Toto, I Have a Feeling We're Not in High School Anymore

Handbook for Parents of Students with Disabilities

This handbook is directed primarily toward parents of students with disabilities. However, we hope that it is equally useful to high school teachers, counselors, and students themselves. It introduces some of the legal and philosophical changes that occur for students with disabilities upon graduation from high school and entrance into The University of Montana-Missoula. It is best used in conjunction with
 

Expect Access: The Guide to The University of Montana-Missoula for Students with Disabilities.

This virtual handbook was written, edited and published by The University of Montana-Missoula Disability Services for Students (DSS) staff. Disability Services grants permission to reprint the contents of this publication to those who make written acknowledgment of its contributions.

Our grateful acknowledgment is made to Elizabeth Crockett, Journalism Intern, who researched and wrote two sections, and edited early drafts of this guide; and to numerous other students with and without disabilities for their assistance in content development, proofreading and print design.

Table of Contents
List of 20 items

• Introduction: The Land of Oz
• What is the difference between entitled to education and right to equal access to education?
• What if my child was served under a 504 Plan instead of an IEP?
• What is meant by reasonable accommodation?
• What is meant by otherwise qualified?
• Who will manage my son or daughter's educational services?
• My Son or Daughter is adamant -- They don't want anything to do with any disability office! What happened?
• How do students advocate for themselves in order to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations?
• I understand the philosophy now, but what is the process, or how does Disability Services work?
• Why doesn't Disability Services provide LD assessment?
• How has my role as a parent changed?
• My son or daughter had some subjects waived in high school -- why aren't they automatically waived in college?
• Why does my son or daughter need a label?
• Are they automatically registered with Disability Services if we sent their last IEP to Admissions?
• What do you mean you cannot disclose any information to me about my son or daughter's services?
• What services does Disability Services provide?
• What does my son or daughter do when a faculty member or instructor doesn't make time for them?
• Okay, we've talked about academics, but what about my son or daughter's living situation?
• Conclusion: Off to see the Wizard