Which College Features Really Matter for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired?
The prospect of making the right choice from among the nearly 2,000 four-year colleges in the United States may seem daunting, but there are ways to narrow that list to a manageable number. The checklist below outlines some basic aspects of colleges that can help your visually impaired teen identify the ones that meet his specific needs and preferences. Once you and your teen review the features, consider the pros and cons of each, and decide which ones really matter, the decision-making process becomes easier.
- College Size
ΜΆ Small (750-1,999 undergraduates)
ΜΆ Medium (2,000-7,500)
ΜΆ Large (over 7,500) - College Environment
ΜΆ Big city
ΜΆ Medium-size city
ΜΆ Suburban community
ΜΆ Rural community - Distance from Home
ΜΆ Live at home and commute
ΜΆ Within 2 to 3 hours by car or train
ΜΆ Distance not important - Climate
ΜΆ Warm
ΜΆ Cold
ΜΆ Moderate - Academic Program
ΜΆ Liberal arts
ΜΆ Science
ΜΆ Technology
ΜΆ Business/marketing
ΜΆ Performing arts
ΜΆ Other________ - Class Size
ΜΆ Small (less than 20 students)
ΜΆ Midsize (20-50)
ΜΆ Large lecture hall (over 50) - Financial Aid Availability?
ΜΆ Grants or scholarships
ΜΆ Work-study programs
ΜΆ Loans
ΜΆ Financial assistance not necessary - Extracurricular Activities
ΜΆ Sororities/fraternities
ΜΆ Clubs
ΜΆ Athletics
ΜΆ Other_______________ - Housing
ΜΆ Dormitories
ΜΆ Off-campus houses/apartments
ΜΆ Sorority/fraternity houses - Specific On-Campus Services for Students with Disabilities
ΜΆ Reader services
ΜΆ Scribe or notetaker
ΜΆ Access to assistive technology devices and equipment
ΜΆ Counseling
ΜΆ Other_______________
For more information, see “College Bound: A Guide for Students with Visual Impairments” by Trief and Feeney.