Introducing Beacon College’s new free informational webinar series built on more than 30 years of experience working exclusively with students who learn differently. Each topic is designed to help you understand the unique challenges facing students entering college with learning differences and equip you with key strategies to support these students on their journey.
Below are descriptions and schedules for each series — you may choose to attend any number of sessions! There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Parent Learning Series
Parents, are you looking for ways to best support your college-bound student with learning differences as they navigate the college choice, financial aid, and final IEP meeting? Introducing Beacon College’s new Parent Learning Series – a five-part webinar series designed to increase awareness and understanding of the unique challenges facing students with learning differences as they prepare for the transition to college.
This program is designed for parents of students who currently are enrolled in high school and prepares them for the common struggles and questions that arise as they embark on the next stage of their journey.
- Recorded on Dec. 17, 2020 – The College Match: Determining Student Fit based on College Supports
When exploring colleges, students and families are inundated with information that complicates comparing and contrasting schools as well as supportive resources for students who learn differently. Using the “College Match Scale,” participants will explore methods of evaluating college services based on intensity of support, quality of resources, and perceived student need to guide more informed post-secondary decisions.
- Recorded on Jan. 27, 2021 – College Search during COVID: Alternative Options & Considerations for Students with Learning Differences
COVID has impacted every aspect of the college transition process, most importantly, how families physically can visit, explore, and assess college fit for a student who learns differently. In relying heavily on virtual visits, families often complete the process with unanswered questions prior to entry. This session explores methods of evaluating marketing materials and essential questions families should consider when exploring colleges during the age of COVID.
- Recorded on Feb. 25, 2021 – Financial AID & Navigating the Vocational Rehabilitation Process
College affordability ranks of one of parents’ biggest concerns. Parents often perceive the financial aid process as daunting and many are unfamiliar with other supportive resources including Vocational Rehabilitation / Department of Rehabilitation Services. This session explores the financial aid process, and provides a timeline to understand deadlines and navigation tips.
- Recorded on March 24, 2021 – Understanding the Legal Changes from IDEA to ADA
College disability services professionals often discuss the difficulties parents have in relinquishing their role as their child’s lead advocate when the student enters college. Often, parents learn “this is the law” without a full explanation of the differences between college and high school policies. This session explores the major differences between IDEA and ADA, and describes common policies, including FERPA, to enhance parent understanding of the collegiate legal landscape.
- April 27, 2021 | 6 p.m. EDT – Ensuring a Successful IEP / Final Transitional Meeting: Understanding Your Rights
Parents often are uninformed about their rights during final years of high school, especially as it pertains to transition planning, evaluations, and support. This sometimes leaves families unsure of the best post-secondary track, or in other cases, without necessary documentation to ensure post-secondary success. This session focuses on best practices associated with closing out relationships with secondary schools, whether that be through annual IEP meetings or transitional conferences.
Professional Learning Series
This year, Beacon College hosted a new, five-part development series for educators looking to expand their awareness and understanding of students entering college with learning differences.
This program is geared towards current high school guidance/college counselors, high school program directors, special educators, and/or educational consultants who work with students who learn differently. Each topic explores how you as a professional educator can support these students in preparation for their transition to college.
- Recorded on Dec. 2, 2020 – Dissecting College Services for Students with Learning Differences: Understanding Options For Different Profiles
Students with learning differences are encouraged to utilize support systems in college to find academic success; however, they sometimes struggle with deciphering essential information about resources, making it difficult to provide authentic recommendations. This session explores the college accommodations-seeking process and provides professionals a tool for comparing and contrasting post-secondary services in college environments.
- Recorded on Jan. 14, 2021 – College in the Time of COVID: The Impact on Student Transitional & Mental Health Needs
Mental health weighs heavily in retention and persistence on college campuses. The COVID pandemic has heightened concerns about the overall emotional health of collegians. Learn about key considerations involved with supporting students more vulnerable to mental health issues as they transition to a college campus during the pandemic.
- Recorded on Feb. 10, 2021 – Supporting Student Athletes with Learning Differences: Key Considerations & Best Practices for Future Success
Student-athletes must abide by strict guidelines regarding academic performance; however, it sometimes is difficult to manage an intensive training/competition schedule and full coursework. Without their accustomed high school support, these students are vulnerable to increased academic struggles.
- Recorded on March 3, 2021 – The Parent & Student Dynamic: Successful Collaboration with Families of Students with Learning Differences
Parents often take an active role in the education and future planning of students with learning differences. Consequently, parents and children can clash over differing opinions of student needs. This session will review fundamentals of family systems for students who learn differently and interventions schools professionals can employ to increase partnerships.
- Recorded on April 6, 2021 – Increasing Student Engagement in IEP & Transitional Meetings
Students with learning differences often are required to attend annual IEP meetings or transition sessions with secondary support professionals. Yet, many students miss out on this critical support. This session will highlight intervention methods, strategies, and best practices to boost student participation in required educational meetings.
Why Beacon College?
Founded in 1989 by parents seeking a better option for students who learn differently, Beacon College was the first in the nation accredited to award bachelor degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD. The College has grown significantly over the years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is its commitment to student success – evidenced by its national recognition as the leader in education:
