Office for Disability and Access
For Parents
The transition to college is an exciting and challenging time for any family. However, it can be particularly concerning for parents of a student with a disability.
One of the biggest changes when seeking disability accommodations in college (compared to K-12) is that the student needs to drive the process. We understand that this can be a difficult and overwhelming transition for students, parents, and support people so ODA is here to offer support throughout the process. We encourage parents/guardians to take some time to discuss these changes, and to outline possible coping strategies, with their student before arriving on campus.
We are always happy to have a meeting with both parents/guardians and their student to discuss the transition to college and building self-advocacy. To schedule a virtual informational appointment with an ODA staff member, please use the link below.
A guide to understanding the differences between High School and College
Additional Campus Resources for Parents:
Oberlin Blogs - My Mom Came to Visit: An Oberlin Parent's Perspective
Landmark College offers the following tips for parents (and instructors) of neurodivergent students:
Consider all the ways you can empower your student, build their self-esteem, foster their sense of belonging and explore who they are. What are three things you can do? The suggestions that follow can help you get started:
- Educate yourself and your student about their diagnostic profile as one component of their life and the types of supports that can benefit them.
- Emphasize that neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation and that everyone's brain works differently. Everyone has unique strengths and challenges, regardless of their neurotype.
- Help your student to identify and celebrate their strengths while acknowledging areas where they may need additional support. Tell them that it's okay to ask for accommodations, support, or additional help when necessary. Share with them your strengths and areas of challenge to demonstrate that they are not alone. Neurodivergent students should be aware of the accommodations and resources available to them and feel motivated and safe to use them. Share how you address your own areas of challenge.
- Encourage your student to find learning strategies that work best for them. Knowing about and using tools and strategies that help them succeed can boost their confidence and motivation and teach them how to articulate and advocate for their needs effectively.
- Be patient and open to ongoing discussions when and if your student chooses to learn more about neurodiversity and explores their own neurodivergence.