Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Toll Free 1-800-592-6004

Atchison NodawayWorth

HoltAndrew

Gentry

DeKalb

Buchanan Clinton

Harrison

Daviess

Caldwell

Platte ClayRay Carroll

LafayetteJackson

Cass

Bates

Vernon

St. Clair

Cedar

Dade

Lawrence

Barry

Hickory

Dallas

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Douglas

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Perry

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Schuyler

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Taney

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Jasper

Newton

McDonald

Johnson

Henry

Livingston

Grundy

MercerPutnam

Sullivan

Linn

Chariton

Saline

Pettis

Benton

Adair

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Howard

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Mo

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Camden

Miller

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St. Louis

Jefferson

Toll Free 1-800-592-6004Toll Free 1-800-592-6004

RSB Administrative Office615 Howerton CourtP.O. Box 2320Jefferson City, MO 65102-2320Phone: 573-751-4249

RSB Administrative Office615 Howerton CourtP.O. Box 2320Jefferson City, MO 65102-2320Phone: 573-751-4249

Mid-Missouri Office3418 Knipp Dr., A-2P.O. Box 919Jefferson City, MO 65102-0919Phone: 573-751-2714

Mid-Missouri Office3418 Knipp Dr., A-2P.O. Box 919Jefferson City, MO 65102-0919Phone: 573-751-2714

Southwest Office149 Park Central Square,Room 640Springfield, MO 65806Phone: 417-895-6386

Southwest Office149 Park Central Square,Room 640Springfield, MO 65806Phone: 417-895-6386

St. Louis South Office3867 Magnolia Ave.St. Louis, MO 63110Phone: 314-933-7311

St. Louis South Office3867 Magnolia Ave.St. Louis, MO 63110Phone: 314-933-7311

St. Louis North Office9900 Page Blvd.Suite 105St. Louis, MO 63132-1431Phone 314-264-7601

St. Louis North Office9900 Page Blvd.Suite 105St. Louis, MO 63132-1431Phone 314-264-7601

h t t p : / / d s s . m o . g o v / f s d / r s b /h t t p : / / d s s . m o . g o v / f s d / r s b /

Rehabilitation Services for the BlindRehabilitation Services for the Blind

Kansas City South Office 4900 Swope ParkwaySuite 2 SouthKansas City, MO 64130-2806Phone: 816-929-7171

Kansas City South Office 4900 Swope ParkwaySuite 2 SouthKansas City, MO 64130-2806Phone: 816-929-7171

Large Print

Kansas City SouthDistrict816-929-7171 St. Louis South

District314-933-7311

Southwest District417-895-6386

Kansas CityNorthDistrict816-889-2677

St. Louis NorthDistrict314-264-7601

Mid-MO District573-751-2714

Southeast District573-472-5240

Southeast Office106 Arthur St, Suite ESikeston, MO 63801Phone: 573-472-5240

Southeast Office106 Arthur St, Suite ESikeston, MO 63801Phone: 573-472-5240

Kansas City North Office 615 East 13th StreetRoom 409Kansas City, MO 64106Phone: 816-889-2677

Kansas City North Office 615 East 13th StreetRoom 409Kansas City, MO 64106Phone: 816-889-2677

Revised 5/14

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Self-Evaluation Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

College-Bound Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

What RSB Can Do For You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

What You Can Do For Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Student's Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Guidelines for Graduate Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Counselor's Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Important Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Red Flags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using Readers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Reader Time Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tools For Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Center For Braille And Narration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Appeals Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Client Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Table of Contents

47College Handbook


Notes

Rehabilitation Services For The BlindAuthorization To Release Information

I, (Name)

authorize

(University)

to provide: Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

my quarterly/semester and accumulative grade reports

the academic period from (Month/Year)____________

thru (Month/Year)____________or as long as enrolled.

(Address)

(City) (State) (Zip)

STUDENT NAME STUDENT I.D. NUMBER

STUDENT ADDRESS

CONSUMER SIGNATURE DATE

his handbook is designed to be a resource for Rehabilitation TServices for the Blind (RSB) consumers who are exploring college as an option as well as consumers who are beginning or already attending college. Our hope is to give you useful infor-mation in making good decisions about college and to give you an idea of what to expect from RSB and what RSB expects from you.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOURCHOICES AND GOOD LUCK!

Please remember that theultimate goal is a job andcareer that tap into yourstrengths and uniqueabilities. RSB staff willbe your partner on thisjourney to the wide, wideworld of work.

"

"

3College Handbook

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind

Introduction

TUDENTS WHO SUCCEED IN college are PREPARED! To help you S

decide if college is for you, here are some questions that may help you determine if college is a GOOD PLAN.

