Prospective Student Information

Office for Disability Services

A prospective student is defined as one who is:

• Entering Penn State as a freshman.
• Transferring from other colleges or universities.
• Currently enrolled in courses, but not receiving academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and/or services.

Overview

Each year more high school students with disabilities are planning to continue their education at institutions of higher education, such as Penn State. All students entering college need to be well informed about changes in their rights and responsibilities as well as the rights and responsibilities afforded by the University. Prospective students with disabilities are encouraged to contact or visit the Office for Disability Services as soon as possible, junior or senior year of high school, to discuss academic accommodations.

There is often a misconception by students entering college and their parents that post-secondary schools and school districts have the same responsibilities and procedures. This is often not the case; the responsibilities of post-secondary schools are significantly different from those of school districts at the secondary level. Also, the responsibilities of students with disabilities are significantly different as well. As a student with a disability enters the college setting, it is in their best interest to know their rights and responsibilities and the rights and responsibilities of the post-secondary schools under Section 504 and Title II. Doing so will improve the opportunity to succeed in post-secondary education.

Penn State Berks' Disability Services office encourages you to contact our office to discuss the process of registering with Disability Services.  We understand that this can be a challenging transition for students and parents. 

Please contact the Office for Disability Services for further information.