BOUQUETS: To the Student Accessibility Services office of Kent State University Geauga Campus, for sponsoring the seminar "Bridging the Transition Gap for Students with Disabilities."

The office recently held the first educational session for families and guidance counselors regarding the tools needed to smooth the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities.

While in high school, Ohio students with disabilities are protected by Individualized Education Programs, which require schools and families to be proactive in establishing supportive settings for students.

Once those students head off to college, however, IEPs give way to Americans with Disabilities Act protections. That means students must learn to advocate for their own needs, rather than follow the guidance of their IEP team.

"The students have to realize that they have to know what combinations (of tools) they need to be successful on their own and they also need to know how to advocate for themselves," said Ben Morrison, coordinator of academic services and student accessibility services at Kent State Geauga.

About 25 people visited the "Bridging the Transition Gap for Students with Disabilities" seminar, Morrison said, adding he hopes to make it an annual event. We also like the idea of holding this event each year. It's a great way to provide successful high school-to-college transition strategies for young people with disabilities.

from: BOUQUETS AND BRICKBATS:Published: Saturday, May 21, 2011 News-Herald