THINKING ABOUTCOLLEGE??

STUDENT SELF-EVALUATION TOOL

My High School Record

Please call your high school counseling department if you do not know the answers to the following inquiries.

High School Attended:_________________________________

Graduation Date:_________________________________

Date GED Received:_________________________________

My high school GPA is _________

based on a ________ scale.

Missouri Protection and Advocacy ServicesSt. Louis Field Office

200 South Hanley, Suite 1030Clayton, MO 63105Tel: (314) 725-1550

Toll Free: 1-800-233-3958

Missouri Protection and Advocacy ServicesKansas City Field Offices

3100 Main Street, Suite 305Kansas City, MO 64111

Tel: (816) 756-1001Toll Free: 1-800-233-3959

Missouri Protection and Advocacy ServicesSoutheast Outreach Office

P. O. Box 265Perryville, MO 63775Tel: (573) 547-4120

Toll Free: 1-800-356-3163

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45College Handbook


S A HIGH SCHOOL Astudent, I studied on the average of _____ hours per week.

I turned in my homework and class assignments when due:

1 90%1 80%1 70%1 50%1 Less than 50% of the time

List your English, Math, Science, Foreign Language and College Prep classes and grades for each class: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Obtain and enclose a copy of your high school transcript.

Comments:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

My Study And WorkHabits

My high school teachers would describe my work habits at school as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ou can request help from the Client Assistant Program Y(CAP) at any time to resolve problems or misunderstandings that occur during your vocational rehabilitation program. CAP is a separate agency from RSB and provides advocacy and information free of charge.

CAP has offices in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City and Perryville.

Client Assistance Program

8 Before the review or fair hearing begins, you must present written authorization to discuss confidential information in the presence of counsel or witnesses.

You should notify the impartial hearing officer in advance if you plan to have a representative or witness(es) at your fair hearing.

Missouri Protection and Advocacy ServicesJefferson City Main Office

925 South Country Club DriveJefferson City, MO 65109

Tel: (573) 893-3333Toll-Free: 1-800-392-8667

5College Handbook


44 College Handbook


(Address) (City) (Zipcode)

(Name) (Telephone)( )





y parents would Mdescribe my work habits as a student as follows:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I would describe my work habits as a student as follows:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Following are the addresses and telephone numbers of three high school teachers I am giving you permission to contact:

8 Describe the decision or action you need to have resolved.

8 Include your name, address, and telephone number.

Administrative reviews are held as expeditiously as possible after the receipt of your request. Most appeals are resolved by the administrative review. If the problem cannot be resolved, mediation may then be requested. A fair hearing is a more formal process conducted by an impartial hearing officer of your choice, selected from a pool of approved hearing officers. The impartial hearing officer hears both sides of the issue, weighs the facts of your

case, and makes a decision. A fair hearing decision report is provided to you within thirty calendar days of the date of your hearing.

At the administrative review or fair hearing, you should:

8 Clearly state your concerns and possible solutions.

8 Have a clear idea of what the issues are and the desired remedy to your problem/request.

8 Bring documentation that supports your position, if appropriate or available.

8 If you choose, have a representative (family member, friend, attorney or CAP representative) present.

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6 College Handbook


My Study And Work Habits

I take notes by the following methods:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I read textbooks and school assignments by the following methods: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please describe your visual impairment and what accommodations, if any, you need for reading and writing:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What types of accommoda-tions have you utilized in high school (includes extra time on tests, tutors, etc.)? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How have you prepared for tests?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Discuss whetheryou use regular print,large print, computer, etc.

( (

Appeals Process

ou should be very Ysatisfied with the decisions or services you receive from RSB. However, sometimes a concern or problem may occur. If this happens, you should:

8 Discuss the situation with your counselor or your counselor's supervisor; they may be willing to consider other possibilities and give valid reasons if alternatives are not appropriate. Most issues can be resolved at this level.

8 If the problem cannot be resolved, ask in writing for an administrative review (an informal meeting) with the RSB director or designee.

8 If the problem cannot be resolved with an

administrative review, you may request mediation.

8 If the problem is still not resolved after mediation, you may request a fair hearing.

NOTE: It is not required that an administrative review or mediation be conducted in order for you to request and receive a fair hearing. However, an administrative review and/or mediation can, in many situations, result in a faster solution of your problem.

To request an administrative review, mediation or fair hearing, you must:

8 Request the appeal in writing to the Director of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, P. O. Box 2320, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2320.

7College Handbook


42 College Handbook


Obtain and enclose a copy of your Individual Educational Plan (if applicable).

I use the following methods and equipment for taking notes: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

The longest term paper or research paper I have written was ___________ pages and was entitled: ______________________________________________

My grade was _______.

