Information for Parents
Having your child go to college can be one of the most exciting, as well as frightening experiences that a parent will encounter. When a student has a disability, this rite of passage may become even more challenging than usual. The information in this section is available to help you to understand the process of accessing services and accommodations for students with disabilities at Case Western Reserve University.
The best place to start is with the publication, "Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities".
This publication from the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights is relevant to any postsecondary student going to any college or university. Be familiar with the information in this booklet as you begin to look at colleges and universities for your student.
Another publication from the same source is "Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities". This booklet can give you more specific information about the types of assistance that are generally available to students with disabilities at the postsecondary level.
Once, you have looked at this information, then it is time to look at the specific opportunities available at Case. Please review the specific policies and procedures for students with disabilities at Case. Use this information when you are gathering the documentation to be submitted to Disability Resources.
When you are visiting the campus it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with the office of Disability Resources. Services and assistance are individually determined for each student. It may be very helpful to have a better understanding of what your student might expect at Case before making a final decision. Please be sure to have your student attend this meeting because, as you know, at the postsecondary level, the student initiates the interaction with Disability Resources and is responsible for following through at all points in the process.
Once admitted, please have your student complete and submit the disability disclosure form electronically. In addition, students need to send documentation to the Disability Resources office before arriving on campus.
During the summer, before classes begin, the Disability Resources office will contact students who have completed the disability disclosure form. A member of the Disability Resources staff will correspond with the student and answer questions and take care of details. The member of the staff will meet with each student individually during Orientation. Depending on the type of accommodations, there may be an additional group orientation to learn about specific procedures.
Once classes begin, your student will know how to access assistance from the Disability Resources office. At this point, it is your student's responsibility to manage any needed services or accommodations. The Disability Resources staff cannot answer your questions about the student's progress. Please talk with your student about the importance of keeping you informed.
If you have questions, please contact the office of Disability Resources at: susan.sampson@case.edu or lesley.brown@case.edu, or call the ESS office at 216.368.5230. Here's hoping your college search is enjoyable and successful. Good luck.