college support system for students with disabilities

Building a College Support System

Starting college is an exciting time for students, but for those with disabilities, the transition can be especially challenging. Establishing a solid support system on campus is a critical step for these students to feel connected, supported, and empowered to be at their best. And you’ve heard me say, “a connected student is a successful student.” A college support system includes a network of friends, academic mentors, and professional resources that help students navigate the academic, social, and personal demands of college life. Here’s how to help your student with a disability build a robust support system at their school.

Now I go over this in my College Services Planner. It’s free and the emails you get guide you through the process of looking at the services at the colleges your student is looking at attending. Consider the emails like a mini course with the planner as your workbook. You can get it in the link in the show notes. 

Why Building a College Support System Matters

For college students with disabilities, a support system provides both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. College can be overwhelming, especially for students managing ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions. Without the right support, they may struggle to stay organized, manage stress, or advocate for their needs. Having a support network helps students feel connected, supported, aids in coping with academic challenges, and enhances their mental well-being.

Key Components of a College Support System

A successful college support system includes several core components, each offering different types of assistance. Here are some crucial parts of an effective network:

  1. Academic Support: Academic advisors, professors, tutors, and teaching assistants are valuable resources that can provide guidance on coursework, exam preparation, and academic planning.
  2. Social Support: A group of friends or peers who share similar interests or experiences provides companionship, emotional support, and a sense of community.
  3. Disability Services: Disability services departments offer tailored accommodations that help students overcome barriers to learning and thriving in college.
  4. Mental Health Resources: Many colleges have counseling centers with therapists who specialize in working with students, including those with disabilities. Support groups and mental health workshops are also commonly available.

Using Campus Disability Services as a Resource

Disability services are designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to all parts of college life, from academics to campus events. Here’s how these services can benefit students:

  • Requesting Accommodations: Disability services help students apply for academic accommodations such as extra time on exams, note-taking assistance, or access to assistive technology.
  • Connecting with a Community: Disability services often host events and create spaces where students with disabilities can meet and support each other, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • One stop shop: If you have questions about services or are confused as to where to go, you might reach out to your Accessibility staff and ask. 

Forming Connections with Professors

Building relationships with professors can be instrumental for students with disabilities. Professors can provide additional academic support, offer advice, and even write letters of recommendation for internships or future employment. Encourage your student to attend office hours regularly (it’s an underutilized resource), introduce themselves, and communicate openly about their needs. By forming a rapport with professors, students create valuable connections and a layer of support that can enhance their academic journey.

For more about academic support, I did a whole episode about this, Episode 94.

Finding Peers with Similar Experiences

Connecting with other students is essential for a balanced college experience. Especially with this generation of college students who grew up during COVID lockdowns. Loneliness and building friendships can be problematic. Students can find peers by joining clubs, organizations, and support groups that align with their interests or needs. Many schools have clubs focused on mental health, disability awareness, or academic interests, where students with disabilities can meet others who understand their experiences.

Encourage your student to explore options like:

  • Student Organizations: Many colleges have clubs and organizations specifically for students with disabilities. Even helping out in the student activities department is a great way to meet other students.  
  • Peer Mentorship Programs: Some colleges offer peer mentorship programs that pair new students with upperclassmen who provide guidance and support. Some of these are in your student’s major like a nursing club or a biology club. 

Pro tip, if your student can’t find a club that is about their interest, your student might be able to create one. Have them look into this at the student activities department. 

Tips for Parents to Encourage Independence

While parents can play a supportive role, it’s important to encourage your student’s independence in building their support network. Here’s how to balance support and independence:

  1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of directing your student’s choices, ask open-ended questions that prompt them to consider their options. For example, “What clubs have you thought about joining?”
  2. Encourage Problem-Solving: Empower your student to address challenges independently, but let them know you’re there to offer guidance if needed.
  3. Check-In Respectfully: Regular check-ins are a great way to stay connected. Avoid the tendency to want to solve the problem for them or be directive; instead, ask how they’re doing and what they’ve enjoyed about their support network. Most importantly, ask if they need advice. 
  4. Help them assess what they need: This part is tricky, but you know your child and can often identify when things are not going so well. You can often spot the problem when it starts. This is critical. Often students will wait until the problem is too big or is in crisis to get help and ask for it. By then, it may be too late to have any real impact. So if you identify a problem early, express your concern, help them look at the issue, and encourage them to seek out support.  

If you need more information about how to help your student navigate the services at their college, listen to episode 65 of the podcast. And I have episode 96, to help you encourage your student to get help early.

 Conclusion

Building a college support system for students with disabilities is essential for them to thrive academically, socially, and personally. By connecting with professors, accessing disability services, joining student organizations, and building friendships, students can establish a strong network of support that empowers them throughout their college journey. As a parent, your encouragement can help your student take these steps confidently while fostering their independence.