Transition Supports for Students with Disabilities

Receiving Accommodations in College

This is a brief overview from admissions counselors on obtaining accommodations in college

While colleges are required to provide accommodations to students, they are not mandated to do this at the same level as high schools, and it is not guaranteed that a student will be able to receive the same services in college as they have at ICE. Students/families are responsible for seeking out the services needed, and the requirements/accommodations can vary between colleges. Here are some highlights to keep in mind:

  • Documentation requirements: Some colleges will accept IEPs/504s as documentation, but others will have different requirements, such as a psycho-ed evaluation. How current the documentation needs to be can also vary.

  • For each college you're considering, it is important to visit the site for the office of disability services. Take note: what is the process and timeline for requesting accommodations? What kind of documentation is required for my disability/services needed?

  • Even if students disclose their disability as part of their application, this does not make them eligible for services. Student must contact the office of disability services office directly to apply for accommodations (this can be done as soon as they enroll).

  • We recommend having a conversation with a contact in the office of disability services -- this is often a helpful indicator of how things might feel on campus

Organizations

INCLUDEnyc

INCLUDEnyc is the leading provider of training and information for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them. We create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community. All services are provided free of charge.

  • Calendar of events, including IEP workshops, parent support groups, transition planning workshops, advocacy training, etc.

  • Guide available in English and in Spanish

Project Possibility (age 16+)

Project Possibility (a partner of INCLUDEnyc) works with young people with disabilities who want assistance to reach their job training and higher education goals. Participants will create a meaningful post-secondary plan, receive coaching to support their progress, and be connected with programs and services to support their success. This can involve application help for job training, college, and other post-high school opportunities, and PP also helps students obtain the benefits and services they need to succeed! Let us know if you would like our assistance completing a referral

Training Opportunities Program (TOP) Application:

Students with IEPs have the opportunity to participate in the Training Opportunities Program (TOP), designed to support schools in providing work-based learning experiences that align to students' measurable postsecondary goals. The program will be offered in a blended-model format to ensure students can participate both via a virtual platform, or at their respective school. Your school’s TTL or other designated staff should encourage students to apply by December 1. 

ACCES-VR

ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living. ACCES-VR helps students find internships, apply for financial aid, attend career schools, and obtain services. They assist students with the transition from high school to work and higher education. See video overview of services.

Institute for Career Development (ICD)

  • Career Planning and Evaluation

    • Through ICD’s Career Planning & Evaluation Programs, students with disabilities develop a strong understanding of where they are, where they want to be, and how to get there by working hand in hand with ICD’s counselors on an individualized career plan.

  • Career Services

    • Career services team provides the following career counseling services to individuals with disabilities to help secure gainful employment:

      • Extensive one-on-one coaching from a dedicated employment specialist

      • Personalized career planning

      • Resume development

      • Interview preparation

      • Access to professional networking

      • Internship opportunities

      • Connections to ICD’s network of employer partners across multiple industries

      • Direct placement in a career that suits your skills and strengths

  • Work Readiness

    • Provides practical soft skills instruction, explores a wide range of career options, creates individualized plans, and builds the self-confidence you need to succeed in today’s labor market.

    • Prepares participants for long-term job success, and includes skills training in targeted career tracks such as:

      • Custodial

      • Food Prep

      • Office Supports

      • Retail/Customer Service

      • After-School Work Readiness program to students who are still attending high school

  • Career School Programs

    • Provides individuals with disabilities with job training in growing fields through hands-on classroom learning and real-world internships. Students gain experience, build resumes, and make professional connections.

Manhattan EOC

MEOC delivers student-centered academic and workforce development programs and serves as a gateway to access further education, career achievement, personal growth, and self-sufficiency for adult learners in the NYC area. We offer both academic and career training (vocational) programs. Courses in our academic programs are designed to improve reading, writing and math skills. They are also designed to prepare students for the official High School Equivalency (HSE) exam and prepare students for college.

Programs are offered at no-cost to qualifying New York State residents.  In addition, the cost of testing, licensure, and certification are provided by the MEOC for students who successfully complete a career training program. While Manhattan is named specifically here, all five boroughs have an Equal Opportunity Center

Manhattan Transition and College Access Center

1:1 Transition Planning Support: individualized transition planning support for students and families. If you are interested in setting up a meeting, please email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov and we will work with you to set up a time.

  • TCAC Pre-Employment Transition Services - Students with a documented proof of disability may apply for Pre-ETS services focused on career and college exploration, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy and more! Email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov for more information.

