Melissa Cermak: Supporting Students with Disabilities in College

Summary

In this conversation, Kim Wardlow interviews Melissa Cermak from the Access Center at Metropolitan State University Denver. They discuss the services provided by the Access Center for students with disabilities, with a focus on students who are blind or have low vision. They also talk about the challenges students face when transitioning from high school to college and the importance of self-advocacy. Melissa provides practical advice for students and parents, including early planning and exploring college resources.

Takeaways

The Access Center at Metropolitan State University Denver provides academic accommodations and technology support for students with disabilities.
Students who are blind or have low vision may require additional accommodations, such as accessible course materials and tactile images.
Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, and students need to develop self-advocacy skills and communicate their needs to faculty and staff.
Early planning and exploring college resources, such as open houses and informational sessions, can help students make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:00 Supporting Students with Disabilities in College
05:12 Challenges and Accommodations for Students who are Blind or Have Low Vision
09:04 Transitioning from High School to College: The Importance of Self-Advocacy
16:25 Practical Tips for Students and Parents: Early Planning and Exploring College Resources