Being prepared and preparing your student for college are shared goals. The better they are prepared, the less regret you have and possibly less stress. How do you get your senior with a hidden disability prepared to make the shift to college? For students with ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and mental health conditions, there is a lot more to prepare. It's not just getting bedding, totes, and a mini-refigerator. It's about mindset and expectations, self-awareness and knowledge about your disability, self-advocacy, time management, and focusing on mental health.  Each one of these areas requires time, focus, and intentionality. All are crucial components to collge success. It's best to get these steps down before your student steps foot on a college campus. If you wait, then your student has to play catch-up while trying to cope with the emotional stress and anxiety, and maintain grades and academic workload. That's a lot to ask. It's why I like letting you know ahead of time so you can prepare.  Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter Help for your College Journey Advocacy Transition Program Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College Time Management For College Students FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

There's a lot with college transition. As a parent who's done this twice already, I can tell you that there are always things you wish you did or said differently. Yep, I've been on a college campus for a minute for sure, but that does not mean I did everything right.  I made mistakes. Not happy about it, but I get to pass on my experiences and lessons so you can benefit. It's a little personal in this episode and it's all from a place of reflection and a desire to help you on your journey.  One tip, as parents, you're not going to get it 100% right. That's ok. Give yourself a break and a giant pat on the back for doing awesome so far. You're the main reason your student has chosen to take on the challenge of college.  Take deep breath and know your job will never be done. It just changes. I hope this episode gives you some added encouragement to do what you think is best for your student. No one way is right. Find YOUR right way.  Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter Help for your College Journey Advocacy Transition Program Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College Time Management For College Students FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

Guide your teen from high school to college with these 10 episodes. I have 10 of the most important podcast episodes all to help you and your student. It's a list of the college transition essential informaiton. For students with hidden disabilities, it can be a game changer. I can guarantee this information was not in your IEP or 504 plan or transition planning. So, let me help fill in the gaps.  Episodes are not in any specific order, but they do pack a lot of essential information in one place. So, bookmark and download each episode. Take some time when your in your car, on the beach, or relaxing with your coffee in the morning (or afternoon, or mid-day, or late afternoon). Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter Help for your College Journey Advocacy Transition Program Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College Time Management For College Students FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

Dad's you have a special role to play in your student's college journey and self-advocacy. It's unlike any other role because your connection to your student is uniqe and special. What you bring to the plate is needed for your student's college success and a better college transition.  Student's with disabilites like ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions need parental support throughout the college experience. Dad's can help ensure thier student is prepared and informed. I like to say, know before you go.  Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter The Dad's guide to college disability law. Click below. Empowering Advocacy: Demystifying College Disability Laws Advocacy Transition Program Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College Time Management For College Students Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.  Learn More Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

May is all about getting ready before graduation. Today is about the three things you and your student need to do before they graduate. For students with hidden disabilities like ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental helath conditions, there's a bit more to do before college starts. What are those three things and how do they help with college transition?  Well, it's more than buying totes and mini-refrigerators. Those are great things, but they are not going to get your student off to a good start. The paractical things are not going to give them the access their disability needs. What will? Good knowledge of thier disability. Being able to speak about it with confidence. Knowing thier strengths and deficits. Applying for disability accommodations, and getting to know the supports that may need to use.  Advocacy Transition Program Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step by Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College Time Management For College Students Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.  Learn More Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

Getting prepared for college is a huge task. Theres's not just the parctical stuff like bedding, snacks, food, mini-fridge etc. There is also the adult topics to discuss. As a parent of a college student, these topics are critical to have. Why? No regrets. None at all. Even if something happens, which I pray it doesn't, at least you know, as a parent, that you did what you could. It's also a much better college transition. Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and mentla helath issues need these conversations to happen. At best, you get them prepared to consider other aspects of college life that your student may not have. Here six topics you might consider. Some are for thier safety, some for their character, and some to keep them at thier best. What topics?  Behavior Safety Wellness planning Contact Home rules- commuting or back on breaks Finances Are you on my email list? Well, all summerlong my episodes are covering some important topics and those on my email list will know first, and get all the links. So be sure to get on my email lsit so you can have all the links in one place. Click Newsletter below.  Join my Newsletter- Newsletter FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.  Learn More Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