I would describe my writing skills compared to other students as:

1 Above average1 Average1 Below average

The 3-R's—Reading/Writing/Arithmetic

WOULD DESCRIBE Imy reading comprehen-sion and speed compared to other students as:

1 Better than average1 Average1 Less than average

The last book I read was:______________________________________________

My favorite book is:______________________________________________

I use the following methods and equipment for WRITING school assign-ments and term papers: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rehabilitation Services for the BlindCenter for Braille and Narration Production

ORDER FORM

Consumer Name: Today's Date:

Consumer Address:


Date Material Needed:

Title of Material Order: Check Format(s) Of Your Choice

Send formatted material to the above address? Yes No

Return books/original material to the above address? Yes No

Send formatted materials to the above address? Yes No

MAIL REQUESTS FOR MATERIALS EARLY TO:

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind615 Howerton CourtP. O. Box 2320Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2320Telephone: 573-751-4719 or 1-800-592-6004FAX: 573-526-0611

Assistant/Coordinator/Institution Name and Address:


(State) (Zip Code)(City)

CD-Low VisionLarge Print Braille

CD-Voice

Narration/Tape

8 College Handbook


Narration/CD-AudioNarration/MP3

What high school class(es) did you like the best? Why?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Which high school class(es) did you find to be the most difficult to complete successfully? Why?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Computer/Adaptive Equipment

LEASE DESCRIBE YOUR LEVEL OF COMPUTER Pskill and whether you use adaptive equipment.______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What formal computer training have you received?______________________________________________________________________________________________________

What formal adaptive equipment training have you received?______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(if you receive material out of sequence, it usually means that one or more of the shipments are lost in the mail), please contact RSB as soon as possible. During work hours you can reach RSB by calling 1-800-592-6004 and ask to be transferred to Janet Moore at 573-751-4719 in Jefferson City. After hours, call directly to 573-751-4719. If you get an answering machine, please leave a message with your name, telephone number and brief explanation of when material is needed; or if material is missing, the tape or page numbers you think are missing. The Center keeps a master copy and can reproduce and mail you another copy immediately. If you leave a message, it will be relayed to the Center for immediate action.

If you drop a class or no longer need a textbook, please advise RSB in order that the Center can put its time into other material. Also advise RSB as soon as possible if a teacher changes your course outline.

If material is not being received timely or is not usable, you may want to contact your counselor or school access office to explore the possible use of reader service.

On the following page is a form that you may copy and use to request material in accessible format from the Center for Braille and Narration Production.

9College Handbook


40 College Handbook


Are you a touch typist? ____

How many words per minute can you type?____________

What computer skills have you acquired?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you use word processing to write a paper?

Yes � No �

Can you surf the Internet?

Yes � No �

Can you send an E-mail?

Yes � No �

Can you use a spreadsheet?

Yes � No �

Can you use a database?

Yes � No �

Software you are comfort-able using:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other skills (please describe):___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you have access to a computer? If yes, what type?_____________________________________________________________________

the Blind at 1-800-221-4792 to find out if a book is already narrated. If it is not available or you want it in another format, send one copy with instructions to:

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind615 Howerton CourtP. O. Box 2320Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2320Phone: 573-751-4719Toll Free:1-800-592-6004Fax: 573-526-0611

Instructions provided to the center must include the type of format you want narration (tapes/CDs), Braille, large print, CD-Voice, CD-Low Vision, and/or Regular Print disk, where to send the completed material and where the textbook(s) should be returned. Also include your name, address (home or school), telephone number (home or school) and date

you need to start receiving material.

Since the bulk of the center's work is received at the beginning of each semester, it is helpful to obtain and submit your books as soon as possible. Many times the access office at your school will assist you in obtaining the titles of textbooks and course outlines. Sometimes they will also help you to get the text/course outline to the center.

The center works on several students' books at one time. As material is completed on your book, it will be mailed to you. Your course outline is used as a guide to meet the deadlines to get material to you before needed in class.

If your material is received late, or if your material is not usable or lost in the mail

39College Handbook


10 College Handbook


RE YOU ABLE TO TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY IN Ayour high school or community? Describe where and when you travel alone._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you believe you will be able to travel independently on campus? If no, what are your needs? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you use: � Cane � Guide dog �Sighted guide

� Other__________________ �None of the above

Mobility/TravelOrientation and Mobility

8 Your link to the college community and college life

8 Independent travel

8 Know location of all buildings not just classes for the current semester

8 Cane, dog and limited sighted guide

8 Campus orientation

8 Train the trainer

8 O&M specialist from RSB

8 Social integration

he Center for Braille Tand Narration Production was established with the purpose of making printed material available in an accessible format for RSB students. The center works under an agreement between RSB and the Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC). The work is done by inmate employees of the Center for Braille and Narration Production at JCCC. The goal of the center is to make printed material accessible in a usable format and in a timely manner.

