Are You On Target For College?

How to apply for college & register with the Office for Students with

Disabilities.

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.

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Copyright and Terms of ServiceCopyright © Texas Education Agency. The materials found on this website are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of the Texas Education Agency and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the Texas Education Agency, except under the following conditions:

1) Texas public school districts, charter schools, and Education Service Centers may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for the districts’ and schools’ educational use without obtaining permission from the Texas Education Agency;

2) Residents of the state of Texas may reproduce and use copies

of the Materials and Related Materials for individual personal use only without obtaining written permission of the Texas Education Agency;

3) Any portion reproduced must be reproduced in its entirety and

remain unedited, unaltered and unchanged in any way; 4) No monetary charge can be made for the reproduced materials

or any document containing them; however, a reasonable charge to cover only the cost of reproduction and distribution may be charged.Private entities or persons located in Texas that are not Texas public school districts or Texas charter schools or any entity, whether public or private, educational or non-educational, located outside the state of Texas MUST obtain written approval from the Texas Education Agency and will be required to enter into a license agreement that may involve the payment of a licensing fee or a royalty fee.

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Special Thanks to

Yvonne SandmannDisability Specialist

North Central Texas College—Gainesville Campus

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Who is Eligible?

Module Layout

10 Steps to Registration

What is OSD? (Office for Students with Disabilities)

Types of Services & Requesting Services

Acceptable Documentation & Appropriate Accommodations

Roles that Parents Play

Disability Stats & Facts

Types of Disabilities & Disability Law

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IMPORTANT!!!

This presentation will outline the steps needed to apply to a community college and register with the Office for Students with Disabilities.

Please note that not all community colleges are the same, and you should contact the community college you plan on attending to find out all the steps needed when applying.

You may use the arrow keys or the ENTERButton to move through the rest ofthis presentation!

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10 STEPS FOR REGISTERING

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Step 1: Complete Admission Application

Apply for Admissions through Apply Texas at www.applytexas.org, or print an Admissions Application in PDF format from the school’s website. Please submit your application as far in advance of registration as possible.

(Note: When applying through Apply Texas, choose the community college of your choice in the drop down box; you can apply to more than one. When filling out a paper application, you will bring the application to the community college that you have chosen.)

If you are a returning student or transfer student, visit the Returning and Transfer Student website of the community college you are wanting to attend for more information. If you are an international student, visit the International Student website for more information.

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Financial Aid offers students a way to pay for college classes. Students must be eligible for financial aid and must qualify by completing an online form called FAFSA. With the information provided, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated for your records. Once the community college receives your FAFSA information from the Department of Education, you will be contacted through mail or e-mail. You will then be told about your Financial Aid Award notice that includes need-based scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and loans for students who qualify. Please note that not everyone qualifies for financial aid or scholarships. It never hurts to apply to see if you qualify!

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

For more details on types of Financial Aid available, please visit the Financial Aid web page at the community college you plan on attending. For detail on scholarships, visit the Scholarship web page at the community college you are attending.

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ResidencyAcceptable documentation required to prove in-district residency or to substantiate Texas residency may include one of the following:1) Current Texas Drivers

license; OR 2) Provide a utility bill in

students name which has been mailed to the address at which the student is claiming residency.

Transcripts

Submit with your application an official copy of your high school transcript; or Notarized Home School Academic Record; or documentary proof of GED Certification; or official copies (in English) of complete academic records along with a general evaluation of those documents. If you attended another college or university, you must submit official copies of all transcript(s).

Proof of State ResidencySome applicants may be REQUIRED to provide documentary proof of residence. Please check with the community college for more information.To claim Texas residency for tuition purposes, you must reside in Texas for the previous 12 months prior to enrollment, and you must have moved to Texas for reasons other than education.

Because the tuition rate a student is charged is based on whether he/she lives inside/outside the college district, state, or U.S., all applicants for admission MUST furnish documentary proof of what they claim to be their place of residence.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents to Admission Office

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This vaccination requirement applies to anyone under the age of thirty (30) as follows:

• All first-time freshmen

• All new transfer students

• All returning students with a break in enrollment of at least one Fall or Spring semester

• All new dual credit students enrolled in a course being taught on an campus

Documentation will be required prior to registration. For those who wish to not receive the vaccination due to personal or religious beliefs, you may also print out the Meningitis Affidavit , have it notarized, and bring the document to the Admissions Office. For more information, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services web page.

Step 4: Meet the Requirements for the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine

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Success Initiative, and it involves assessing college readiness of all students (except those who are exempt) who enroll in public colleges in Texas. This assessment measures the ability of students—as indicated by their skills in Reading, Writing, and Math—to do college-level course work. Students who do not pass all sections will be required to enroll in developmental / college preparatory courses for areas in which they have not passed.

PRIOR to enrollment, you must submit official proof of your TSI status or qualifying exemption.This includes • official TSI scores, • an official college transcript

bearing TSI scores, or • other qualifying

documentation (TAKS, ACT, SAT scores, etc).