This is the second in a series this month all about copllege transition tips for parents and getting prepared. College transition is hard especially for students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. Getting disability accommodations is vital as well as maintaining time management and mental wellbeing. What if something goes wrong? I mean really wrong, like life went sideways-type wrong. It happens, more than you think. So, what options does a student have if something occurs that impacts school in a negative way?  Learn about five of the most important policies that can help your student navigate through some challenging moments. Most importantly, two of these policies can save your student’s life and the life of someone else’s student. No joke, these policies are here to save lives, bottom line. A close second is keeping your student in school.  I hope you never need these policies, ever. If you do, you’ll know which policies can help and when to use them. So, grab a note book and pen, and take some notes.  FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.  Learn More Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

accessingcollege.com/college-success-revealing-the-top-3-areas-you-need-to-know/May is College Prep month and I’m kicking it off with an episode to help guide you and your student. If you could only pick three things that would make every student with a hidden disability successful in college, what three things would you pick? If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, you have a good shot at picking these 3. These three things ehlp every student not just those with ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions.  These are simple, actionable steps. However, simple may not mean easy. No worries, I have a lot of help for you. In this episode, you know what the three areas are, how they relate to college success, and what to do now to help your student prepare. Whether your student is still in high school, heading to college, or in college now, this episode equips you with the tools needed to prepare for college and beyond. Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book Soft Skills Planner Advocacy Transition Program AKA Self-Advocacy for Higher Edication Course Time Management Essentials for College Students   Wellness Planning Podcast Episodes The Best Mental Health Wellness Plan For College Students How To Cultivate A Mental Health First Mindset. One Skill That Can Change Their Life: Resiliency   FREE Stuff College Accommodations Checklist College Services Planner Click Here Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing to Request Accommodations in College. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.  Learn More Here Web Page Accessing College Follow me here Instagram @accessing_College Facebook  Accessing College | Facebook

Everything in college relates to mental health. Here are a few examples. Anxious college students don't study as well and don't remember as much for tests. Stressed students are not as productive and sometimes will put off assignments making stress worse. Depressed students may miss classes which causes secondary anxiety and worry about the work that was missed.  That's just the start. Poll any number of people and ssk them if mental health is important. They will tell you it is. Then ask them if they put their mental health first. Most, if not all, will say that they don't. Students will say the same. Yet, good mental health is the foundation upon which everything else builds and thrives.  So how do you cultivate a mental health first mindset? Listen in and find out.  Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book College Services Planner Time Management Essentials for College

Today on the podcast, Rebecca King is joining me to talk all things heathy eating and changing your relationship with food to be healthier for those with ADHD. She is diagnosed with ADHD too. Here's what you'll learn on this episode: What are some of the big issues around food and eating for those with ADHD? What is intuitive eating? How does this apply to ADHD? Get prepared for college with Rebecca's practical and actionable tips to develop better intuitive eating habits to fuel your brain and body so your student can be at their best.  You can find out more about Rebecca here:  IG and FB: @adhd.nutritionist  Rebecca's small group coaching details: https://sites.google.com/adhdnutritionistllc.com/smallgroupcoaching/home Book a free 30-minute call to learn about how Rebecca's services: https://p.bttr.to/2FUkb1j

All the episodes this month are about mental wellness. You will hear me say it over and over again, 'mental health is the foundation upon which everything else is built." It's true. Yet, we all fall off this wagon and it seems harder to do.  Truth is, it's simple but simple doesn't mean easy. So, how do we get our student to buy into it and incorporate wellness into thier college transition? Here's a secret. It's not that hard to do and keep up with. I'll show you how, what happends when students focus on this, and what happens when they don't.  It's all about getting them prepared and focused on what's best for them. So they can be at their best.  College Accommodations Checklist College Transition Essentials Course Advocacy Transition Program Time Management Essentials For College Students

Does your student have a sense of perfectionism? Do they get their self-worth from achieving good grades? Are the involved in a lot of different things? DO they have a type A personality? If so, your student may not be doing as well as it looks on the outside. Your student may be suffering on the inside.   Overachievers succeed which can mask the pain inside. The pain becomes evident when difficulties arise in grades, or another emotional stressor is added, or they seem like they are overwhelmed. What had worked is not working now and the facade of wellness and perfectionism comes crashing down.   Let's avoid that. Yes, avoidance can he healthy, but not for these students. How do you spot this in your student and how do you help them overcome it? Well, that's what this episode is all about.  College Accommodations Checklist College Transition Essentials Course Self-Advocacy for Higher Educaiton Course Time Management Essentials For College Students

This podcast will help parents answer the question, "Does my student need a new evaluation and college?" I'll give you a 3 step process to help you determine the best answer to this important question for you and your student's cicumstances.  Here are the links to the programs to help you and your student have a successful college transition and make your student into a great self-advocate.   College Transition Essentials The Advocacy Transition Program

Join me for a special podcast episode. I am covering a topic that is not often explored in disability circles, scholarships. I’m talking with Kara Walker and college scholarship expert on all things scholarships. Kara will walk us through the process of finding scholarships and the scholarship iceberg. She will answer the question, do students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health conditions have an advantage over other students looking for scholarships? How to begin the process, organize it, document it, and the special art of asking questions. You do not want to miss this episode! BIO: Kara Walker graduated from college debt-free, and is now on a quest to help other students do the same with her podcast, "Money and Mental Peace." She is a twenty-something Christian entrepreneur, amateur snowboarder, and recovering over-achiever. Kara can help you get scholarships and pay for college without student loans! Listen to her podcast, Money and Mental Peace: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/money-and-mental-peace-scholarships-budget-tips/id1602608122 Join Kara's Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/734349047530666