Bridges from School to Work

For students aged 17-24 years old with an IEP or 504: Employment coaches help young adults with disabilities find meaningful jobs during and after they complete high school. We match youth with businesses seeking capable entry-level workers and provide the training, mentoring, and long-term support they need to thrive.

  • For more information and to get started with Bridges, email MNTCAC@schools.nyc.gov and we will connect you with an employer representative!

EVERFI Digital Transition Skills Lessons

Digital platform offers 100+ interactive, game-based lessons for teachers to better engage students. Lessons are available in financial education, college/career readiness, SEL, and health & wellness

Free Transition Support Services for Students with Paralysis

Accessible College, in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, offer free transition services to students with conditions including: spina bifida, cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and more. Students and families can sign up for this service by contacting an Information Specialist at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to see if they are eligible: (800) 539-7309

Organizations that provide support for individuals with autism after graduating high school (some for a fee)

Other Resources

Campus Disability Resource Database

This database was put together by the National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD). Students can search for disability-related information from degree-granting colleges and universities across the United States. This can give students a general sense of the types of accommodations a college might offer. They will still need to contact the Disability Support Office (DSO) directly to confirm.

Think College - Directory and College Search

The only directory of its kind, Think College Search features 310 colleges and universities that offer postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability. Users of this searchable online database can filter by state, length of program, type of school, options for living on campus, and more. To learn more, view these Frequently Asked Questions about college programs, how we gather the information in the directory, and how to use the features of College Search.

The Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center (DHRC) University Disability Inclusion Dashboard

This dashboard ranks universities on 4 criteria: accessibility of the built and virtual environment, public image of disability inclusion, accommodation request processes and procedures, and grievance policies related to disability accommodations. The ranking includes 23 colleges that receive the most National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. They are planning to expand this list soon. Students can use this information to inform their search and hone their questions for the DSO's at these colleges.

Wheels on Campus: A Guide to Wheelchair Friendly Higher Education

Students who use a wheelchair, mobility device, have trouble walking long distances, or experience fatigue can use this guide as a starting point to identify colleges that may be more physically accessible for students with mobility impairments.

MTCAC Family Guide to Transition Planning

Available in multiple languages

Spectrum Innovates Pathway Program at Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology

SIPP is a new transition program designed to help students on the autism spectrum enter higher education, the workforce, and achieve adult independence. Students earn 13 credits over one calendar year, serving as a bridge year to higher STEM learning and employment for students with ASD who are interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and other STEM fields.

  • The cost is currently $53,000 for a 12-month program, but they may be able to offer sliding scale fees to students. SIPP is also in the process of applying to be an ACCES-VR partner (would provide $10,000 in support) and hope to become a DOE-approved program in the future where students can attend for free.

Colleges with Support Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities and Autism

Link to full database of colleges with specific support:

College Transition Programs

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities:

Microsoft Disability Scholarship (12th)

  • Deadline: March 15th

  • Award: up to $20,000

  • This scholarship will be awarded to promising HS seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry

Anne Ford Scholarship (12th)

  • Application due in April

  • Award: $10,000

  • Students must have a documented learning disability and/or ADHD

KFM Making a Difference Scholarship for Students with Autism (12th)

  • Application due in April

  • Award: $500

  • All high school students with autism attending a post-secondary program in the 2022-2023 academic year may apply. In addition, all current college students with autism may apply as well who will be attending a post-secondary program in the 2022-2023 academic year. Students must submit a letter of reference, resume, and an essay of 500-1000 words

Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship (12th)

  • Application opens in spring

  • Award: $5,000

  • Students must have a plan to enroll in a 2-year community college, a vocational/technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD and/or ADHD in the fall

Organization for Autism Research - $3,000 Scholarships for Autistic Students (12th)

  • Award: $3,000 (see specific scholarships based on postsecondary plans)

  • Deadline: May 2, 2022

  • Scholarship program provides $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum. We are pleased to invite applications from persons with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time, post-secondary, undergraduate education or vocational-technical training in any of the following:

    • 4-year or 2-year college (Shwallie Family Scholarship)

    • Trade, technical, or vocational school (Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship)

    • Cooperative life skills programs (Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color)

Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism (12th)

  • Application is due July 31st

  • Award: $5,000

  • Open to high-achieving students who meet two key criteria: 1) Either you or a close family member has been diagnosed with a form of autism, including Asperger syndrome, and 2) Applicant must be an enrolled student at an accredited college, university, or vocational school, or be accepted to begin school at an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the semester for which the application is being offered. Additionally, applicants should submit an essay on one of the topics listed, with a minimum of 500 words and maximum of 1,000 words.