Finding resources
What do you think?
Before you get started, think about how you would answer the following questions.
- Do you like scavenger hunts?
- What are some community resources and services you are using now in high school?
- What academic supports are included with college tuition for all students?
- What adult resources are you aware of in your community?
Where to start?
Most colleges provide services and supports to all students enrolled in their schools. These services are available to help you be successful while in college. You can find out about these services through the college’s Web site, student orientations and asking staff while you visit campus.
Although each college offers different types of supports, here are a few resources that may be offered. Some of these services may be covered in your tuition while others you may have to pay an additional fee to use. It is important to learn about what services are available to you and how to access them.
- Disability support services office – Provides accommodations to students based on eligibility.
- Writing center – May provide consultations to help writers conceptualize and develop ideas, revise papers for depth and clarity and learn how to recognize and resolve writing errors.
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) – May provide regularly scheduled study sessions for traditionally difficult courses.
- Tutoring – May provide sessions with peers or upper classmen offered in a variety of subjects.
- Counseling center – May provide counseling, education and prevention services to support student growth and psychological well-being.
- Career center – May provide services to help identify and participate in career and self-exploration and experiential learning opportunities.
- Library training sessions – May provide workshops, tutorials and toolkits to take advantage of library resources.
Common community resources for adults
- Vocational rehabilitation services – (includes state departments for people with vision and hearing impairments) May provide counseling, evaluation and college-related supports to assist in achieving your vocational goal.
- Mental health centers – May provide counseling services and support groups.
- Public transportation – May include accessible buses, subways or specialized transportation.
- Disability-specific organizations – (such as CHADD or brain injury associations) May offer relevant community supports.
- Centers for independent living – (a nonprofit advocacy organization run by people with disabilities) Promotes maximum achievement for people with disabilities.