Why a Postsecondary Education?
A postsecondary education can open a whole new world for people both with and without disabilities. The college experience allows one to broaden one’s interests, establish and pursue one’s goals, and form life-long friendships. In addition to a college education allowing for the possibility of a higher paying job, the social relationships and experiences had in a college setting can lead to greater independence and a clearer understanding of one’s place in the world. For a student with an intellectual disability, transitioning from high school to college can be successful with careful IEP transitional planning, thoughtful preparation, and the selection of the right college.
Postsecondary Transition Planning and IEP Goals
In Tennessee, when a student reaches the age of 14, IEP teams open a discussion on goals and planning for the transition from secondary education to life after high school. If a student is considering going to college, it is important that he/she and the parent(s) know what a high school can provide in terms of preparing and guiding a student toward reaching that goal. The student should be involved in transition planning. The following are some considerations that might be discussed with an IEP team.
- Is the student enrolled in college preparatory classes?
- Are general education requirements being met?
- Is it possible for curriculum modifications to be gradually minimized as the student progresses through high school?
- How will the student learn study skills, time management, and organizational techniques that will prepare him/her for the college setting?
- How will the student learn social skills and maintain a positive self-esteem?
- The student will need to prepare for and take college entrance examinations. Ask for accommodations when necessary.
- How will the student learn self-advocacy skills?
- He/she will need to learn how to articulate his/her disability, learning style, strengths, and weaknesses.
- What opportunities exist for the student to explore college choices, support services, and financial aid and scholarship considerations?
- Postsecondary education goals should have student and parental input.
Selecting a Postsecondary Education Institution
As a student with an intellectual disability begins to select a postsecondary institution, many considerations should be taken into account. What kind of school and degree program will best aid the student in meeting learning and career goals? Would a 2-year or a 4-year college be more appropriate? Public or private? Take support services into account. These services vary greatly from institution to institution. Tour campuses and visit the educational institution’s Office of Disability Services. Know what accommodations are necessary for the student and ask questions regarding the availability of these supports.
‣ VKC Resources
- Next Steps at Vanderbilt
- Tennessee Inclusive Higher Education Alliance
- StudyFinder
- Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
‣ Local Resources
- The Arc of Tennessee
- Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network
- Tennessee Department of Special Education
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
‣ Postsecondary Education and Transition Websites
- Think College
- Going To College
- HEATH Resource Center
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
- Postsecondary Innovative Transition and Technology
‣ National Resources
- National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities
- Center for Self-Determination
- Office for Civil Rights
[December 2009]