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Education

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Accessible College

  • Provides college preparation and transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions

  • Services include customized planning, training prep course, assistance with understanding and requesting college accommodations, managing medication and healthcare needs, and other additional supports

  • Training Course Overview

    • A self-paced program that equips parents, educators, and healthcare providers with essential skills and practical strategies to support students with physical disabilities and health conditions in navigating transitions, independent living, and personalized college planning for successful college experiences.

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Phone: 240-343-4304

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Email: info@accessiblecollege.com

 

Website: https://accessiblecollege.com

 

30 Minute Free Consultation Request: https://calendly.com/accessiblecollege/30min?month=2024-10

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Crossing Points 

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  • TIER 1  

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-1.html

    • PURPOSE: High school program involving a collaboration between Tuscaloosa County Schools, Tuscaloosa City Schools, and UA  

    • DURATION: up to 3 years (students age out of IEP services at 21) 

    • CURRICULUM: includes independent living skills, social skills, employment skills, and recreation activities  

    • COST: Free for participants and their families. Students are still enrolled in their respective school system  

    • TRANSPORTATION: provided by the program 

    • REFERRAL AND ELIGIBILITY  

      • Must be enrolled in either the Tuscaloosa City or County School Systems  

      • Ages 18-21, having completed all diploma pathway requirements  

      • Must have a disability and receiving services under an IEP  

      • Discuss application and referral process with Special Education Case Manager  

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  • TIER 2  

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-2.html

    • PURPOSE: summer program to support college age students with intellectual disabilities in exploring post-secondary education 

    • DURATION: June summer term 

    • CURRICULUM: blended CrossingPoints and University of Alabama curriculum tailored to individual interests  

    • LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: students reside at University of Alabama dorms  

    • REFERRAL 

    • Application provided on website 

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  • TIER 3 

    • https://crossingpoints.ua.edu/tier-3.html

    • https://education.ua.edu/crossingpoints-certificate-in-occupational-studies/ 

    • PURPOSE: non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education at the University of Alabama  

    • CURRICULUM: 24 University credit hours, 10 CrossPoints specialized credit hours, and 54 internship hours  

    • COST: approximately $24,000 per semester (in-state)  

    • APPLICATION: applicants can access application portal to complete application and upload documentation  

    • MAJOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 

      • Ages 19-26 

      • Have a documented intellectual disability  

      • Have received a high school diploma or certificate of completion  

      • Have the ability to maintain appropriate behavior, personal hygiene, and independence  

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Disability Scholarships

  • CRAIG H. NEILSEN FOUNDATION   

    • Scholarships for individuals with spinal cord injuries to attend select colleges and universities  

    • Website: https://chnfoundation.org/​

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ELEVATE

  • Partnership between Tuscaloosa County School System and Indian Rivers Behavioral Health to provide behavioral health, therapy, and crises intervention services to students enrolled in the program in an effort to promote a more successful educational environment 

  • Located at Lloyd Wood Education Center  

  • Referrals are made through the Tuscaloosa County School System 

    • Discuss with special education case manager for more information  

  • Website: https://www.irbh.org/services/child-and-family-services/elevate 

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IEP/504 Information

  • WHAT IS AN IEP? 

    • A special plan created for a student with disabilities to ensure they get the support and accommodations they need to succeed.  

  • WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN IEP? 

    • Any student who has a disability that affects their ability to learn and requires specialized instruction.  

  • WHAT IS A 504? 

    • A special plan created for a student with disabilities that needs accommodations but does not require specialized instruction 

  • WHO QUALIFIES FOR A 504? 

    • Any student who has a disability that limits one or more major life activities 

  • HOW CAN I REQUEST AN IEP OR 504 FOR MY CHILD? 

  • ADDITIONAL INFO 

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RISE Center 

https://risecenter.ua.edu/

 

  • Contact Information 

    • Mailing Address: PO Box 870305 

      Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 

    • Physical Address: 600 Johnny Stallings Drive 

      Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

  • The RISE Program is an early childhood education program that predominantly serves young children with disabilities while also including children who do not have disabilities.  

  • Enrollment Information 

    • Children with Disabilities  

      • Joylyn Boggs, Service Coordinator  

      • A meeting will be scheduled to tour the program, receive information regarding services offered, and to discuss the child's unique needs 

    • Children without Disabilities  

      • Families must attend a Traditional Learner Orientation before consideration for enrollment 

        • To sign up for an orientation, call 205-348-7931 

        • Held on the second Thursday of every month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm  

      • Andi Gillen, Director  

        • 205-348-7931

        • To learn more about the opportunities to participate in the program 

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Shelton State Community College Office of Disability Services 

 

  • Contact Information 

     

  • REGISTRATION PROCESS  

    • Email Office of Disability Services to obtain forms to register for accommodations 

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Step 2 Adulthood 

  • Job readiness program provided by the Tuscaloosa County School System for students 18-21 still receiving IEP services  

  • Provides both in class job skills training and community based work opportunities  

  • Located at Lloyd Wood Education Center in Northport, AL  

  • Discuss application and referral process with student's special education case manger  

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Think College Programs
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Tips for College Accommodations

**Every college and university is different. These are generic tips that may help during the accommodations process, but please reach out to your specific school for more specific information.** 

 

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS  

  • Documentation must be provided by a licensed medical or psychological healthcare professional. 

    • Statement of diagnoses  

    • Description of current symptoms and limitations (frequency, intensity, and duration) 

    • Possible accommodations recommendations may be taken into consideration  

  • IEP and 504 information can be used to supplement, but cannot be used to document disabilities on their own.  

 

SELF-ADVOCACY  

  • The student must identify themselves as a person with a disability to their college or university. Disability Services and instructors will not discuss accommodations with parents or other family members.  

  • When meeting with Disability Services, make sure to discuss accommodations that have been beneficial in the past.  

  • The student must discuss accommodations with instructors and advocate that the accommodations are being followed.  

  • The student must schedule tests to be taken in the testing center if this is an accommodation that they are receiving. They are not scheduled automatically!  

  • Accommodations must be requested every semester.  

 

COMMON ACCOMMODATIONS  

  • Accommodations are usually provided for in class assignments, quizzes, or tests. Assignments, papers, or projects that are completed outside of class typically do not apply, but can be discussed on an individual basis.  

  • Extended time on exams  

  • Distraction-reduced testing environment 

  • Note-taking assistance  

  • Wheelchair ramps and elevators  

  • Accessible seating arrangements 

  • Assistive technology  

  • Alternative formats for readings  

  • Priority registration  

  • Use of laptops if not typically allowed in class  

 

GENERAL PROCESS  

  • Complete application for accommodations 

  • Provide documentation of disability  

  • Meet with accommodations specialist to determine accommodation needs  

  • Provide instructors with letters outlining accommodations  

  • Utilize accommodations during the semester  

  • Register with Disability Services again every semester with new schedule and make any necessary changes to accommodations being provided. 

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University of Alabama 

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS ​

  • https://ods.ua.edu/ 

  • Contact Information 

     

  • Process 

    • Consult Documentation Guidelines 

    • Complete ODS Application 

    • Upload Documentation  

    • Accommodations Specialist Reviews Documentation 

    • Send Accommodation Letters 

    • Meet with Instructors 

    • Follow Up as Needed 

     

  • Testing Center 

 

HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES ACCOMMODATIONS 

 

  • Service and Emotional Support Animals  

     

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES 

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