SPECIALEDUCATION COLLEGEFAIR2024
College Success for All
At WDS, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn about their college options in a safe, low sensory, and informative way. There is a lack of college readiness programming for special education students at the high school level while colleges and universities are expanding their on-campus support services We felt there should be a space for understanding those supports because we strongly believe Parents and students in the special education space should be just as excited, informed, and prepared for college as those in regular education
“Parentsand studentsinthe specialeducation spaceshouldbejust asexcited,informed, andpreparedfor collegeasthosein regulareducation.”
20 Colleges & Universities were represented:
Post University
Southern CT State
Landmark College
Fairleigh Dickinson University
University of Bridgeport
CT State Community College
UCONN
Connecticut College
Fairfield University
Iona University
Curry College
University of Hartford
Manhattanville College
Hartwick College
University of Maine
Mitchell College
New England College
Dean College
Central CT State
Wagner College
8 Related Professionals
That Serve Diverse Learners In College Readiness
Grapevine Ed. Consulting
Bluejay Learning
Effective Services
A Way to Learn
The Teen SLP
Best Buddies
Shoreline Therapy
High Focus Centers
“There's nothing like the collaboration of care to support our community's special education journey.”
-Nicole Hampton High Focus Centers
How Westport Day School Students Participated and Prepared for the Event
WDSstudentsplanned,advertised,andorganizedadeliciousbakesale thatraisedmoneyfortheirschooldancetobeheldinthespring Studentsdisplayedtheirartandservedasagallerywalkthroughout theschool
WDSstudentswereamazingambassadorsoftheirschool,while hundredsofpeoplevisitedtheirschoolinaspanofonly3hours!
What was said about the Special Education college fair experience:
Your Special Education College Fair was a tremendous success! Students and their families need access to the resources and support to make informed decisions about their educational futures. Your Fair provided a vital platform for this exchange. THANK YOU.
When I walked in the door and saw the school I knew this was a special place, with special people.
What a spectacular turnout…..There's nothing like the collaboration of care to support our community's special education journey.”
I found it well-organized and extremely helpful information for my clients.
Thank you for holding this. We never had anything like this for our kids and now we do!
How We Plan to Expand and Improve for the Second Annual Special Education College Fair on March 20, 2025
Our goal is to DOUBLE the number of schools and providers creating even more opportunity
Parents asked for more vocational or trade programs and we will respond with adding work & career opportunities
Based upon the success of our 3-hour event, we plan to make the event longer, allowing for more flexibility for our families
I found it well-organized and extremely helpful information for my c
Important Facts to Note
1.
UndertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)andSection504of theRehabilitationAct,studentsmayaccesstheirIEP(IndividualizedEducation Plan)accommodationsinhighereducationsettings.
2.
Research shows that students who have well-developed transition plans are more likely to succeed in postsecondary education and employment.
3.
Research indicates that students who advocate for themselves are more likely to receive the support they need and achieve academic success.
4.
It is important that a special education student identify a college that values diversity and inclusivity. Research shows that students with disabilities thrive in environments where they feel welcomed and supported by faculty, staff, and peers.
Taylor:
Taylor graduated from WDS and was accepted into Hartwick College in Oneota, NY. Taylor is also joining a sorority.
Lexi:
Since Lexi graduated from WDS, she has been working full time and attending a community college.
Danny:
Since Danny graduated from WDS, he has been attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and continues to play with his band, Frogs.
Tim:
Since graduation, Tim has been working hard in our Next Steps program in preparation for college in the fall. He has been accepted to several colleges of his choice and will be making a final decision shortly!
Meet our 2023 Graduates...