Become familiar with the key differences between high school and college (I.e., IDEA vs ADA, accommodations vs modifications, changes in expectations)

Approximate Age: 14 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team

Resources: Making the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities | Other: Home schooling –language used in this arena–plain language review.

Explore options for postsecondary education and/or training. As a starting point, check out Work Together NC’s postsecondary education program list and Exploration Guide

Approximate Age: Start in middle school and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: A Guided Exploration of NC Inclusive Postsecondary Options for Students with Disabilities, NC Postsecondary Education Programs

Review how high school course of study could impact the student’s postsecondary options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathway)

Approximate Age: 13 (Middle School) and ongoing | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Resources: High School Graduation Requirements

Attend open houses, college fairs, virtual or in-person tours of postsecondary options

Approximate Age: Start at 14 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: North Carolina Inclusive Virtual College Fair 2020

Become familiar with parental rights regarding the young person’s educational records, as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Family

Resources: Parent Rights & Responsibilities in Special Education

Identify a representative from chosen post-secondary option to attend IEP meetings, if possible

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Work on study skills and organizational habits (i.e., using time management tools)

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: Foundational Skills for College and Career Success

Compare program admissions criteria, location, cost, residential options, # years, and other factors that may influence decision making. Consider which options are most aligned with the individual’s goals

Approximate Age: Start at 14 and ongoing | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Research financial aid options, such as FAFSA (if program is a CTP), Vocational Rehabilitation, NC Legislative Scholarships, NC Promise, Ruby’s Rainbow, and other individualized scholarship programs.

Approximate Age: 1-2 years before entry to Postsecondary | Who can help: Individual and family, School/IEP Team/School financial aid officer or guidance counselor

Resources: NC Promise, Paying for College: Resources

Support an individual to identify the postsecondary option(s) of interest, based on their career and life goals. Work with support team to ensure admissions criteria are met.

Approximate Age: 14-16 | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: Think College Search

Create a College Foundation of North Carolina account and explore the resources on this site.

Approximate Age: 16 | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Resources: CFNC

Attend open houses, college fairs, virtual or in-person tours of postsecondary options–consider accessibility of the physical environment

Approximate Age: 1-3 years before entry to postsecondary program | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team

Resources: Self-Advocate’s Guide to Choosing a Post-Secondary Program, Self-Examination: How Inclusive Is Your Campus?

Refer to the employment action plan to clarify career interests and goals, which will inform postsecondary goals

Approximate Age: As early as possible | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Vocational Rehabilitation

Explore how adult services can be used in a postsecondary setting (i.e., vocational rehabilitation services, NC Medicaid Innovations Waiver or 1915(i) services)

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, and School/IEP Team, Managed Care Organization, Vocational Rehabilitation

Gather more information on support services offered at programs of interest (i.e., disability services, peer support groups). Connect with the accessibility and disability support services office when visiting college campuses or vocational programs. extend existing services (i.e., waiver)

Approximate Age: 16-18 | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Postsecondary Program

Research student wellness programs at identified programs of interest (i.e., for mental health, study/organizational skills)

Approximate Age: Year before entry to Post-secondary | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Postsecondary Program

If applicable, make arrangements for accommodations to take college entrance exams.

Approximate Age: 16-17 | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Collect/request final copies of all necessary financial and disability documents for applications/ accommodations after high school (I.e, Most recently updated IEP, Medical documentation of disability , Power of attorney & other guardianship documentation)

Approximate Age: During the last year before graduation | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Complete applications and await admissions decision. Consider applying to multiple programs in case the student does not get into their top choice.

Approximate Age: Depends on admissions window (see website for program of choice) and desired year of entry | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team

Develop “back up” plans in case the student is not admitted to their desired PSE program or any programs. Consider ways a “gap year” could be used to further prepare for PSE.

Approximate Age: When applying to PSE programs | Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team