Before Applying to College Choose a college based on the degree program that

you have interest in pursuing.

Review the college catalog for the graduation requirements of the college you are choosing.

Understand the requirements for the degree program and the college.

Contact the Admissions Office if you are interested in The Sage Colleges.

The Process Apply to the college through regular Admissions

Office.

Notify the Disabilities Services Office of your situation and request information about services.

Provide documentation requirements for your particular disability.

Visit the campus. Make an appointment to meet with the Disabilities Services Office.

Understanding Your Disability Understand and be able to describe/discuss

your disability.

Know the accommodations you need and why you feel they are reasonable. Be aware that what is reasonable in high school

may not be reasonable in college.

Know your responsibilities and rights under the law.

Documentation Required Needs to be current (within 3 years of current

evaluation).

Needs to be comprehensive.

May need to include test scores (if appropriate for your disability).

Requires a diagnosis.

If the report includes accommodations, it should give a rationale for the accommodations.

Your Responsibilities When Entering College

Once you choose to attend a college: Self-identify

Present proper documentation

Complete the registration procedure required by the Disabilities Services Office on your campus.

Setup a meeting with the Disabilities Services Office.

Follow suggested time guidelines of the Disabilities Services Office to access and receive services.

In High School: Parents are involved in the process, attending meetings and

sharing in decision making Students, under 18, may not be involved in the process

Teachers advocate for students, talking to others about their accommodations

Law protects student’s right to a free and appropriate education

IDEA applies

You have a “right to education” until you graduate or meet the goals of your I.E.P.

You’re allowed to attend the school in your attendance district without applying

In College: College communicates with the student, not the parents

Students must be their own advocates This includes talking to instructors about accommodations Each semester, new instructor and new conversation!

Law only protects student’s right to an accessible educational program Right of access, not right of education

ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apply

You are required to apply for admission, and you may or may not be accepted Special consideration MAY be given to students who self-

disclose a disability, BUT the minimum eligibility criteria have to be met to be admitted

What does the Office of Disabilities Services do?

Pre-admission counseling to respond to inquiries about support services to applicants and their families.

Facilitates academic and career advising.

Informs about and refers to college and community programs and services.

Provides the campus with information & resources.

Assists students with: Developing self-advocacy Suitable housing

accommodations Academic accommodations Alternative testing

accommodations Auxiliary aids and services Development of an education

plan Getting appropriate

academic support services, (tutoring, note taking, & instructional aids)

Resolving issues and concerns

The Americans with Disabilities Act

  The Sage Colleges is committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A student seeking academic adjustments under the Americans with Disabilities Act must make a request in writing to the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities. Any student in need of classroom assistance or modification under the Americans with disabilities Act must inform the instructor of the needed adjustment no later than the first week of class, and provide documentation from the Director of Students with Disabilities.

To contact the Director of Disabilities Services:

45 Ferry Street 140 New Scotland Avenue

Troy, NY 12180 Albany, NY 12208 518-244-2208 518-292-1764

disabilities_services@sage.edu

 What Should Be in An Evaluation?

A written diagnosis that a learning disability exists. Recommendations for accommodation services. Recommendations for programs.

This documentation can be used as a vehicle for the student to understand their strengths & weaknesses, as well as obtain the accommodation services necessary to participate in regular college programs.

Link to: Psychiatric Evaluation Requirements

Website Resources  ETS Documentation guidelines

for AD/HD

ETS Documentation guidelines for Learning Disabilities

Educational Testing Service Webpage

ADDA

CHADD

Information page sponsored by a drug company

Council for Exceptional Children

International Dyslexia Association

Comparison Chart Steps to Becoming a Self Advo

cate National Center for Learning D

isabilities

Newsletter Learning Disability Association

 Catalogue Information

Services for Students with Disabilities

The Sage Colleges promote self-advocacy for students with disabilities and facilitates a positive and adaptive learning environment for such students. Students seeking accommodations are required to present a recent evaluation of their disability conducted by a licensed professional. It is imperative that upon admission, students requesting accommodations contact the Director of Disabilities Services.

Characteristics of College Students with Learning Disabilities

Reading Confusion of similar words,

difficulty using phonics, problems reading multisyllablic words.

Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task.

Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with material presented orally.

Writing Difficulty with sentence

structure, poor grammar, omitted words.

Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals.

Difficulty copying from board or overhead.

Poorly formed letters, difficulty with spacing, capitals and punctuation.

Characteristics of College Students with Learning Disabilities

Oral Language Difficulty attending to

spoken language, inconsistent concentration.

Difficulty expressing ideas orally, which the student seems to understand.

Problem describing events or stories in proper sequence.

Residual problems with grammar, difficulty with inflectional or derivational endings.

Math Difficulty memorizing basic

facts. Confusion or reversal of

numbers, number sequence or operational symbols.

Difficulty copying problems, aligning columns.

Difficulty reading or comprehending word problems.

Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts.

Characteristics of College Students with Learning Disabilities

Study Skills Poor organization and time

management. Difficulty following

directions. Poor organization of notes

and other written materials. Need more time to complete

assignments.

Social Skills Difficulty “reading” facial

expressions, body language. Problems interpreting subtle

messages such as sarcasm. Confusion in spatial

orientation, getting lost easily, difficulty following directions.

Disorientation in time, difficulty telling time.

You Are Not AloneChanning Tatum was diagnosed with ADHD as a child

Jennifer Aniston found out she had dyslexia when she was 20 years old

Demi Lovato hasBipolar Disorderwhich she managesthrough a healthy lifestyle

Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS when he was 21 years old and he is now 74.