Dive deeper into the world of college services for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia, mental health conditions, and ADHD. There are a lot of services for every student at college. Which services does you student need to consider? And how do you factor college services into your student’s school choice?  In this episode, learn how to help your student explore thier indivudual needs, college services offered, and decide which college has the right combination of services for for your student.  #CollegeServices #StudentSupports #Empowerment College Services Planner

In this episode of After the IEP, we tackle a crucial concern for parents and students alike – choosing the right college for individuals with disabilities. Navigating the complexities of college selection can be daunting, especially when it comes to accommodating specific needs. Join us as we discuss the importance of finding a college that aligns with your disability requirements, focusing on learning differences (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mental health (MH). We emphasize the significance of prioritizing your needs over wants, understanding your disability, and being open to necessary accommodations. With practical tips, we guide you through essential questions to ask, ensuring the chosen college provides the necessary support and learning environment. The ultimate goal is to empower students and parents to make informed decisions, reducing tension and fostering mature decision-making. Free Guides College Services Planner College Accommodations Checklist Podcasts  Beyond the Brochure: The Ultimate Guide to College Tours for Students with Hidden Disabilities top-5-consequences-of-not-having-accommodations-in-college Blog Post The College Tour for Students with Hidden Disabilities: Services Not Requesting Accommodations in College? Read this first.

In this insightful episode, we review self-advocacy examples that foster self-advocacy in college-bound students. Through the "I do, we do, you do" model, discover how to gradually empower them to self-advocate effectively. From scheduling their own appointments with healthcare professionals to handling takeout orders and picking up prescriptions (with a bonus: learning to ask pertinent questions), these seemingly routine tasks are pivotal in honing their self-advocacy skills. They are also easy to do, implement, and repeat as needed.  Why? Because it develops a students comfort being uncomfortable doing life tasks independantly for the first time. Once they do, the next new task is not as scary. Plus, they learn that idscomfort is not something to avoid, but something to work through.   Moreover, we explore the importance of asking questions during college tours and scheduling appointments to meet Disability Support Services (DSS) staff. Learn how these interactions can profoundly impact a student's ability to navigate academic accommodations effectively. Tune in and equip yourself with practical tools to empower your student's journey toward success! College Tour for students with Hidden Disabilities- Blog post College Services Planner FREE College Accommodations Checklist Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book

In this podcast episode, we answer the question: Whay self-advocacy is important? This is a pivotal question for self-advocacy for college students with disabilities. While self-advocacy is widely acknowledged and supported, how to develop self-advocacy is absent from K-12. In addition, self-advocacy's significance within higher education and beyond often remains overlooked. It's the first step to leartn how to advocate for yourself.  I redefine self-advocacy as a lot more than "speaking up." It's main effort is fostering self-awareness, from navigating strengths, weaknesses, and setting attainable goals.  I'll explore aspects of effective self-advocacy as it extends to encompassing seeking help when necessary and prioritizing overall wellness for college and beyond.  Discover the interconnectedness between self-advocacy and a student's future trajectory, influencing subsequent generations. Join me as I uncover the essential components of self-advocacy. Grab your notes as we unravel the keys to unstressing success in college through proactive self-advocacy. Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Book Soft Skills Planner Self-Advocacy for Higher Education Course

Unravel the complexities of college responsibilities in this episode! Gain valuable insights into managing daily tasks, notifying instructors, and optimizing accommodations for academic success. Learn how proactive communication and informed choices about accommodations impact the college journey. We explore the use of assistive technology, test accommodations' intricacies, and troubleshooting techniques. This episode equips students and parents with indispensable guidance for a seamless transition into college life. Tune in to unlock the keys to a successful first semester and empower students to navigate their responsibilities with confidence! Get The Book: Self-Advocacy for Higher Education FREE  College Services Planner

Tune in to our latest episode, "How To Eliminate The Sunday Scaries For Good," where we dive into practical strategies to bid farewell to that looming feeling of anxiety before the week begins. Do you know a student caught in the grip of the Sunday scaries? Discover how a simple shift in perspective can reframe those feelings from anxiety to normal pre-week concerns. In this episode, we unravel the secrets to actively dealing with stress and anxiety through a personalized wellness plan tailored for students. Routine and structure serve as anchors in an unpredictable world. Learn how establishing a sense of safety through a structured plan can alleviate the Sunday scaries. We'll guide you through the process of setting semester goals, then breaking them down into manageable monthly, weekly, and daily plans. But that’s not all—find out how reviewing plans daily, both in the morning and evening, coupled with a forward-looking review of upcoming weeks and months, can be the key to tackling longer assignments and unexpected challenges. Join us as we help your student unstress their success! Time Mnagement Essentials For College Students