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Concept Development for College Readiness

Students who are blind or visually impaired may need help to understand some basic concepts about college life, courses, and financial aspects.

It is that time of year when college bound high school seniors and their families begin to be filled with excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. College decision letters are being torn open by trembling fingers; families are having long talks and debates about which college is better or cheaper or closest to home; and eventually, students are making the final choices that will determine the next step in the rest of their lives. It is scary and stressful, joyful and exhilarating all at once. When the college bound student also has a vision impairment, these feelings can be intensified. While students may be thrilled to strike out on their own, to develop and prove their independence, parents and teachers may feel some anxiety about how their child or student will fare without the steady supports she is used to getting at school and home. They may find themselves up at night wondering, have I taught her enough? How will we know that she is ready? What if she gets lost, or she breaks her glasses, or some college kid takes the tactile markers off the washing machine and she can’t wash her underwear?

Worrying is a natural part of the transition process. It is also a completely normal part of being a parent and a teacher. However, as you prepare for your high schooler to head off to college either this fall or in a year or two, there are a number of things you can do to ensure she is well prepared. In this post I have developed a list of concepts specific to college readiness skills for students who are blind or visually impaired. This is not a post about necessary skills to be ready for college—in that realm I would strongly emphasize orientation and mobility, assistive technology and computer skills, and self advocacy. Rather, this post is centered around what college is like, and developing a sound understanding of what the next step will entail. College readiness skills are undeniably important, but having a strong conceptual grasp of the challenges, expectations, and opportunities to come will help a student with a vision impairment proceed with intelligence and confidence. Check out the list below for ideas on preparing a student for college academics, dorm life, campus activities, and financial aid literacy.

Concepts for Academic Life

Concepts for residential life

Concepts for campus life

Financial Concepts

Do you have more ideas for college readiness concepts to add to this list? If so feel free to share them in the comments below!

College readiness collage

By Courtney Tabor-Abbott

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