High School StudentÕs Guide We are here to help! CAP is an independent advocate for clients and client applicants. CAP was established to improve communication and help resolve issues between clients and vocational rehabilitation/ DRS staff and other Rehabilitation Act funded program staff. CAP also helps clients understand the rehabilitation process and the benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. CAPÕs role is to provide information about benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act and to assist clients with understanding their rights and responsibilities in relation to receipt of these benefits. Client Assistance Program 2401 NW 23rd St Ste 90 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (800) 522-8224 www.ok.gov/odc/C.A.P./ CAP@odc.state.ok.us Friend Us on Facebook! Lets go to school, lets go get a great job, and lets go do the things I want to do! Congrats! You are about to start a great journey! - Your high school years are nearly behind you. And you need to start to make some important decisions. As student who may have a disability you are well aware that you can overcome any challenge but making sure you have the information, resources and a plan. To help you the following are suggestions for you to consider on this ex- citing journey! Make a list of the services youÕll need for a successful post secondary education - Be- fore you look for post secondary schools that can accommodate you best, you need to know what youÕre looking for. Understand your rights for education according to the ADA. Then, when planning for schools, consider what programs and services youÕll need from special transportation to and from classes to extra time for exams. Find schools to match your needs - While schools must accommodate your needs, you may find more success at a college or university that already has the special pro- grams and services you need in place. Find colleges based on your desired degree, and then request information on their current programs for students with disabilities. Contact campus specialists - Each of the colleges youÕre considering should have an office for disability services to help you navigate the system. Visit the colleges youÕre considering and meet with specialists to find out how the programs, facilities, procedures and policies will meet your needs. Aside from the auxiliary aid accommodations required by the ADA, many schools offer additional benefits including transition courses, special study areas, lighter course loads, scheduling assistance and extra time to meet with professors. DonÕt feel obliged to disclose your disability on your application - You donÕt need to tell your college about your disability. And fed- eral law prohibits colleges from asking you about a disability. That said, you can explain your disability if you desire. For example, if you believe it affected your grades or test scores and you therefore may benefit from disclosing your disability. However, this is a personal choice and not necessary. Be prepared to show documentation regarding the diagnosis of your disability - Check with you future school to see exactly whatÕs required. If you donÕt have the documentation your school requires you may need to get a new evaluation. This is your responsibility, but you may qualify for a free evaluation through your state vocational rehabilitation agency. Gather additional resources - There is a wealth of information available to help stu- dents with disabilities reach their education goals. ¥ Department of Rehabilitation Services ¥ DisabilityInfo.gov ¥ Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) HEATH Re- source Center ¥ Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Tips & Tactics for Students with Disabilities ¥ DonÕt wait for schools to contact you about special accommodations. You need to be proactive and initiate any requests. ¥ Once you choose a school and begin your program, be sure to make appointments with your instructors to ensure you get the accommodations you need. ¥ Develop a support network of other students with disabilities. A study group of students with similar needs can help you stay on track and boost your learning. CAP works with YOU with Vocational Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Independent Living Centers and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation in achieving your employment goals.