Contact the Admissions Office to inquire about your TSI status, or contact the Testing Office to review test dates and locations for TSI testing.

Step 5: Fulfill Testing Requirements for TSI (Texas Success Initiative)

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Step 6: Attend New Student Orientation

Orientation is sometimes required prior to registration for students new to the community college and all previous dual credit students. You may have two options for completing orientation:

• In-person New Student OrientationSome community colleges have this option. These orientations can last anywhere from 1 hour to an all-day orientation. Please check with your community college to see if an orientation is needed.

• Online New Student Orientation Some community colleges have online orientation. These orientations can be done through the college’s website, and they can make it easier for a student who does not live close to the college. Please check with your community college to see if an orientation is needed.

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Step 7: Meet with an Advisor and Register for Classes

Advisors and counselors are available to meet one-on-one with new and returning students to assist them with• career exploration, • choosing a major, • course selection, and • the transfer process. Please contact or visit the community college to speak with an advisor or counselor and learn how to make your educational journey possible...and successful!

If you are a student with a documented disability, please contact The Office For Students with Disabilities to set up an appointment to meet with them. Most disability counselors will also help you register for your classes and help set up a meeting with your advisor.

*** At the end of this 10 step process, we will discuss how to register with the Disability Office, what your rights and responsibilities are, and how the community college can accommodate you. ***

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Veteran Educational Benefits

Active Duty or Reserve GI Bill, REAP, VRAP, or Hazelwood Act

Pay Online

Pay online through the community

college. You may make a full payment by credit/debit card or checking account

draft.

Over the Phone

Credit card (MasterCard or Visa only) payments may be processed over

the phone

Financial Aid

Tuition and fees are automatically deducted from your financial aid award, but you must accept your aid first!

You are responsible for any remaining tuition

and fees.

Payment Plan

Many community colleges have different types of payment plans available. Check with

the Financial Aid Department for more

information.

Pay In Full In Person

Pay at the Business Office of any campus

during regular business hours. You can pay by cash, check, money

order, cashier's check, or credit card.

Step 8: Pay for ClassesPayment for classes is due at the time of registration. Verify your tuition status and complete payment for your classes. Your payment options include the following methods:

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Step 9: Get your Student ID Card

You will need a Student ID card to • receive refunds from the community

college, • receive student discounts, and • attend campus activities.

To get your ID Card, you'll need your driver's license and your Student ID number. If you are under 18, you will need your parent's signature.

To get your new ID card and photo, visit the Business Office or ID office at your campus.

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Step 10: Buy Your Books

Visit the bookstore’s website to access the different campus bookstore pages. You can also visit the bookstore located on the campus of the community college that you will be attending.

Some of the community colleges’ bookstores are under private management, while some are still run by the community college. Your community college bookstore provides easy online ordering of textbooks and other educational materials and merchandise. It is the place to go to purchase • textbooks • supplies • software• clothing• caps• backpacks • window decals• travel mugs• many more items featuring your

community college’s insignia.

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OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

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What Is OSD?

OSD stands for Office for Students with Disabilities. Most community colleges have an office with this name. Others may use other names as well. This office provides support services to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to their community college courses. They also provide training and support to faculty and staff.

All students requesting accommodations must provide recent documentation. Most community colleges do not diagnose or provide testing for a disability. Students are referred for these services.

“The difference between those who fail and those who succeed is largely perseverance.

Never quit.”-- Charles Schwab

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Who is eligible for services?

You are eligible for disability support services if you have the following:

a physical, mental, or psychological impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 define disability as "a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." Learning is considered a major life activity.

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What Services Are Available?

Any community college, through the OSD, makes available a full array of services to students who qualify. Accommodations may include the following:

• Note-takers, Scribes, or Readers

• Books on Tape

• Sign Language Interpreters

• Physical Accessibility

• Special Testing Accommodation

• Adaptive Computer Technology

• Other Reasonable Accommodations

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When to Request Services!

New StudentsAccommodations require advance preparation. Please make your request before the semester begins.

Returning StudentsContact the OSD at the beginning of each semester, well in advance of registration.

***Documentation is required before any accommodations can be provided. Depending on your diagnosis, this documentation should come from a medical doctor, psychologist, or other licensed or properly credentialed professional.***

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What is Acceptable Documentation?

The OSD will assess your documentation and let you know if it is acceptable or unacceptable. For the most part, documentation should• be current (within the past three to five years)• be from a certified professional in the medical,

psychological, or educational field • include a diagnosis• show a medical history of the disability• list the functional limitations resulting from the disability

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Reasonable & Appropriate Accommodations

Sign Language Interpreters

Note Taker in Class

Wheelchair Accessible Desk

Reader for Tests

Extra Time on Tests

Tests in a Quiet Environment

Large Print on Handouts

Examples:

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What Role Do My Parents Play in the Process?If you are over the age of 18, you are legally recognized as an adult. The OSD staff will meet with the student for an intake session to discuss accommodation requests and/or disability-related services. OSD staff are happy to answer parents' questions after the intake session is complete. However, we encourage students to have an open dialogue with their parents. Parents may be an excellent source of support.

