Getting ready for college can feel exciting and stressful, especially if you have a medical condition or disability. There’s a lot to think about, from choosing the right school to planning for healthcare and daily support needs. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right preparation and guidance, you can build independence, stay healthy and be successful in college. Here are some helpful steps from Transition to Adulthood Services here at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to make the transition smoother and less overwhelming.

Request resources

If you have an IEP or 504 Plan in high school, we recommend you contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency to get personalized support for your next steps after high school. VR agencies specialize in helping young people with chronic illnesses or disabilities plan, whether that means continuing their education, getting job training or finding meaningful employment. They can connect you with services and resources to build independence and confidence.

The agency can help with things like:

• Employment services – Training to make sure you know how to prepare for, find and keep jobs while in or after graduating college
• Diagnostic services - Tests or evaluations that help identify your strengths, challenges and support needs before starting work or college
• Vocational evaluation - A closer look at your interests, skills and goals to help find the right career path or training program
• Counseling - One-on-one guidance to help you make career decisions, build confidence and overcome challenges along the way
• Training - Classes or hands-on programs that teach job skills, prepare for college or help you gain work experience
• Restoration services - Medical or therapeutic services that help you build or restore physical, emotional or communication abilities needed for school or work
• Placement assistance - Help with finding and applying for jobs, internships or other opportunities that fit your skills and interests
• Assistive technology - Tools, equipment or devices—like adapted computers or communication aids—that make learning or working easier
• Other support services - Extra help, like transportation, tutoring or guidance with college accommodations, to support your success

You’ll be matched with a trained professional who will be your main point of contact throughout the process (a case manager). They’ll help determine if you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and guide you in exploring approved schools or training programs that fit your goals.

In some cases, your family may complete a financial needs test to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help cover certain costs, like tuition, supplies or equipment. Start early and be sure to ask your case manager how long they expect this process to take.

If you live in Pennsylvania, you can contact the PA State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

If you live in NJ, contact career services at The NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Each VR will determine if there is a fee for their services and inform you of the amount of their fee.

Research colleges

Your next step is to start researching colleges to find one that fits your academic goals, learning style and support needs. Many colleges offer specialized programs, services or housing options for students with special health care needs or disabilities. Taking time to explore these options will help your family find a school where you can feel confident and successful both in and out of the classroom. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all colleges to provide reasonable accommodations for students who need them. Each school has an office (i.e. Disability Services Office, Student Assistance Office or Student Affairs Office) that will work with you to ensure the college you apply to or choose to attend has what you need to be successful. Request the supports that are in your current IEP or 504 Plan, including extra time on tests or assignments, alternative formats, captioning, accessible housing, air conditioning or service animal access. Each college has its own rules and timelines for the documentation required to provide these supports.

Once you are in college, the office you’re working with will inform your professors that you are identified as a student with specific educational needs. You will be expected to make an appointment with your teacher to let them know what you need.

You can use these additional resources and examples to guide your search:

Students with autism

• College Autism Network (CAN) – A national resource that lists colleges and programs designed to support students with autism as they transition out of high school.
• St. Joseph’s University (PA) Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support – Offers individualized academic and social support.
• West Chester University (PA) Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP) – Focused on helping students with autism feel supported and included during their college experience.
• Drexel University (PA) Center for Autism and Neurodiversity (CAN) – Helps students on the spectrum build important life and learning skills. This includes doing well in school, making friends, speaking up for themselves, living more independently and feeling comfortable and included in their communities.

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID)

• Resources for Students with Intellectual Disabilities – This resource lists college programs and financial aid options that support students with intellectual disabilities.
• Think College – A national resource guide for inclusive postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.
• Postsecondary Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (PIHEC) – Features a directory of Pennsylvania colleges by county that have programs serving students with intellectual disabilities.

Students with a range of special needs

• College Admissions Counseling – A list of schools that offer specialized support programs for different types of learning or physical disabilities.

Exploring these options early can help you find the right environment to grow academically, socially and personally and to make the most of your college experience.

Ready, set, apply!

Once you have narrowed down your college choices and determined if you are eligible for VR support, you are ready to start applying to colleges! After submitting your applications, you may also need to meet with most college admissions teams to determine eligibility for each school’s specific program. 

When you visit colleges and meet with their teams, they will explain the supports their programs offer. Most will have an advisor that you will meet with regularly. They will help you enroll in disability services or tutoring and encourage you to develop the skills to advocate for yourself. An advisor does not always manage disability services but can direct you to their disability service team. 

Here are a few additional resources to learn more about college accommodations, programs and support for students with disabilities:

• Transitioning to College: Academics – This article shares the kinds of academic supports available for students with disabilities in college and details the process to request them.
• The Student Lounge – Offers tips and resources that might help you get ready for success in college and future careers.
• PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment – Provides guidance to parents on their child moving from middle and high school to college, finding a job and building independent living and community skills.