By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 9, 2019
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​Preparing students for college and career should begin at a very early age. Children should be given many opportunities to visit a variety of workplaces. Care and planning should occur to make students aware of all the jobs related to a place of work. Students should be actively involved in planning for their future. They need to be encouraged to set goals for themselves with the mindset of “I will do this by this date” as having a specific date will lead to accountability.
​Assist the student in creating steps to work toward the goal. Keep in mind that everyone’s goals change and be willing to adapt and update or have a Plan B. Create short term and long term goals. Include objectives around career exploration. Students need to be invested in the plan and you need to know what motivates them. Employment should be the expectation and quality of life is the end goal. ​

Reading & Writing Skills

  • It is important to be fast and efficient in reading. Use Learning to Listen, audio books and e-text to build fluency. There is a lot of reading in college and students need to be prepared. When using large print or magnification, keep in mind that the more you magnify, the slower the reading speed. Utilize audio files with text or use video magnifier or just use audio files. It is important to know the student’s primary mode but build listening skills/rate. 
  • Encourage the student to meet with professors as soon as possible and know the books required for the class so they can be ordered ahead of time.
  • It is not recommended to record notes as it requires double time to participate in note-taking. It is preferable to get copies of notes from a peer or from the teacher. If the student chooses to use a reader/note-taker it is important to feel comfortable interviewing them, record their voice and know that they can be hired or fired. Students don’t always make the best readers as they have tests at the same time that they may need to prepare for.
  • It is important to improve speed and accuracy in writing (keyboarding) as well as navigating the computer.
  • Encourage the student to learn how teachers are testing and what information they are testing on.
  • Not everyone benefits from group study. For some students, it’s a distraction and they end up spending twice the amount of time studying.

Time Management

  • Time management skills are important. Advise students to not wait until the last minute to read assignments.
  • Students should work with their academic advisor in determining courses to take and what should and shouldn’t be taken at the same time.
  • Develop a calendar system using a method that works best for the student to keep track of upcoming tests, assignments, reminders, syllabus and live by it. Although it is important to allow time for socializing and partying, remember that the purpose of school is to learn and to obtain a job. 

Job & Social Experiences and Job Awareness

  • Encourage volunteer opportunities as they help build community connections and can turn into references, experience, job opportunities, friendships and build self-esteem. 70% of jobs come from networking.
  • Surround self with those doing work you want to do.
  • It is important to develop social skills and get along with different personality types and work alongside people you may not like. These skills will help the student get a job and keep a job by knowing how to handle conflicts.
  • Students need to know about texting and social networking (i.e. socializing but careful as potential employers can see what you’ve done online)
  • Creating a portfolio of experiences is important to show to the employer.
  • Important to have realistic post-secondary goals. What skills do you need for a dream career? What skills must you have for the job? Where are those jobs located? Skills and education path need to be aligned. Research the job requirements and other jobs in that field.
  • Everyone has self-stimulating behaviors. It is important to find ways that are socially acceptable and replace those that are not acceptable.
  • Important to be involved in clubs and organizations to show you can keep up with the rigor of school and be involved in other activities.
  • It is important to make eye contact, have good posture, and avoid falling asleep.
  • Phone skills and other communication skills for independently contacting employer and others in a means that is acceptable.
  • Know and demonstrate an appropriate way to respond to criticism.
  • Must know personal identifying information for completing a personal data sheet.
  • Etiquette skills for social encounters, eating out and dating.
  • It is important to learn about fields that surround the job of interest.

Accommodations & Advocacy

  • Testing accommodations vary by college. It is important to sign up early and interview colleges. Students should visit the college’s student resource center.
  • Student’s should know how to make their own accommodations and should also be practical about their accommodations. It is important to be resilient as you can’t always have optimal access.
  • Self-advocacy is important but choose when and what is appropriate. Don’t over advocate as you may burn out relationships.
  • Have students prepare a disclosure statement so they are prepared to disclose about their disability and needed accommodations.
  • Students need to accept that technology changes and be flexible and accepting of the change.

Independent Living needed for College & Career Success

  • How you dress is important as appearance matters. It is also important to dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Must be able to cook basic foods.
  • Must be able to do their laundry and keep clothing clean.
  • Must be able to maintain a dorm or home and keep it clean.
  • Must be able to make their own purchases.
  • Important to learn to problem solve when things go wrong.
  • Ordering at fast food and sit down restaurants and having good table manners is important.
  • Labeling materials, clothing, food, hygiene items, and appliances.
  • Develop and use a money management system that works for them.

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