About

Founder, Heidi Potrykus

Heidi Potrykus, M.A.

Heidi Potrykus, M.A.

Founder of IEP College Prep

As someone with a disability, I have overcome numerous academic challenges throughout high school, college, graduate school, and professional life.


Through these experiences, I learned a few things that can be helpful to others in similar situations - perseverance, grit, and determination are essential qualities that can help individuals overcome academic obstacles.

Heidi Potrykus, M.A.

Heidi Potrykus, M.A.

Founder of IEP College Prep

As someone with a disability, I have overcome numerous academic challenges throughout high school, college, graduate school, and professional life.


Through these experiences, I learned a few things that can be helpful to others in similar situations - perseverance, grit, and determination are essential qualities that can help individuals overcome academic obstacles.


Additionally, thinking creatively to mitigate the adverse effects of a disability can help individuals develop new skills they may not have otherwise discovered.


I utilize assistive technologies to navigate both my educational and professional environments. Specifically, I rely on text-to-speech software to assist me in expressing myself in writing, as I have a learning disability affecting my written expression.

Additionally, thinking creatively to mitigate the adverse effects of a disability can help individuals develop new skills they may not have otherwise discovered.


I utilize assistive technologies to navigate both my educational and professional environments. Specifically, I rely on text-to-speech software to assist me in expressing myself in writing, as I have a learning disability affecting my written expression. Additionally, I utilize screen readers to aid in reading comprehension, along with multiple editing tools and AI to effectively communicate my thoughts. These types of support have empowered me to independently manage my disability. My goal is to inspire your students to think creatively and discover what strategies work best for them. As a role model, I aim to demonstrate to your students how to overcome barriers and succeed in a world full of challenges.


Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a passion for assisting others with disabilities to navigate the ever-changing educational environment. Helping others overcome these challenges motivates me to continue doing what I do.


I have spent 15 years in Higher Education as a leader in Disability Services due to my disability. This position allowed me to work with college students with various disabilities and help them succeed in higher education.

Additionally, I utilize screen readers to aid in reading comprehension, along with multiple editing tools and AI to effectively communicate my thoughts. These types of support have empowered me to independently manage my disability. My goal is to inspire your students to think creatively and discover what strategies work best for them. As a role model, I aim to demonstrate to your students how to overcome barriers and succeed in a world full of challenges.


Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a passion for assisting others with disabilities to navigate the ever-changing educational environment. Helping others overcome these challenges motivates me to continue doing what I do.


I have spent 15 years in Higher Education as a leader in Disability Services due to my disability. This position allowed me to work with college students with various disabilities and help them succeed in higher education.

As a professional in Higher Education, I have:

Reviewed medical documentation to determine a student's eligibility for accommodations.

Assisted in developing institutional policies that increased the overall accessibility of the institution.

Wrote and successfully received funding twice for a $1M+ federal grant to support students with disabilities.

Collaborated with local high schools to share information about the unique transition from high school to college for students with disabilities and how best to prepare.

Counseled students on disability acceptance and how to best advocate for their needs.

Developed a Transition Coordinator position to assist incoming students with disabilities during the transitional period from high school to college.

More than tripled the number of dedicated staff at the institution working with students with disabilities.

To Parents

I understand that transitioning from high school to college with your child can be a daunting experience. As a parent, you have diligently prepared, protected, and advocated for your child's education. However, as your child moves into college, you must adapt to a new role with legal limitations on your involvement in their educational decisions.


I will help you understand your role in the college environment as we collaborate and guide you through this transition. Balancing the desire to be involved with the need to let go and allow your child to take responsibility for their education can be challenging.


But with my support, I am confident that you and your child will successfully navigate these ever-changing educational waters. Rest assured that I will be there to assist you every step of the way. Together, we will prepare you and your child for this next chapter of their academic journey.


To Students

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the transition from high school to college? If you also have a disability, the process can be even more challenging. Your friends may not fully understand the additional considerations of having a disability but don't worry.


I'm here to provide you with support and guidance based on my experience. I successfully pursued my desired degree, received the necessary accommodations, and achieved my career goals. I'm happy to share my insights and pitfalls to help you avoid unnecessary challenges. Let me serve as an example and help you confidently navigate this journey.

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My educational background includes the following:

Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Bachelor of Sciences in Human Resources and Family Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

My professional involvement includes:

Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

Member of Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

Member of the Association of High Education and Disability (AHEAD)

Starting IEP College Prep has allowed me to pursue my mission of empowering high school students with disabilities to transition into college successfully. There are significant legal changes between high school and college as it relates to a student transition, and students and their parents must be aware of the support available in college.


I have seen many students and families make the mistake of either ignoring or overemphasizing their disability when preparing for college. As your guide, I will use my expertise and resources to help your student prepare for college and develop the necessary tools to transition into college successfully.

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About

IEP College Prep provides documentation reviews, self-advocacy, college accommodation process, legal responsibilities, access office, and disabilities services, and 6-week transitional support.

Year Established

2024

Services

  • College Prep for Students With Disabilities
  • College Transition Support
  • Documentation Review
  • Self Advocacy
  • College Accommodation Process
  • Legal Responsibilities
  • Access Office and Disabilities Services
  • Registering with the Office of Disability Service
  • 6-Week Transition Support

Associations

  • Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA)
  • Higher Education Consultant Association (HECA)
  • The Association of Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)