Last modified May 12, 2002
Many students enter college feeling confident but find that they don't have the skills necessary to succeed. Most are left to devise their own methods for taking good notes, studying, taking tests, and advocating for their own needs. Those who are in the right places at the right times may meet people from the American Council of the Blind (ACB) or the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and learn of the student groups affiliated with these organizations, where they can network with other students and share ideas and information.
Teachers of students with visual impairments recognize the problem and the need to teach their students how to work with readers and other skills necessary for success in college. Unfortunately, many of these teachers also feel unprepared to teach these skills, and most don't know where to find information for their students.
There are many sources of information online and available in alternative formats which can prepare students for a successful experience. This page is designed to serve as a guide to some of the best of these resources. They are arranged in an order which makes sense from the perspective of a former student.
Please note: Items marked with an asterisk (*) are located on this site. Links to other items are provided as a courtesy and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the information or organization supplying it. If one of these offsite links is broken, please feel free to email me. I will be glad to try to locate it if it has moved, but I cannot guarantee success in the search.
If you would like to contribute an article for this site, please contact me using the link above. I am willing to store articles on this server or to provide links to articles stored on other servers.
College Prep 101
This is a very informative resource covering how to choose a college, financial aid, student life, study skills and other
relevant issues.
The Transition to College for Students with Visual Impairments
This is a comprehensive document outlining the steps in preparing for college academically as well as socially, admissions, financial aid, accommodations, and working with the vocational rehabilitation system.
Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired in Postsecondary Education
This document from the Heath Resource Center discusses problems faced by visually impaired students, common modifications and other related issues. The uniqueness of each student's needs is emphasized.
Financial Aid Resources for Students with Disabilities
This document from the Heath Resource Center lists some organizations which provide disability-specific scholarships and resources for find scholarships based on other qualifications.
* Planning Your Courseload
Many students get bogged down with too many difficult courses or feel bored with the courses they are taking. Here are some tips for planning a balanced courseload.
* Organizing for Success
Starting a new semester can be hectic. Here are some suggestions for organizing your time and supplies.
Suggestions on Academic Accommodations in Various Settings
Professors can help students with disabilities feel more comfortable with requesting accommodations. Read here to find out how.
The College Experience: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Complacency
In this article, Curtis Chong discusses use of disabled student services by university students, urging students to know their rights and needs and strive toward independence.
* Working with Readers
Whether you are new to working with readers or have been doing it for a long time and need to improve your effectiveness, here are some tips for hiring and managing your readers.
The Care and Feeding of Readers
In this article, Peggy Pinder discusses strategies for working effectively with readers, emphasizing the need for compensation to the reader.
* Getting the Most Out of Lectures and Presentations
Here are some tips for taking notes and getting access to visual materials presented in class.
* Getting the Most Out of Reading Assignments
Overwhelmed by all that reading material? Here are some tips for getting through it without wasting your time.
Library Research
Here is advice on each step of planning and carrying out library research, including what to look for while using the library to gather information.
Tips on Test-Taking
Here are some strategies for successful test-taking.
Advice To Blind Student Teachers
This article emphasizes the importance of using alternative techniques which permit efficiency in the classroom, being skilled in classroom management and pre-sudent teaching experiences.
Advice for Undergraduate Students Considering Graduate School
This document is slanted heavily toward students who are interested in doctoral programs. It describes these programs well but does not offer much information specific to professional or Master's programs.
Writing Personal Statements
Find out how you can spice up your personal statement for graduate school applications.
The National Alliance of Blind Students
Here you can read about the history of NABS or how to start your own affiliate, get information about the NABS email list, or read back issues of The Student Advocate.
Roommates From Hell
Deborah Kent Stein and a former college roommate discuss the problems which can confront blind and sighted roommates and how to
handle them.
* The Graduate
Sarah Blake discusses her college experience and the social difficulties she faced.
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