Information for Parents and Families

The transition from high school to higher education is an exciting time for students. It provides students an opportunity:

  • For personal growth through self-advocacy
  • Understanding functional abilities
  • Identifying tools that provides access
  • Develop communication skills

Transitioning from High School to Buffalo State University

Going to university can be a significant transition for both students and their family. For many students this is the first time they are separating from family and moving toward independence. This is an exciting time but the transition can also creates concerns for all involved.

Students with disabilities and their families must understand what it means to transition to a higher education institution with a disability and learn about the steps they need to take to receive support from Student Accessibility Services at Buffalo State University. The first step, once accepted to the university, is to complete the Initial Accommodation Request form. You will need your Banner ID #, and Buffalo State email address. We encourage you to submit all supporting documentation when you complete the form. However, if you do not have access to it you may upload it at a later time.

The table below can be a helpful guide outlining some of the differences between high school disability services and those at Buffalo State University.

High School Buffalo State University
High school accommodations are about success University accommodations are about equal access
The school arranges communications with teachers about accommodations The student communicates with faculty about accommodations
Student has a 504 Plan or an IEP Students get a Letter of Accommodation
Parents/guardians act as primary advocate Student is their own primary advocate

Some of the changes are in terminology: a 504 Plan or IEP becomes a Letter of Accommodation. However, the main changes involve the student at Buffalo State University becoming their own primary advocate. This means the student at Buffalo State University is responsible for communicating with faculty about their accommodations and contacting Student Accessibility Services to express any concerns they might have. 

 

Sources of Documentation at Buffalo State University Compared to High School

Students are the first source of information about why an accommodation may be needed. Their narrative about their experience of disability, any barriers they encounter to learning and/or participation on campus, and past experience with effective and ineffective accommodations, is an important tool that helps Student Accessibility Services determine if the accommodation is reasonable.

Student Accessibility Services is experienced in working with students with disabilities. Using this experience, staff may be able to determine if a student's request is reasonable by making observations during interactions with them. These observations can help validate information in their self-report, further establishing a student's need for accommodation.

Student Accessibility Services may request documentation of a student's disability or a history of accommodation to help support their current request. Sources may include educational or medical records, reports and assessments created by health care providers, school psychologists, teachers, or the educational system. This includes information that shows a history of accommodation in education, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. 

Looking for Additional Support with Transition?

The Western New York Collegiate Consortium of Disability Advocates (WNY CCDA) is comprised of a group of post secondary and secondary education professionals including Buffalo State University, along with community and government agency representatives who are directly involved in working with students with disabilities or transition services. The group was originally formed to address the needs of students with disabilities on WNY college campuses, and has expanded its focus to include the preparation of students with disabilities for transition from high school to higher education.

The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western NY (DDAWNY) works collaboratively with WNY schools, agencies and higher education institutions to be a resource for the community. 

Access to Student Information

A student at Buffalo State University can fill out a FERPA Release Form giving Student Accessibility Services staff permission to share information related to the office with parents/guardians. Please see the Registrar's Office information page about FERPA  for more information.