Educators will actively engage in online learning to further develop their understanding of how to prepare students with disabilities for the transition to higher education. The course will emphasize the differences between support for students with disabilities in K-12 education versus those available in postsecondary education. Topics will include disability law, student roles and responsibilities, accommodations in higher education, issues around disability disclosure, and strategies to build self-advocacy. As a final project, participants will create a document of resources to share with students, families, and colleagues.

This course is appropriate for special education teachers, secondary general education teachers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, administrators, and other professionals interested in supporting students with disabilities.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain the difference between disability law in K-12 versus higher education including IDEA, ADAAA, and Section 504.
• Define the shifting roles and responsibilities of students with disabilities in a higher education setting. 
• Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of accommodations in higher education and the process that students must follow to receive them. 
• Support students with decisions around disclosing their disability in postsecondary education.
• Identify strategies for building self-understanding, self-determination, and self-advocacy skills for students in K-12 education.
• Compile resources to share with students with disabilities, their families,  and their educators about the transition to postsecondary education.