College planning is available for students with disabilities

Moving from high school to college can be a difficult transition for any student after graduation. Now, add in a disability and that transition can be discouraging and frightening. Tulsa Community College, Broken Arrow Public Schools and Jenks Public Schools have partnered to host the Regional Transition Fair to help families address transition issues affecting students with disabilities. The event provides families with information and resources as the student graduates high school and enters college or seeks employment in the workforce.

Representatives from local colleges, community agencies and resource programs will be available to discuss, one-on-one, the academic and vocational support services offered to students with disabilities after graduation. Students and their families will learn about the differences in the delivery of support services in higher education, and receive information on what procedures to follow as the student transitions into the next phase of the educational process.

Through TCC’s Education Access Center, students with documented disabilities can receive academic support services while taking college courses. The assistance ranges from tools to help in the classroom such as a voice recorder to capture the lectures, adaptive software for computers or textbooks in alternative forms. The assistance can also include extended time and a private room for taking tests.

In addition to the representatives on site to answer questions, an information session with a panel of local experts will compare common education and higher education for the student and parent; explain the laws and what happens after high school; help families work on the student’s independence and give tips on what to expect. The panel will feature Michael Shuttic, Director, Partners In Learning/ADA Compliance, St. Gregory’s University; John Hilborn, Special Education Dept. Chair/Vocational Services, Broken Arrow Schools; Dawn Harig, Transition Coordinator, Gatesway Foundation; and Mary Ogle, Executive Director, A New Leaf.

The Regional Transition Fair is free and will be held 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 26 at TCC’s Southeast Campus Student Union at 81stStreet and Highway 169. Parents and students from 6th to 12th grades are invited from Tulsa and the surrounding area school districts to attend. Door prizes including a $100 gift card from Sam’s Club, a $30 gift card from Food Pyramid, a $30 gift card from El Tequila, and meals from First Watch and Pei Wei will be given out following the conclusion of the information session.