"But a wise parent humors the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease." ~ Elizabeth Gaskell

"The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.“

~ Frank A. Clark

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Disability Stats and Facts

Facts

People with disabilities constitute the nation's largest minority group, and the only group any of us can become a member of at any time.

People with disabilities represent the single largest minority group seeking employment in today's marketplace.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, workers with disabilities are rated consistently as average or above average in performance, quality and quantity of work, flexibility, and attendance.

Stats

Between 1990 and 2000, the number of Americans with disabilities increased 25 percent, outpacing any other subgroup of the U.S. population.

Of the 69.6 million families in the United States, more than 20 million have at least one family member with a disability.

2.3 million undergrad & grad students reported disabilities in 2004, more than double the 1.1 million reported in 1996.

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Top Ten Disabilities1. Aspergers/Autism (Disorders involving

deficits with socialization and communications)

2. Seizure Disorders

3. Learning Differences/Disabilities (Also “invisible disabilities”: reading disorders, math disorders, and disorders of written expression)

4. Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic-Depressive Disorder

5. Schizophrenia

6. Deaf/Hard of Hearing (small populations, but most intrusive with interpreter/CART)

7. Anxieties and Phobias

8. Physical Impairments (usually have safety concerns due to challenges with evacuation)

9. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (IQ ranging from 71 to 85, usually impaired with abstract thinking)

10. ADD/ADHD (knowing the differences and the commonality. It is also a common symptom among many of the above listed diagnoses.)

The diagnosis appears because they are one of the following:  1) traditionally one of the largest disability populations on any

given college campus, 2) national and local trends indicate they are one of the fastest

growing disability populations on college campuses, or 3) they are one of the most misunderstood disabilities.

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Mental Health Disorders

Students with mental illness are the fastest growing disability group on community college campuses. Of all community college students, 35-40% will suffer from some form of mental illness during their community college career (Becker et al., 2002).

The onset of major mental illnesses occurs between the ages 18-25. This makes community college campuses one of the prime locations for the first eruption of these illnesses (Unger, 1992).

UNT Law Conference 2010 - Gary Dickstein

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Mental Health DisordersIn general, students are coming to college “overwhelmed and more damaged than previous years” (p.95, Levine & Cureton, 1998b).

“Academic advisors find that mental health issues interfere with student success more than ever before” (Harper & Peterson, 2005).

According to the Richard Kadison (2006),• 45% of students report problems with depression• 44% of students report intermittent problematic drinking habits• 14% of students report being in an abusive relationship• 10% of college students report suicidal ideation

UNT Law Conference 2010 - Gary Dickstein

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Summary of the LawOn September 25, 2008, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law. It became effective on January 1, 2009. The U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the ADAAA. 

Disability Law ADA becomes ADAAA

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The ADAAA focuses on the discrimination at the issue instead of the individual's disability. It makes important changes to the definition of the term "disability" by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and portions of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) ADA regulations.

The Act retains the ADA's basic definition of "disability" as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. However, it changes the way that the statutory terms should be interpreted. Most significantly, the ADAAA

• Directs EEOC to revise the portion of its regulations that defines the term "substantially limits";

• Expands the definition of "major life activities" by including two non-exhaustive lists:

The first list includes many activities that the EEOC has recognized (e.g., walking) as well as activities that EEOC has not specifically recognized (e.g., reading, bending, and communicating);The second list includes major bodily functions (e.g., "functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, respiratory, neurological, brain, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions");

Disability Law ADA becomes ADAAA

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• Expands the definition of "major life activities" by including two non-exhaustive lists:The first list includes many activities that the EEOC has recognized (e.g., walking) as well as activities that EEOC has not specifically recognized (e.g., reading, bending, and communicating);The second list includes major bodily functions (e.g., "functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, respiratory, neurological, brain, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions");

• States that mitigating measures other than "ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses" shall not be considered in assessing whether an individual has a disability;

• Clarifies that an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active;

Disability Law ADA becomes ADAAA

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• Provides that an individual subjected to an action prohibited by the ADA (e.g., failure to hire) because of an actual or perceived impairment will meet the "regarded as" definition of disability, unless the impairment is transitory and minor;

• Provides that individuals covered only under the "regarded as" prong are not entitled to reasonable accommodation; and

• Emphasizes that the definition of "disability" should be interpreted broadly.

Disability LawADA becomes ADAA

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For more information about disability services, please contact the community college that you will be attending. Every community college has a Disability Office that you can get in touch with.

Remember to plan ahead!

We want you to stay on target when it comes to going to community college!

Stay on target !