It is your responsibility to determine as soon as possible which book(s) you will need in accessible format. To avoid duplication, you should check with Recording for

Center For Braille AndNarration Production

Our mission is to create opportunities for eligible blind and

visually impaired consumers in order that they may attain personal

and vocational success.




11College Handbook


38 College Handbook


Employment Goal

PLAN TO MAJOR IN Ithe following:_____________________________________________________________________

The following work can be done with this major: ______________________________________________

This is what I want to do when I graduate from college: _____________________________________________________________________

These are my strengths: _____________________________________________________________________

These are areas I would like to improve: _____________________________________________________________________

I have held the following jobs (paid or volunteer): ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Have you completed any courses for college credit while in high school? (Please list below with grades.): ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Why do you want to attend college? Any idea where?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Socialization

8 Student organizations

8 Living on campus vs. commuting

8 Starting in the fall semester

8 Professional organizations relevant to major

8 College activities

Library

8 Hub of information

8 Structured study

8 Access to adaptive equipment on campus

Placement Office

8 Job placement

8 Job announcements

8 Not published elsewhere

8 Screened

8 Word-of-mouth

8 Video taping of mock interviews

8 Career counseling

8 Job development/job placement

8 Work history prior to graduation

8 Network established

8 College work study program

8 Earn while you learn

8 Job fairs

8 Resume preparation

8 Developing

8 How to

8 Final product

8 Job ready

8 Job retention

8 Work traits

8 What an employer looks for in a good employee

37College Handbook


12 College Handbook


College Bound Characteristics

HE INTENT OF THIS SECTION IS TO PROVIDE THE Tnew college student with information about the "typical" college student. A profile, if you will, that a new college student might use to measure himself/herself against in terms of whether college is for him/her.

1. In 1998, the statewide average ACT score was 21.7. The best predictor of success in college is an individual's GPA in high school. (You can contact the college you are inter-ested in attending and find out how its students' ACT scores and GPA match up to yours.)

2. Forty-five percent of students completing the ACT report that they would need help in their educational and occupa-tional planning.

3. Forty percent of students completing the ACT report that they would need assistance in learning good study skills.

4. Forty percent of students completing the ACT report that they require assistance with math skills.

Accommodated Testing

8 Accessible format

8 Extra time

8 Someone to record answers on computer scanned answer sheets

Seminars

8 Study habits

8 Socialization

8 Time management

8 Assertiveness training

Disability Awareness

8 Your connection to other students with disabilities

Tools For Success

Student SupportServices AndDisability Offices

Counseling and Guidance

8 Can coordinate services with RSB

8 Can coordinate services with faculty

8 Adjustments to college life

8 Academic counseling

8 Stress management

Reader Services

8 Funded by college

8 Funded by RSB

Tutoring Services

8 Funded by college

8 Funded by RSB

Access to Adaptive Equipment

8 Registered with support services in order to use

13College Handbook


36 College Handbook


The Following Are A Few Of The SignificantDifferences Between High School And College:

8 More social distractions in college, approximately 1 in 7 college students belong to a fraternity or sorority.

8 Classes meet less often. Typically, for every hour a student enrolls for, the class will meet for an hour per week. For example, if a student enrolls in a three-hour math course, then expect that class to meet for three hours per week.

8 Attendance and academic progress are not monitored for you in college. There will not be a professor who seeks you out to find out why you are not making passing grades on tests or homework assignments, or why you have not attended class in the last two weeks.

8 Tasks are often less structured and grades are based on fewer tasks or larger projects. Your grade may be based on a midterm exam or a final exam.

8 Instructions are most often given by lecture, exams tend to require more writing and there is more work, at a faster pace. For every hour you enroll in, at least two hours of study is required per week.

8 The minimum threshold for success in college is a 2.0 GPA. Many academic programs require a slightly higher GPA to graduate. If you fall below a 2.0 GPA for two semesters, you could be denied entrance to the university next semester. This is quite different from high school.

Rehabilitation Services For The BlindPo Box 2320, 615 Howerton CourtJefferson City Mo 65102-2320

Weekly Time Report For Hourly Employees

For Week Beginning (Friday):

Name of Driver/Reader:

Social Security Number:

DateName of Employee(s)

Worked ForTotalHours

Hours asDriver

Hours asReader

TOTAL TIME CLAIMEDFOR WEEK:

Signature of Driver/Reader:

Signatures of Staff Members

Worked For:

Supervisor's Initials:

14 College Handbook


8 The successful college student typically demonstrates self-advocacy and is able to make independent decisions and seeks help independently.

