MOAHEAD > GUIDEBOOK

Introduction to Missouri College Guidebook

This guide concentrates on the information that students, teachers, and parents should know for students to be successful in post-secondary education. Students with disabilities must be much stronger self-advocates than other students.

This book has been written to help students with disabilities achieve access into post-secondary education institutions and find success once they are enrolled. It was also written to help post-secondary institutions establish connections with secondary schools in order to recruit qualified students with disabilities into programs. The guide should also be helpful to secondary special education teachers and parents of students with disabilities.

Students with disabilities have been entering post-secondary programs in ever increasing numbers since 1985. Post-secondary institutions are aware of their responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act to meet the needs of qualified students with disabilities in their programs. Students have equal, if not greater, responsibilities to be partners with educational facilities in meeting their needs.

Students must know their rights as well as their responsibilities under the law. They must understand their disability and they should know what accommodations are needed for successful completion of coursework, independent living needs, and needs relating to personal/social skills. Students with disabilities should look at all post-secondary factors just as other students pursuing higher education. Students with disabilities must look very closely at the programs and services offered by a campus to ensure a good match for their needs.

The authors hope that this guide provides a "roadmap" for students, teachers, and parents as they plan for the transition from high school to post-secondary educational institutions.

Good luck!