Making the transition from high school to college is difficult for every student. It is even more difficult for students with disabilities who are unsure about the accommodations and services provided by the college. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences and the Disability Services Coordinator are eager to help with this transition. Once accepted to the College, there are step-by-step procedures to take that help make this experience easier. The transition guide below can also be of some help once you have been accepted to the College:

• Register with the Disability Services Coordinator Early
  We encourage the student to contact the coordinator during the decision-making process. The student should make an appointment with the Disability Services Coordinator and bring documentation of the disability to this meeting. Getting the accommodations process started can take a load off the student’s mind!
• Register for Classes Early
  Meet with the assigned academic advisor before class registration day to decide what and how many classes are needed. When planning the class schedule, make certain to leave enough time to get to classes throughout the day. Plan for breaks if there is a disability-related issue that you need to attend to during the day. If mobility is an issue, consider a “practice run” for the student to determine the amount of time needed to gather belongings and get to the next class on time. Register as early as possible in order to meet with professors and obtain academic materials.
• Make an Appointment with Professors
  Meeting with professors before the semester begins is always a good idea. The professors can help make arrangements so that needs are met, and also familiarize the student with the syllabus for the semester. This is a great time to ask questions and to answer any the professor may have.
• Find the Classes and Make Sure They are Accessible
  It is important that a student visit the classrooms where their classes will be held to make sure that they are maneuverable and comfortable. If there are any problems with the classrooms, contact the Disability Services Coordinator as soon as possible to work together to solve the issues at hand.
• Obtain Accessible Text and Materials for Classes
  If the student knows he/she will need books and materials in an alternate format, request these as early as possible with the Disability Services Coordinator. Some formats can take time to acquire. Make sure to put in an early request for the other services needed for class as well. Interpreters and readers, for example, take time to secure.
• If living in Student Housing, Get to Know the Dean
  Call or e-mail the Dean of Student Housing when it’s decide the student would like to live in student housing. If possible, get a tour of the housing complex. If the disability requires specific facility accessibility needs, be sure to review the situation and needs with the Dean as soon as possible. All requests for accommodations affecting Student Housing should be made to Office for Students with Disabilities.
• Secure Reliable Transportation
  Accommodations that include transportation are not provided by the College for students living off campus. However, accessible transportation is available through companies like A+ Links and United Transportation. Student Housing Residents with accommodations that include transportation should make arrangements with the Office for Students with Disabilities as early as possible to ensure that handicap-accessible shuttles are available for service to and from class.
• Be Familiar with Services Not Provided by the College
  The College associates itself with some liaison agencies that provide personal assistance. Be familiar with these agencies so that they can be contacted when needed. Also, develop a contact list for such things as equipment repairs, interpreters for non-school activities, and medical services.
• If Problems Arise…
  In instances where the student is having trouble with a course, teacher, or accommodation, the student should discuss the problem with whom the student is having difficulty. If that doesn’t work, contact the Disability Services Coordinator and request assistance in getting the problem resolved. We also encourage students to be familiar with some of the campus services and programs provided by the College. For further information about addressing problems with accommodation delivery, visit: Grievance Procedures.