College & Trade Schools
While all state education departments have different requirements, the norm is that a student that graduates from high school with a special education diploma will not be accepted into college. The minimal requirement is a General Education Development (GED) Diploma. That being said, most students with epilepsy are able and capable and graduate from high school ready to move forward to a college or a trade school. Trade schools are good option for a young person who doesn’t feel that they would be a good fit in college. High school guidance counselors should play an active role in helping the student decide about an appropriate path to follow after graduation.
A key factor in selecting a school also depends on seizure control and the ability of the student to live away from home safely. This is a decision best made with input from the treating neurologist. Safeguards can be put into place in a dorm, and the Residential Advisor (RA) and roommate(s) can be trained in seizure recognition and first aid. If a college is selected, students with epilepsy should consider finding out what special assistance they could receive right on campus. Some services might include:
• Tutoring
• Developmental Education Programs
• Learning Communities
• Study Groups
• Math Labs
• Writing Labs
• Reading Labs
Special accommodations may also be requested through the special services department of your college. These may include:
• Note takers
• Readers
• Time extensions for tests and papers
• Classroom/computer adaptations
• Audio taped materials
• College Board Services for Students with Disabilities
http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html
• Accommodations for College Students
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.college.accoms.brown.htm
• Trade School Information
http://www.collegesurfing.com/ce/search/?campaign_id=12619420