8 The successful college student demonstrates independent living skills such as traveling independently to and from class.

8 The successful college student demonstrates good time management, organization skills and stress management skills.

The Following Traits Are Typical Of SuccessfulCollege Students:

Each university main-tains its own average GPA for each class rank (fresh-man, sophomore, junior and senior), as well as the average GPA for the first and second semester freshman. If the college student wishes to compare his/ her GPA with the uni-versity's current average GPA for that specific class rank, then you can inquire with the school's enroll-ment services."

"8 The successful college

student knows what he/she wants to do with his/her life and is firming up a major course of study by the end of his/her fresh-man year. Typically, the four-year college requests a declaration of a major by the time the student reaches 60 hours.

best readers. Remember, you are the employer and they are the employee. Get the picture? When the time crunch starts (mid-terms, research papers, etc.), guess who will find your priorities last on their priority list! Librarians are great readers as are retired teachers and other retired individuals. Graduate stu-dents and other employees of your college would be potential readers for you.

8 Can the readers I choose read? Make sure you have the prospective readers read some material. Check their accent (if any), speed, phrasing, etc. In short, make sure you can listen to their reading for a period of time.

8 How do I pay my readers? When you decide on a reader, contact your coun-selor and determine the hourly pay rate and the

number of hours you esti-mate you will use him/her. Discuss with the reader the terms (hourly pay rate, number of hours and times). Make sure your counselor has the name, address and social security number of your employee BEFORE HE/SHE STARTS TO READ FOR YOU. Decide whether you want the reader to read to you in person or on tape. NOTE: You may find it more flexible to have the material read on tape so you can use the material at your discretion. Some colleges/universities have a process in place and RSB will follow that procedure.

NOTE: A reader time sheet is on the next page. Check it out with your rehabilitation counselor.

15College Handbook


34 College Handbook


The Following Activities Describe The TypicalCollege Student And Are The General ExpectationsFor RSB Students:

8 The typical college student who does not attend a summer term will take 15 to 16 hours per semester to graduate in 4 years. If the student attends summer terms, then the average number of hours taken is 12 for spring and fall semesters and 6 for the summer to graduate in 4 years. A typical degree program will require 125 hours and the average student in college takes from 4.5 to 5 years to complete a baccalaureate degree. Only about 33 percent of college students attend summer term and these are generally grad-uate students.

8 Sixty-five to seventy percent of students are employed at some level of

paid work during the regular nine months of school. Employment in work study programs on campus is generally encouraged. If you are attending school full time, it is recommended that you view this as a 40-hour per week job and not work at a paid job more than 15 hours per week. If you are taking a 15 to 16-hour class load, you probably do not have enough extra time to work at all.

8 The typical college student does not take remedial classes. If you need to take more than two remedial courses, you may want to consider starting your academic career at a two-year community college. The

appears on the "red flags" list. It is one thing to adjust your college schedule by dropping a class and adding another class early on in a semester. RSB starts to worry when you drop a class late in a semester and RSB ends up paying some or all of the cost. Dropping classes late in the semester also slows down your progress towards a degree, wastes your investment in time and money (tuition, books, etc.) and signals a problem.

As a student, if RSB is supporting your college costs, you must call your rehabilitation counselor (or district supervisor if your rehabilitation counselor is not available) and discuss dropping classes before doing so. Remember, RSB does not pay for classes twice!!

Thanks for your help.

verything you wanted to Eknow about using read-ers and less! This is not an all inclusive list of thoughts on using readers, but is meant to start you thinking about how and when to use readers.

8 When do I use readers? Usually, disability support services at your college will provide course work books on tape, either through Recording for the Blind or supplying readers at school. Or maybe, your rehabilitation counselor will make arrangements. For research papers, reports or other projects, you are usually on your own. These are the times when you will want to hire readers.

8 How do I locate readers? As a rule, classmates and friends do not make the

Using Readers

33College Handbook


16 College Handbook


trend in the legislature is to do away with remedial services at all four-year colleges and if academic re-mediation is recommended, that students start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college.

8 It is recommended that all new incoming freshman students at four-year colleges demonstrate computer skills such as ability to navigate a standard computer keyboard, ability to operate within a word processor, data base and spreadsheet programs and to access the Internet/Intranet for research as well as an e-mail program. Many professors require that students

obtain an e-mail account as there is a strong trend towards communication between student and professor via e-mail. During the first two years of college, students will typically have from two to five papers to write that are from five to twenty pages in length. Every humanities course requires at least one research paper.

