As a parent or guardian of a student with a disability, chances are you have been very active in the educational process on behalf of your student during their K-12 experience. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) allowed under the Individuals with Disabilties Education Act (IDEA) fosters active parental involvement. An effective IEP may be one of the reasons your child is successfully transitioning from high school to college today.
Many parents are surprised to learn that college students no longer have an IEP process. Therefore, it is difficult for many to disengage and allow their student to learn essential skills for independent living. What better place for them to learn than a campus that hosts a wealth of resources in a community filled with professionals who sincerely want to see these students succeed in their chosen field of study?
It is very important that students learn to be good self advocates. As soon as your student is accepted at NIU, the most important office for them to be acquainted with is the Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR). CAAR works closely with NIU academic and service departments to ensure that appropriate accommodations are made. They are your student's gateway to all NIU resources for people with disabilities.
The first point of contact for parents of students with disabilities is the NIU Center for Access-Ability Resources located in the Health Services Building, Room 411. You may also reach them by phone at 815/753-1303
To be involved with campus happenings, parents may wish to join the NIU Parent Association.
To learn what to expect during the transition from high school to college, visit the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights web site.