc.edu bit.ly/177heg15
University of Dallas Dallas udallas.edu bit.ly/178heg15
University of Houston Houston uh.edu bit.ly/179heg15
University of Houston Clear Lake Clear Lake uhcl.edu bit.ly/180heg15a
University of Houston Downtown Houston uhd.edu bit.ly/15heg181
University of Houston Victoria Victoria uhv.edu bit.ly/182heg15a
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton umhb.edu bit.ly/183heg15
University of North Texas Denton unt.edu bit.ly/15heg184
University of North Texas at Dallas Dallas untdallas.edu bit.ly/185heg15
College or University Location Website
Disability
Services
Webpage
University of St. Thomas Houston stthom.edu bit.ly/186heg15
Vernon College Vernon vernoncollege.edu bit.ly/15heg187
Victoria College Victoria victoriacollege.edu bit.ly/188heg15
Wade College Dallas wadecollege.edu bit.ly/15heg189
Weatherford College Weatherford wc.edu bit.ly/190heg15
West Texas A&M University Canyon wtamu.edu bit.ly/191heg15
Western Texas College Snyder wtc.edu bit.ly/192heg15
Wharton County Junior College Wharton wcjc.edu bit.ly/193heg15
22 • Higher Education Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities
NOTES