L You are dropping classes a lot! (More than one a semester or two a year ... and worse, RSB has paid for those dropped classes!

L You start out the semester full-time but end up the semester with only part-time credit!

L At the rate you are going, it looks like a ten-year plan!

L You are falling below a 2.0 GPA!

L You are staying above a 2.0 GPA but only because you drop classes every time they get hard!

L Your rehabilitation counselor only hears from you when you want RSB to pay for something!

L RSB is not receiving your grades!

L It is time to declare a major and you are clueless about what you want to do!

L Your employment goal is to be an astronaut but you are flunking math and science!

L You are going nowhere in terms of ending up with a real job!

RSB wants to work with you as your college plans unfold. But, please remember that college is a responsibility. If you want RSB to support you with tuition and other expenses, you must do your part!

P.S. Note on dropping classes: You notice how often dropping classes

Red Flags

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32 College Handbook


8 Provide counseling and guidance throughout the life of your rehabilitation program.

8 Provide alternative skill training (braille, adaptive technology, travel, etc.) to assist you in accepting and adjusting to your loss of vision.

8 Provide vocational, work adjustment, orientation and mobility, and communication evaluations to assist you in making appropriate career choices.

8 Assist you with training for your chosen career by providing funding for your training (college and/or vocational) or a portion thereof, based on your career goal.

8 Provide training in activities of daily living (ADL) to assist you in living independently. (Doing laundry, cooking, dressing for success and more!)

8 Assist with transportation and maintenance costs when applicable and when consistent with RSB administrative rule.

8 Implement placement and recruitment services when you are ready to start working.

What RSB Can DoFor You!

What you Can Do ForYourself

1. Positive Attitude ... Have a positive attitude about yourself and your career goals; nothing encourages people to be ready and willing to assist like a smile and an "up-beat" attitude.

details. Just a reminder, check with bookstore about books (title, author(s), edition), and call Recording for the Blind for books on tape.

Midterms are here!

8 Make sure your research is done for projects and that you turn in your projects on time. Your instructors will really appreciate this and they WILL remember at final grade time.

8 Check with instructors concerning midterm grades. Remember, you CAN help bring up poor grades with a little forethought.

8 Finally, school is out for the holidays! Remember

to send those grade reports to your counselor. You could not give them a better Christmas present and it is cheap, too! Boy, is your counselor going to appreciate you!!

8 Get ready for next semester. Remember, no Pell Grant, no grades, no funding for next semester!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS !

Important Dates

Important Dates

N o v e m b e r

D e c e m b e r

Red Flags

SB staff want you to Rsucceed in college and, by working together, we believe you can make it! However, sometimes "red flags" start to appear that indicate college is not working for you. When "red flags" arise, we find it helpful for the student, rehabilitation counselor and district supervisor to meet to discuss what makes sense for your future.

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2. Self-Advocacy ... If you are unsure about these skills, let your counselor know. He/She will be happy to assist you in acquiring the skills necessary to be a self-advocate. Only you know the best path for you. Being an advocate for yourself encourages others to assist you with your needs.

3. Coping Skills ... Acquiring alternative skills of blindness helps you gain confidence by reinforcing your abilities to handle everyday life situations.

4. Cooperation ... Cooperating with your counselor and/or instructor will certainly make life easier during your rehabilitation program. Remember, if

you disagree with your counselor or instructor, talk it out. Learn how to approach problems with diplomacy and skill.

5. Courage ... Have the courage to be a "risk taker" while working toward your goals. The greatest rewards come to those who reach out and extend themselves. You can do this, give it a try!

6. Reliability ... Keep appointments, do what you say you will do, cancel appointments (if necessary) in a timely manner. Remember, counselors/instructors and other professionals are very busy too.

Remembering these con-cepts could assist you in getting the most out of your rehabilitation pro-gram.

8 Make sure you have an answer back on your Pell Grant application. It may be nice to get a copy to your counselor right away. You will certainly earn brownie points for this one.

8 If you are attending summer school, make sure to speak with instructors concerning your accommodations ASAP. Also get started quickly on research projects. Remember, summer school is very "speedy."

JULY

8 Let your counselor know your class schedule for the fall.

8 Remember, no Pell Grant papers, no grades, no funding for this semester!

Get the message?

AUGUST

8 Time to start back to school! Make sure to check in with Disability Support Services Office to set up readers, tutors, etc. Also check in with your instructors to alert them that they will have a great student in class this semester.

