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Listen and watch Jo-Ann and Candida recording episode 33
Show Notes *
Dr. Candida Fink and special educator Jo-Ann Berry discuss the transition from high school to college for students with mental health and learning needs. They explore the growth of college accommodations and provide practical advice for students and families on how to access the supports they deserve.
Key Points & Highlights
- The Growth of Accommodations: Inspired by the Atlantic article “Accommodation Nation,” the hosts discuss the rising use of supports like extra time and separate settings for students with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
- Accommodations Don’t Follow You: Unlike K-12, college accommodations are not automatic. Students must proactively apply through the college’s Disability Support or Academic Support office.
- Recommended Documentation: Most colleges require documentation, such as a recent psychological evaluation (ideally within three years) and a current IEP.
- Common Accommodations: Common supports include extended time on exams, separate low-distraction environments, note-taking services, and the ability to record lectures.
- Reduced Course Load: A powerful but often overlooked support is maintaining full-time status while taking fewer credits (e.g., 12 credits instead of 16).
- Universal Supports: Resources like tutoring centers, writing centers, and professor office hours are available to all students and are highly recommended for success.
Takeaways & Practical Tips
- Don’t stop what works: If an accommodation helped you succeed in high school, continue using it in college rather than viewing it as a “crutch”.
- Be proactive: You must identify yourself to the disability office and individual professors early in each term to receive your accommodations.
- Alternative Paths: Success isn’t always a linear four-year path. Community college is a powerful tool and “ramp” for many students.
- You are not alone: Mental health struggles are incredibly common, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Episode Timeline
- [00:00] Intro: The Shift from K-12 to College: Jo-Ann and Candida set the stage: Why the legal landscape changes the moment a student turns 18.
- [08:15] IDEA vs. ADA: Who is Responsible? Understanding why the burden of proof shifts from the school district to the student.
- [15:40] ⭐ HIGHLIGHT: The Essential Documentation Checklist
- The “Gold Standard”: Why a recent neuropsychological evaluation (within 3 years) is often required.
- The Paper Trail: How to bridge your high school IEP or 504 plan into a college-level request.
- Clinical Support: The role of letters from treating psychiatrists or therapists in securing “Reasonable Accommodations.”
- [24:30] Navigating the Office of Disability Services: How to “interview” the office before you even enroll and what to expect during the intake meeting.
- [32:10] FERPA & Privacy: The Parent’s New Role: Navigating the delicate balance of supporting your child when you no longer have “automatic” access to their records.
- [39:45] Closing Tips & Future Outlook: Final advice for rising seniors and their families.
Practical Tips for Parents & Students
Self-Advocacy Practice: Start letting the student lead IEP meetings in senior year of high school.
Organize the Paperwork: Create a digital folder with the most recent neuro-psych testing, 504/IEP history, and a letter from a treating psychiatrist or therapist.
Interview the College: Don’t just look at the campus; visit the Disability Services office during tours to see how responsive and welcoming they are.
Connect With Us
- Website: mentalhealthgoestoschool.com
- YouTube: Mental Health Goes to School Channel
- Support the Show: Please Like, Rate, and Review on your favorite podcast platform—even a single emoji helps us grow!
Upcoming Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as another intervention for treatment-resistant depression.
Resources Mentioned
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Support and guidance for families and students.
https://www.nami.org/ - Understood.org: Information on learning disabilities and ADHD.
- Accommodation Nation by Rose Horowitz, Atlantic Magazine, January 2026
- Public Libraries: Excellent resources for navigating educational and mental health questions.
*Show notes generated by Gemini AI and edited by humans
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