College For Students With Disabilities
Opportunities for education, success, advancement, and independence have been growing at an exponential rate over the last 10 to 20 years for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
There are now more than 300 college programs across the country for these students and a new Massachusetts law now opens the 29 public colleges and universities in Massachusetts to students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
For parents with young children with intellectual and or developmental disabilities when you sit for your team meetings make sure everyone understands the potential for your child and the opportunities that exist. The time to start talking about college for your child with a disability is the same time that you would begin thinking about it and talking about it for your child without a disability. Many people at the birth of the child start thinking about college for them by starting a college savings program.
What can students and families do now to prepare for an inclusive college experience?
Having college as a long-range goal can change the trajectory of a student’s K-12 education and can be a powerful factor in advocating for inclusive placements. While in high school, or earlier if possible, set the expectation of college as a “measurable postsecondary goal.” To adopt a goal as their own, students needs to be able to picture the possibility. Plan a visit to a nearby college program or schedule a tour as part of a family vacation. Visit programs virtually by watching videos together like this one from the Think College Resource Library: (8 min) Include college-preparation skills in your son or daughter’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Think about goals and objectives that will lead to skills needed for success in postsecondary education such as using electronic communication, signing up for activities, choosing courses based on career goals, managing a schedule, and learning how to access information online. College is a pathway to a career and integrated employment will be an important component of the college program. Gaining community-based work experience in high school and developing employment soft skills will contribute to success in college and beyond.
Along with thoughtful IEP development, there are many other ways that parents and families can help students prepare for a more independent life. Practicing independent living tasks such as laundry, cooking, and scheduling appointments will be beneficial for college life.
Includes tasks such as using public transportation, talking about their disability, having high expectations, going to overnight camp, and starting a college saving account.
Provides an overview of numerous ways that team members are capitalizing on dual enrollment college experiences that students are participating in to develop IEPs that reflect comprehensive transition experiences.
Transition planning can begin many years before youth with disabilities graduate from high school. Find more information and support about how families can use the IEP to work towards future goals.
This handout, created by PACER for Think College, is for families preparing for their child with an intellectual disability to go to college. A checklist and related resources help guide the selection of transition goals and activities that will likely be key factors in making the possibility of college a reality.
Source: pacer.org
Talking to students with disabilities about college? Get some advice from ACTUAL college students with disabilities!!
Why is inclusive postsecondary education important for students with intellectual disabilities?
How do families locate and learn about Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) opportunities?
Think College’s College Search Tool to find and compare information on existing college programs* for students with intellectual disabilities across the country.
Once you compile a list of schools that may be a good match, use the How to Think College Guide to Conducting a College Search to narrow your results.
To refine your choices further, consult the Self-Advocate’s Guide to Choosing a Postsecondary Program created by The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. You may also contact Think College or PACER Center directly for help in finding the information you need.
* While the number of programs is increasing, there are states and parts of the country without programs. The energy, commitment and passion of parents has been a key component in the passage of legislation and the development of programs. Consider how you might join forces with other families, educators and advocacy organizations in your state to create new opportunities.
Information gleaned from interviews with parents of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that played key leadership roles in establishing postsecondary education programs for students with IDD.
Dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disabilities. (6 min) Families Think College Facebook Page
A closed Facebook group for families is a wonderful way to connect with and learn from parents of current and potential college students with intellectual disabilities.
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