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The college application process can be a daunting journey for any student. But for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), it presents a unique set of challenges.

College counsellors are crucial in guiding SEND students and their families through this complex process. This article explores the unique challenges that SEND students face, and provides effective strategies for college counsellors to support them, ensuring that they are able to access the accommodations and opportunities they need.

Students with SEND: encountering extra obstacles

Students with SEND often encounter extra obstacles in the college application process – from needing to provide detailed documentation of their needs or disabilities and the accommodations they received in high school, to finding it harder to determine the right-fit university.

Identifying universities that offer the necessary support services and accommodations is critical. Not all institutions provide the same level of support, making this a time-consuming and overwhelming process.

Some colleges require students to understand and communicate their needs effectively, which can be daunting for those who haven’t had to advocate for themselves before. SEND students often struggle with self-advocacy – particularly those with additional communication barriers. Therefore, college counsellors play a vital role in helping students to communicate their needs.

Prepare early

Begin the college planning process early with SEND students. This includes gathering all necessary documentation, such as psycho-educational evaluations, individualised education plans, 504 Plans and education health and care plans.

Encourage students to maintain a portfolio and checklist of their accommodations and progress, which will be useful during college applications. Regularly review this checklist with students and their families to ensure that they stay on track. Host workshops to help students and parents gather and organise necessary documentation, providing templates and examples.

Arrange meetings and visits

Help students and their families to research universities that offer strong support services. Arrange virtual meetings between students and college disability service representatives.

Encourage campus visits and meetings with disability services offices. For example, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) office provides extensive resources, including a detailed guide to documentation requirements and the process for applying for accommodations. It also offers one-to-one consultations during campus visits to help students understand the support available.

Additionally, DAS offers support coaching, an interactive and collaborative process designed to help students with their academic and social experiences. The DAS support coach works with students to create personalised action plans based on their learning styles and goals, providing accountability and encouragement throughout their college journey.

Each college has its own process for requesting accommodations. Guide students through this process by reviewing university websites and contacting disability services offices. For instance, New York University’s Moses Center for Student Accessibility provides detailed information on how to apply for accommodations, which can serve as a useful template.

Apply for standardised testing accommodations

Assist students in applying for accommodations for standardised tests. This involves understanding the requirements of testing agencies such as the College Board and ACT. Ensure that students are aware of deadlines and of the specific documentation needed. For example, for most disabilities, the College Board requires a comprehensive evaluation report to have been conducted within the past five years.

Build students’ self-advocacy skills

Encourage SEND students to develop self-advocacy skills. Offer workshops on self-advocacy, covering topics such as understanding one’s rights, effective communication and problem-solving.

Pair SEND students with older peers who have successfully navigated the college application process. Peer mentors can offer practical advice and support.

Conduct role-playing sessions so that students can practise communicating their needs to professors and disability service staff. Requesting note-taking assistance in large lecture classes is another way to articulate their needs to professors and disability services.

Offer personalised application support

Help students to craft their personal statements and essays to reflect their unique experiences and strengths. For example, a student with dyslexia might write about the strategies they have developed to succeed academically, showcasing resilience and problem-solving skills.
 

Navigating the college application process can be particularly challenging for students with SEND, but with the right support and strategies, they can find institutions that meet their needs and help them to thrive.

College counsellors are instrumental in this journey, providing the guidance and resources necessary to ensure that SEND students have equal opportunities to succeed.