8 Make sure you have visited the library and started research for your "A" projects.

8 You may be able to pre-register for spring semester. Start watching for spring catalog. This will alert you about pre-registration. Refer to April schedule for more

Important Dates

J u n e

Important DatesJ u l y

Important Dates

Important DatesA u g u s t

S e p t e m b e r

Important DatesO c t o b e r

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It is critical that the consumer and the rehabilitation counselor understand what to expect from one another. Attending college is a big responsibility and much will be expected of you. Since RSB is using federal and state funds to help pay for your education, these expectations will be high.

Students Responsibilities

Guidelines For Rehabilitation Services For TheBlind Sponsorship In Post-secondary Education

To assist you and your family in planning your education and to assure that all goes well and without surprises from us, we have developed the following summary of student responsibilities:

8 The student is required to apply for the Pell Grant and each year provide the counselor with a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR). RSB sponsorship for funding of college expenses may not be provided to students who do not apply for Pell Grant

funding. (Note: This is a federal regulation.)

8 The student is expected to be progressively working towards the completion of his/her academic program, which is consistent with the employment goals and objectives of the Individualized Employment Plan. The length of the individual college program should not exceed the time typically necessary to complete the program (4½-5 years). Students who fail to progress in a

8 Call Recording for the Blind and get books on tape if applicable. If you call early, there is usually not a long telephone wait, and you will get your books in plenty of time for school.

NOTE: If Recording for the Blind does not have the book(s) you need, make sure you call your counselor ASAP to make arrangements to have them recorded. If you slack off on this one, you will probably not have your books on tape in time for school. (Guess who is going to be behind?)

8 Check in with the Disability Support Services Office to let them know you will be attending summer and/or fall classes. (This is really BIG brownie points.)

8 Check with your instructors concerning your grades as of midterm. You may be able to bring up low grades if you work with the instructor.

8 Send your midterm grades to your counselor.

NOTE: The rules apply if you are attending summer school; get busy and get those books ordered!

8 Hurray! This semester is finally over, just one more thing to do before you "veg" out for the summer ...

SEND A COPY OF YOUR GRADES TO YOUR COUNSELOR! (Good brownie points!)

Important DatesM a y

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( (

reasonable manner will be asked to evaluate their employment plan and goals with their rehabilitation counselor and district supervisor.

(Refer to information on Student Characteristics on page 13.)

8 Grade reports are required before the counselor can authorize funds for the next quarter/semester. Every quarter/semester the student is to provide the counselor with midterm and regular grade reports which demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the completion of his/her program. Any late fees incurred due to a delay in the student providing the counselor with grades will be the student's responsibility.

8 The student is to register for and complete (pass) a full course load each quarter/semester. (A minimum of under-graduate fall or spring quarter/semester–12 hours; undergraduate summer–6 hours; graduate fall or spring quarter/semester–9 hours; graduate summer 6 hours.) Payment of any fees charged for the dropping of a course will be the student's responsibility.

8 Part-time college work may be approved by your counselor, as appropriate. However, the student must be progressing towards his/her goal.

8 The student is to maintain a cumulative (overall) GPA of 2.0 (i.e., passing grade) per quarter/semester or higher, or will meet the

8 Pick up ACT packets from Financial Aid Office as soon as you start back to school in January (this packet includes your Pell Grant application and other sources of scholarship and grant funding). Apply as a full-time student, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon between you and your counselor.

8 Do you have term papers and/or research projects for this semester? Get to the library ASAP to start "rounding up" materials for your projects. Have them enlarged or copied and get them to your reader soon.

8

8 No "biggies" this month. Also known as the "honeymoon." Stay on

course, do not get behind or you will be sorry!

Midterms are here!

8 Make sure you have your research information so you can start your projects. Do not wait until the last minute (you may be sorry).

8 Pre-register for summer and fall classes. Remember, the early bird gets the best class selection!

8 Take confirmation of registration to the bookstore and check on book lists for classes. Make sure you get the title of the book, author(s) and edition.

F e b r u a r yImportant Dates

M a r c hImportant Dates

A p r i lImportant Dates

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requirements for the particular program in which he/she is participating.

8 If the student fails to earn the required GPA or pass the required number of quarter/semester hours, the student is required to meet with the counselor and district supervisor. The student, counselor and supervisor will decide if RSB sponsorship will or will not continue during the succeeding quarter/semester.

8 If the student fails to earn the required GPA or pass the required number of quarter/semester hours for two consecutive quarter/semesters, RSB sponsorship will be withdrawn until the student successfully completes the required number of quarter or

semester hours for a full-time student (12 hours undergraduate or 9 hours graduate) and attains a GPA of 2.0 that semester/quarter.

