Transition from high school to college is a significant and critical time in a student’s life and educational career. This workshop session will inform participants of process, strategies, technology, and resources to help ensure that the transition is a successful one! Many students are not aware of the various accommodations provided in college and how to access them. Learn about the different assistive technology and supportive accommodation options for students in high school and college. Free and low-cost/high quality AT options versus paid AT options will be explored and demonstrated. Discuss the importance of self-advocacy and awareness skills, communication with professors and instructors, meeting with counselors, confidentiality, questions, and paperwork involved. Learn the difference between high school and post-secondary laws for students with disabilities. We will discuss parent involvement and student independence as an adult, as well as parent and student rights in high school versus college. Knowledge on how to seek accommodations in college including: when to start; what to ask for, who to contact, and what documentation colleges require. Information regarding the acquisition of accessible versions of textbooks will also be shared and demonstrated.

Diana Petschauer, M.Ed., ATP is a RESNA-certified assistive technology professional, AT consultant, and founder of AT for Education and Access4Employment. She has over 20 years of experience in special education and assistive technology, PreK-12, post-secondary, and adult services. She presents and trains nationally and internationally. Petschauer is a faculty trainer for the Center on Technology and Disability, as well as ATinNH at the UNH Institute on Disability. Prior to starting her business, she was the AT Specialist at UNH, supporting students transitioning to higher education with assistive technology and accommodations, as well as AT services on campus. Petschauer started her career in public school special education services. She manages her multi-disciplinary team of consultants who travel daily throughout New England to provide AT  and AAC evaluations, training (for students, staff, and family), professional development workshops and webinars, and consultation and accessibility services for students and adults to access education, the workplace, and community.