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
Catch the College Wave
Catch the College Wave is a one-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 Fall 2024 Catch the College Wave Event Dates Have Passed
Catch the Wave Manual – A guide to post-secondary education for students with disabilities in South Dakota.
Post-Secondary Tips for Parents
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 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.
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
Dakota Strong – A post-secondary program that provides a comprehensive set of targeted supports and accommodations to assist students on the autism spectrum in completing their degrees.
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