8 The student is to contact the counselor prior to dropping a class that RSB has authorized for payment. (It is important to drop a class early enough that RSB is not charged for the class.) RSB will not pay twice for the same class! The student must also inform the counselor prior to changing his/her major course of study because the Individualized Employment Plan may need to be amended.

8 Address retaking a class when the minimum grade was not obtained and class was not dropped.

8 The counselor is expected to inform you of your rights of appeal at any time there is an adverse case action or there is a dispute regarding services or the provision of services.

8 The counselor is expected to inform you about the school's disability support service program if any and when necessary, act as a liaison to that department.

8 The counselor is expected to assist you in obtaining employment after completion of your training.

Getting a job

is what it is

all about!

Important Dates

J a n u a r y8 If you are a late registree

and have not done the following last November, then get busy quick! Register at the Disability Support Services Office. These counselors can be a real lifeline for you (i.e., readers, testing services, tutoring, enlarging printed material, books on tape, etc.).

8 Speak with each of your instructors. Hint: They really do not like surprises such as "Here I am, and I need to sit in front. I need my papers in large print, and I need extra time to turn it my projects." This attitude will NOT earn brownie points!

Calendar of

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8 RSB will only pay for those books and supplies required by the school. Discuss any special needs with your counselor. You will be responsible for any items not approved. (Note: If you drop a class, you are expected to return any books purchased by RSB as soon as possible to get credit for future purchases.)

8 If RSB is paying for courses, the student must take only those courses that count toward the degree/diploma. Your counselor must also approve in advance remedial/non-required classes.

8 The student is responsible for informing the counselor prior to beginning of any service if they expect RSB to fund the service. RSB may not

fund a service if the counselor is not informed until after the service has begun (e.g., tutoring, reading services).

8 The student is expected to contact the counselor monthly to keep the counselor advised of problems with, changes to, and progress towards completion of the plan.

The guidelines outlined above have been explained to the student by the counselor and the student agrees to abide by them.

Student: ________________

Date: ________________

Counselor: ______________

Date: ______________

8 The counselor is expected to arrange timely appointments at a convenient location.

8 The counselor may assist you, as needed, to plan for services to meet your employment goals.

8 The counselor is expected to assist you to receive the services you need and have planned for in the proper order and without undue delay.

8 The counselor is expected to assist you with a plan of how costs for services will be paid.

8 The counselor is expected to arrange to pay for those costs that he/she agrees will be paid by RSB.

Counselor's Responsibilities

What Can You ExpectFrom Your Counselor?

8 The counselor is expected to review your progress and talk with you about how you are doing in your course work.

8 The counselor is expected to advise you in writing of major changes in your Individual Plan for Employment.

8 The counselor is expected to provide you with information on how to obtain services in orientation and mobility, note taking, reader services, etc., and to help you assess barriers and find solutions.

8 The counselor is expected to provide agency-written material in the medium (large print, braille, disk, tape, etc.) of your choice.

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Will RSB assist you in paying for and/or supporting graduate study? Here are some guidelines!

Graduate study must be identified as clearly necessary for you to achieve employment at the entry level of your chosen field.

Both the employment goal and graduate study must be consistent with your "unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice."

You must be formally accepted into a graduate program and classes you take must count as credit toward that graduate program. Or, there must be specific graduate classes required for your job.

Guidelines For GraduateStudies You must carry a full-time

graduate load (typically 9-12 hours), unless an exception is granted for part-time graduate work (for example, if you have full-time employment). In that event, a plan for achieving a degree in a reasonable amount of time should be identified in the IPE.

You must have an undergraduate GPA consistent with successful graduate work.

Upon entering graduate study, you must progress in the plan toward graduate degree and/or completing identified classes needed for your employment goal.

For adaptive equipment and/or computer equipment decisions, common-sense criteria should be taken into account, as follows:

[ How many hours is the individual taking?

[ What equipment does the individual already have available in the home or household?

[ What equipment is avail-able at the workplace that could be used for class?

[ What equipment is available on campus, library, independent living center or other settings?

In general, if individual is taking a minimum of graduate classes (1-3 hrs) versus maximum (9-12 hrs), equipment resources avail-able on campus, work, or library should be the first resort.

8 RSB paying for and/or supporting graduate classes when individual has not been accepted into the graduate program and/or class is not specifically job related. (Note: Being allowed to take a graduate class is not the same as acceptance into a graduate program.)

8 Major adaptive equipment/computer purchases when individual is taking a minimum load (i.e., 1-3 hours) and other alternatives are available (even if not maximally convenient).

Situations to Avoid

RSB staff and consumers should work together as partners in applying a common-sense approach to individual situations.

College HandbookCollege Handbook

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Rehabilitation Services for the Blind