This presentation will provide families, educators, and students with important information about the college setting in regard to disabilities, self-advocacy, the laws, and reasonable accommodations. Recipes will be provided on how to navigate the academic differences between high school and college, specifically, in regard to student and parental roles, tests, and study responsibilities. Specialized programs, support services, and resources will be highlighted and discussed in detail. It is important for students to know what types of services and supports they may need when beginning the college search. Going off to college is a big transition, but with the necessary supports in place, success will occur.
Presentation ToolKit Resources
Self-advocacy is a key skill that will help any college student be successful. There are many resources, programs, and services available at colleges to help all students. Please see the presentation powerpoint below.
About the Presenters
Maryellen Guardino
Maryellen Guardino graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and obtained her teaching certificates in elementary and special education in New York State and New Jersey. She is a certified School Psychologist with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and School Psychology. She has been working at Marist College since 2008 and is the Director of the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility at Marist College.
Krista Ackert
Krista Ackert has worked at Marist College for 8 years. She is a Learning Specialist, as well as an Assistant Director for the Office of Accommodations & Accessibility. Before coming to Marist in 2013, Krista’s experiences ranged from teaching in the elementary through high school levels while also taking time to raise her two children. Krista received her bachelor’s degrees in Education and Psychology from Assumption College. She also holds a master’s degree in Reading- Remedial Reading and Language Arts from Southern Connecticut State University.
Susan Jenkins
Susan Jenkins holds a B.A. in English from Virginia Tech and an M.Ed. in Special Education from George Mason University. She was a middle and high school special education teacher before coming to Marist in 2007 when she began working as a learning specialist in the Office of Accommodations & Accessibility (OAA). Susan currently works as a learning specialist and an assistant director for the OAA.