Presented at 8:00am in Cotton Creek II on Thursday, November 21, 2019.
#29282Speaker(s)
- Sumana Silverheels, Director, Buffalo State University
- Lisa Fronckowiak, Director, Buffalo State College
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Using Access BSC as a model, presenters will discuss how to effectively assist high school students with disabilities in utilizing low cost and free assistive technology, along with other tools to support a successful transition to college.
Abstract
High school students with learning differences often have limited support in understanding the crucial transition between high school and college. The legal landscape changes as do expectations placed on students with disabilities once they move into the college world. Frequently, students come to college struggling to articulate their functional abilities, learning styles, and areas of need. Their high school experience often creates barriers that prevent them from disclosing their needs to college disability service providers. As a result, Buffalo State College Student Accessibility Service’s through their intense work in the area of transition and the support from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, developed a summer program to address these issues. This presentation will share the development, implementation and outcomes of the Access BSC program. Some topics that will be highlighted are: Smart pen technology, low-cost apps, parental involvement, and learning strategies
Keypoints
- Supporting assistive technology use for a seamless transition to higher education
- Understanding your abilities and using them for success
- Learning strategies, note taking, time management, self-advocacy and organization
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Psychological
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Other, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Sumana Silverheels
Sumana Silverheels serves as Director of Student Accessibility Services at Buffalo State University and is a member of the SUNY Advisory Board, where she contributes to system-wide accessibility and inclusion initiatives. She leads efforts to ensure equitable access, collaborates with faculty on accommodations and universal design, and advances student success for individuals with disabilities. Known for her strategic leadership and advocacy, Sumana is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and strengthening accessibility practices across higher education. With a strong commitment to inclusion, she combines technical expertise and strategic leadership to enhance accessibility and foster student success across the campus community.
Lisa Fronckowiak
Lisa Fronckowiak, Ed.M., J.D. currently serves as Director of Student Accessibility Services at Buffalo State College and has spent the past 20 years working in the area of higher education and disability. Lisa has assumed several leadership roles throughout her career including co-chair of the Western New York College Consortium of Disability Advocates, chair of the Buffalo State President’s Council on Equity and Campus Diversity, and co-organizer of TEDx Youth Buffalo. Lisa’s primary areas of interests are disability and intersectionality, along with the transition to college for students with disabilities.