Nine Strategies to Improve College Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

with learning disabilities (LD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who attend college do not complete their degrees at the same rate as their typical peers. Part of the explanation for this is due to a major difference in the education environment; in college, both the disability accommodation system and the academic environment are different from what students have experienced in high school. However, high schools can prepare students for this postsecondary transition by educating them about the college disability system and academic expectations, and by helping them develop knowledge about their learning profile and compensatory strategies; this in turn can improve outcomes for these students. This article provides nine strategies to assist districts in creating a comprehensive plan to help students with LD and ADHD make a successful transition to college.