Ep. 126: Why Self-Awareness and Self-Determination are Important for College Success with Elizabeth Hamblet

Today we welcome back Elizabeth Hamblet, who previously discussed the transition from high school to college in an earlier episode. She’s back today to discuss it further after the publication of her new book Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.  Elizabeth has worked for two decades as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices. She’s heard all the questions, she’s guided many students and she’s here to talk about the keys to college success: self-awareness and self-determination. In this episode, Elizabeth answers so many questions. What accommodations do colleges provide? What are the differences between college programs when it comes to accessibility? What about IEPs and 504s? And most importantly, how can we prepare our students for college beyond academics?   Show Notes: [2:07] - Elizabeth’s new book is so helpful for parents whose children are transitioning to college or starting to think about the next step. [3:37] - The goal isn’t just to get into college. It’s to succeed in college. [4:38] - Even in the early stage of the 8th grade IEP meeting, there are things you can do to prepare. [5:51] - The support and accommodations in high school don’t always overlap with those that will be provided in college. [7:59] - All IEPs and 504 accommodations may not be implemented at the college level. [9:33] - What accommodations are available on the college level? [10:56] - Families and students can ask the disabilities services department about the accessibility of software at colleges. [12:27] - Once students graduate from high school, IEPs are no longer legally required for colleges to adhere to.  [16:31] - Although IEPs and 504s expire, some colleges will provide the same or similar support. [17:56] - Students should choose a college based on the things that any student would. Choosing a school solely based on their support does not make a good match. [19:52] - There is a misconception that colleges go out of their way to exclude students with disabilities, but it’s just not true. [20:58] - College is more than academics. [22:50] - Parents can help, but Elizabeth encourages students to call and ask questions in their process of making a big decision. [25:29] - Accommodations are important, but too many and too much support in high school leads to students not being ready for college. [26:52] - Families and teachers can do a lot to promote independence and self-advocacy. [30:54] - Extended time for papers is not commonly provided in college. [33:26] - You have worked so hard to get your child this far, and there is anxiety when it comes to thinking about college. [34:18] - College is not binary. You don’t have to attend at a specific time. [36:19] - The self-management piece of college is just as important as the academic aspect.   About Our Guest: Elizabeth C. Hamblet has worked as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices for two decades. In addition to working at a university, she is a nationally-requested speaker on preparing students with disabilities for successful college transition. Hamblet is the author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities and a concise guide on transition, and her work has appeared in numerous journals and online platforms. She offers advice and information on her website at www.LDadvisory.com and shares resources on numerous social media platforms.   Connect with Elizabeth: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile LD Advisory Website LD Advisory Facebook Page Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities by Elizabeth Hamblet   Links and Related Resources: Episode 15: From High School to College - Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities with Elizabeth Hamblet Episode 83: What Students with Disabilities Should Do When Starting College with Eric Endlich PhD Episode 125: Does Your Teen Need a Transition Assessment? with Dr. Gwen Palafox   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.