More than thirty pre-college students with disabilities, parents, teachers and service providers attended a full-day workshop sponsored by DO-IT at the University of Washington. Topics covered in "Making the Transition to College" included transition strategies, college entrance requirements, campus services and resources, financial strategies and computer and network use.
DO-IT staff Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler and Dan Comden gave presentations on DO-IT activities, computers, adaptive technology and the Internet. Special speakers included Kathy Cook of Disabled Student Services, Dr. Kurt Johnson of UW Rehabilitative Medicine and Martha Hansen of the College of Education. Participants were invited to tour the UW Adaptive Technology Lab.
The highlight of the day was a panel featuring DO-IT mentors who shared their personal experiences attending colleges and universities as disabled students. Martha Hansen talked about issues for students with mobility impairments, French Ledger shared his experiences as a student with a learning disability, Dean Martineau shared ideas to help blind students to have a successful college experience, and Dr. Ephraim Glinert told of college experiences as a student with low vision. Participants appreciated the willingness of these panelists to share personal experiences and give practical advice to potential students.
Responses to the program were positive. Plans are underway to repeat the program next year.