Post-Secondary Education
Choosing the right college or university is a difficult and time-consuming process for any prospective student. The student’s IEP doesn’t “follow” them to college or a technical college, however, laws require virtually all post-secondary institutions make accommodations for students with disabilities. It is important for students with disabilities who plan on attending a college or university to be informed of their rights and responsibilities in post-secondary.
Disability/Accessibility Services Coordinator Offices
Colleges or technical colleges receiving federal funds must designate a person to help students with disabilities to access accommodations. This person may be known as a 504 Coordinator, Disability Services Coordinator, Accessibility Services Coordinator, amongst others. A student must be able to self-advocate for services needed when working with an individual from the Disability Services Office at their college or technical college
- South Dakota Post-Secondary Disability/Accessibility Offices
- TSLP South Dakota Post-Secondary Coordinators Training Webinar
- Council on College Admission in South Dakota (CCASD) – is an association of professionals serving students and their families as they explore educational and career options after high school graduation.
Catch the College Wave
Catch the College Wave is a half-day conference for high school students with disabilities considering post-secondary education.
- Participate in panel discussions with current college or technical college students who have disabilities
- Ask Disability/Accessibility Services Coordinators your entrance and eligibility requirement questions
- Learn how to secure appropriate accommodations
- Practice self-advocacy and communication skills
All 2025 Catch the College Wave events have passed.
- Catch the Wave Manual – A guide to post-secondary education for students with disabilities in South Dakota.
- Post-Secondary Tips for Parents
2020 Virtual Catch the College Wave Event
Week 1: Key Differences between High School and College
- TSLP Key Differences High School vs. College (YouTube)
- Key Differences – High School vs. Post-Secondary
Week 2: Disability Services and Supports
- Disability Coordinators Services and Supports (YouTube)
- South Dakota Disability Coordinators Quick Tips Video
- Post-Secondary Disability Services Offices
- Post-Secondary Tips for Parents
Week 3: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services
Week 4: Financial Aid 101
Week 5: Assistive Technology Resources
- Assistive Technology (YouTube)
- Post-Secondary Tips for Parents
- DakotaLink – provides direct services to individuals with disabilities and the elderly. These services can include individual assessments, equipment sales, installation and training of assistive technology.
**Disclaimer: these videos were created in 2020, so new information may be available**
Additional Resources
- Starting the Conversation – College & Your Mental Health – A guide written to provide students and parents with important information about mental health during the college years and proactive steps that can help support college students, if needed.
- Making My Way through College – A guide for any student pursuing a degree at a two or four-year college or technical institute.
- ACT Accommodations
- ACT Website
- College and Career Resource Guide
Transition Guide to Post-Secondary - Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services – OSERS)
- Think College – College options for people with intellectual disabilities. Think College Search features 309 colleges and universities that offer postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
- Best Apps for Students
- South Dakota Board of Regents
- DSU STRONG – The Dakota State University services are geared towards supporting students on the Autism Spectrum. These free services promote independence, confidence, and self-advocacy, along with helping to create a positive social support network. Services are committed to helping students build campus connections that will assist in achieving academic, social, and professional developmental success.
- Guide to Assessing College Readiness
- Post-Secondary Apps for Transition
- Our Dakota Dreams College Prep Lists for High School Students
- 4 Year Learning Plan Worksheet