Resources for Students with Disabilities
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RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Graduation Pathways for Students with Disabilities
All students should leave high school prepared for living, working and future learning. In New York, there are more ways than ever for students with disabilities to leave school with a meaningful credential that represents how much they have accomplished — and what they are prepared for.
The Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS) and the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC) certificates were first awarded to students in the 2013-14 school year. They were introduced as the state was phasing out IEP Diplomas and Regents Competency Tests in favor of pathways that emphasize real-world skills and experiences to help students be successful in their lives after school, based on their individual needs and goals. It is important to note that these credentials are available to students with different abilities. CDOS can supplement a high school diploma or it can be earned by students who do not complete diploma requirements due to their disability. SACC is for students with severe disabilities who are eligible for New York State Alternate Assessments.
With a CDOS or SACC credential, students will leave school with documentation of their work-based learning experiences, skills, strengths and level of independence. These credentials do not mean that instruction for high school students with disabilities is shifting away from academics. All students must be provided with access to the general education curriculum. Instruction for students pursuing either CDOS or SACC is based on the state’s Career Development and Occupational Studies Learning Standards, which emphasize skills such as reading, writing and math.
“This credential will recognize each individual student’s preparation and skills for post-school employment,” New York State Education Department Assistant Commissioner James DeLorenzo wrote about CDOS. “Where in the past, many students graduated with an individualized education (IEP) diploma, this credential provides a more meaningful substitute for these students.”
“Career preparation and work-based learning experiences are essential in order to form and develop aspirations and to make informed choices about careers.” – U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy
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Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential (CDOS)
What is it? A graduation certificate that shows students are ready for entry-level work. This can supplement a high school diploma or be earned by students who do not complete diploma requirements due to their disability. Students explore careers and learn technical skills. They must complete two CTE courses or 54 hours of work-based learning experiences. Students also develop a career plan each year and leave with an employability profile.
CDOS Learning Standards
- Standard 1: Career Development
- Standard 2: Integrated Learning
- Standard 3a: Universal Foundational Skills
- Standard 3b: Career Majors
What’s involved in a Career Plan?
As students develop their required Career Plans they:
- Reflect on the activities, classes and types of work that they enjoy;
- Work with parents, teachers and/or counselors;
- Identify abilities, as well as areas they would like to improve;
- Document their school, community and work experience;
- Establish career goals and action steps; and
- Undertake a culminating activity to help shape plans for the future.
More information for interested families can be found here:
http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/cdos-pathway-regents-or-local-diploma
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Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC)
What is it? A graduation certificate for students with severe disabilities showing they have completed at least 12 years of school, with instruction and services designed to help them meet their goals for living, learning and working after leaving school. SACC is for students who are eligible to take the New York State Alternative Assessment. Students can participate in school- and community-based work preparation experiences. Instruction is based on the CDOS standards.
SACC certificates are accompanied by an “exit summary” that documents achievement in areas identified as important for post-secondary living, including:
- Career development and the ability to apply skills at home, school and the workplace;
- Reading, writing, literacy, speaking, problem-solving, technology and interpersonal skills;
- Academic achievement as measured by the New York State Alternate Assessment; and
- Strengths, interests and other accomplishments.
Regents and Local Diplomas
The CDOS and SACC credentials are not tracks and cannot be pursued as an alternative to a high school diploma. All students must be provided the opportunity to access the general curriculum and earn a high school diploma. As in the past, students with disabilities are eligible to attend school until they are 21 years old or until they graduate with a Regents or local diploma. There are safety net options for students with disabilities pursuing their high school diploma. Please contact your child’s school counselor for more information.
More information for interested families can be found here:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/
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College Board Testing Accommodations
Approval by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is required before students can take the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams with accommodations.
**Please click the link for the College Board Consent Form for Accommodations Request and submit completed form to your school counselor.
ACT Testing Accommodations
ACT determines a student's eligibility and accommodations on the ACT.
**Please click the link for the Consent to Release Information to ACT and submit completed form to your school counselor after registering for a test date on ACT. Requests for accommodations cannot be submitted until after a test date has been selected.
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COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES AND SOME POST-HIGH SCHOOL RESOURCES
Understanding Requirements & Pathways for Graduation
OPWDD Front Door – Important to apply early, application process can be long
ACCESS VR - Post high school
RCAL - Resource Center for Accessible Living - Community based
WIHD - Westchester Institute for Human Development - Community based
Taconic Resources for Independence - Community based
Parent to Parent of NYS is a statewide organization that connects parents of children with special needs or disabilities via email and textFamilies Together in New York State provides training to become a Family Peer Advocate, as well as other trainings and resourcesPOST-GRAD TRANSITION PROGRAMS INCLUDING COLLEGE AND NON-COLLEGE SETTINGS
SSA - Includes information on how to apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Beacon College in Leesburg, FL
**The information provided in the resources/links listed are not all-inclusive.
