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graphics versionOffice of SSD - Walb Union 113 - Phone/TTD: 260 - 481 - 6657

Transition to College

 

Q: Are policies and procedures for meeting special access needs of students with disabilities the same in college as they are in high school?

A: No. The laws which are applicable to K-12 institutions are distinct from those which are applicable to post secondary institutions: the laws have quite different approaches to meeting the needs of students with disabilities.  Primary and secondary schools are required to identify students with disabilities. Public school systems are required to provide a free and appropriate education for these students under "individual education plans." Thus, many families of students with disabilities incorrectly believe that records of disability automatically transfer from high school to college along with academic records and that the college then continues services and accommodations much as was done in high school. To the contrary, in post secondary education the responsibility to identify disability lies with the student, if he or she desires to request services and accommodations on the basis of disability. In fact, prior to the admission decision and notification, post secondary admissions offices are prohibited from asking applicants if they have disabilities. The institution does, of course, have a duty to notify the people it serves that services and accommodations are available and how to request these services.

 

Q: Does IPFW have special admission standards for people with disabilities?

A: No. Disability is not a factor of the admission decision; admission standards are the same for all.

 

Q: How can an applicant for admission request special services and accommodations?

A: SSD is not limited to serving students only. If an applicant for admission needs disability-related services at any step in the admissions and enrollment process information in accessible formats, sign-language interpretation, etc. assistance is available. Visit or write SSD at IPFW, 2101 Coliseum Blvd. East, Walb 113, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499; telephone: 260-481-6657 (voice/TTY).

Q: Are students with disabilities required to take placement tests?

A: Yes. Placement testing for writing, reading, and math are required of all students, with or without disability, before registration for many IPFW courses is permitted. Students requesting special services for placement testing must give evidence that special services are needed. Learning disability accommodations are usually not applicable for the un-timed computerized placement tests. Accessible placement testing is provided via request to Placement Services for an accessible workstation reservation.

Q: Does IPFW provide transportation or attendant care?

A: No. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus and between classes and buildings once on campus. They are similarly responsible for self-care or for arranging attendant care for activities such as eating, medical treatment, toileting, showering, etc. IPFW is not legally required to provide these services, and university staff is not trained to provide these services adequately. In times of inclement weather or other emergencies, however, university police persons are available upon request to escort students across campus.

 

Q: Does IPFW provide special services to students seeking certificates and associate degrees in vocational technical programs?

A: Yes. SSD receives grant monies under the Carl D. Perkins Act to provide special services for students with disabilities who are enrolled in certificate or associate degree, vocational/technical academic programs. IPFW strongly encourages students with disabilities to consider technical careers and to that end has prepared a plan for using Perkins funds to provide special services. Inquire at the SSD office.

Q: Are there any financial aid sources, including scholarships, especially for people with disabilities?

A: The major grant and loan sources make no special allowance for disability itself in the determination of program eligibility or grant amounts. However, students whose disabilities cause additional expenses may submit a Special Conditions Appeal Form, available at the IPFW financial aid office. Some aid programs allow these expenses to be considered as part of the student's cost of attendance. Several private organizations, including the Fort Wayne chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and some local service clubs, offer scholarships on the basis of disability. The Fort Wayne Street Rod Association makes a sizeable annual donation to IPFW's Disabled Student Scholarship Fund. This fund is supported primarily by proceeds from the association's annual Muddy River Run. Huntner Scholarships (which prioritize awards to students with disabilities) are also granted.

  • Inquire at the financial aid office
  • Kettler Room 109
  • telephone 260-481-6820
  • TTY: 260-481-6082. 

The State of Indiana has a vocational rehabilitation program, dually funded by the state and the federal government. Program eligibility is based on a disability that materially limits the ability to work and the need for services.

  • The Fort Wayne office is located at
  • 219 West Wayne Street.
  • Telephone 260-424-1595
  • TTY: 260-426-8905.

Q: How do the state vocational rehabilitation agency and IPFW coordinate services for students with disabilities who are VR clients?

A: Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and the IPFW financial aid office co process financial information on a form known as the Financial Aid Communication Form (FAC). Government regulations require that VRS not pay for tuition, student fees, or books and supplies beyond the amount of unmet financial need, which is determined through government regulations.

Similarly, the financial aid office must take into account funds that VRS plans to authorize for these services. This is the reason for the FAC. The long process of exchanging information and arranging state authorization and direct payment to IPFW routinely does not meet IPFW fee-payment deadlines. Thus, it must be the student's responsibility to monitor communication between VRS counselors and IPFW and to request fee-payment extensions in person at the financial aid office before fee payment deadlines fall. All such deadlines are clearly stated on the fee statement provided by the IPFW bursar following registration for classes.

Do not assume once the VRS counselor agrees to pay for educationally related expenses at IPFW, that the rest is automatic and the student need not be involved any further in business matters between VRS and the university.  VRS and the director of SSD also communicate formally and informally in other ways on students' behalf. They exchange information about student needs, refer students to one another, and cooperate, with student permission, to exchange medical information in the interest of documenting eligibility for services. At a broader level, the Indiana Association on Higher Education and Disability (IN-AHEAD) and the management of VRS are currently working together to improve working relationships between post secondary institutions and VRS in the interest of serving student-clients better.

 

Q: Is there an organization of students with disabilities on campus?

A: Yes and anyone in the IPFW campus community can join. The name of the organization is disAbled Students Excelling in Leadership (affectionately known as dASEL). dASEL is an officially recognized student organization of IPFW. dASEL's mission is to serve as a students' sounding board to the university administration and to provide a forum for students and other interested persons to meet in mutual support. Membership in dASEL develops leadership and exemplifies academic and personal success. The annual membership fee is $1 for students or $2 for faculty and staff. The director of SSD is IPFW's advisor to dASEL. For further information, contact Student Life or SSD.