Postsecondary education offers diverse paths for students with disabilities after high school. Options include two-year colleges, four-year universities, vocational schools, and technical institutes, each with unique benefits and focuses.
Understanding these choices helps special education professionals guide students effectively. Key considerations include admission requirements, support services, transition planning, financial aid, and legal rights in higher education settings.
Overview of postsecondary options
Postsecondary options provide diverse educational pathways for students with disabilities after high school
Understanding these options empowers special education professionals to guide students towards appropriate choices
Aligns with the broader goal of promoting independence and in special education
Types of postsecondary institutions
Two-year colleges
Top images from around the web for Two-year colleges
Stories of N.C. community college graduates - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Opportunities of Two-Year College Data Science · Issue 2.4, Fall 2020 View original
Is this image relevant?
A look into Nash and Pitt Community Colleges - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
Stories of N.C. community college graduates - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Opportunities of Two-Year College Data Science · Issue 2.4, Fall 2020 View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Two-year colleges
Stories of N.C. community college graduates - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Opportunities of Two-Year College Data Science · Issue 2.4, Fall 2020 View original
Is this image relevant?
A look into Nash and Pitt Community Colleges - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
Stories of N.C. community college graduates - EducationNC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Opportunities of Two-Year College Data Science · Issue 2.4, Fall 2020 View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Community colleges offer associate degrees and
Provide a more affordable and accessible entry point to higher education
Often have open admission policies, benefiting students with diverse academic backgrounds
Offer transfer programs to four-year universities (2+2 programs)
Typically provide more individualized attention and smaller class sizes
Four-year universities
Grant bachelor's degrees in a wide range of academic disciplines
Offer more extensive research opportunities and resources
Provide a broader campus experience with diverse
May have more competitive admission requirements
Often offer graduate and professional degree programs
Vocational schools
Focus on hands-on training for specific trades or careers (welding, cosmetology)
Shorter program duration, usually lasting from a few months to two years
Emphasize practical skills development over theoretical knowledge
Often have strong connections with local industries for job placement
May offer flexible scheduling options (evening classes, part-time programs)
Technical institutes
Specialize in STEM fields (engineering, computer science)
Combine theoretical knowledge with practical application
Often feature state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment
May offer both degree and certificate programs
Frequently partner with industry leaders for internships and job opportunities
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
Vary depending on the institution and program of study
May include specific high school courses (math, science, foreign language)
Grade point average (GPA) requirements differ among institutions
Some schools consider class rank or academic rigor of coursework
Certain programs may have additional prerequisites (portfolio for art schools)
Standardized testing
Common tests include SAT, ACT, and subject-specific exams
Test scores often used for admission decisions and scholarship considerations
Some institutions adopt test-optional policies, benefiting students with test anxiety
Accommodations available for students with documented disabilities (extended time)
Preparation resources include practice tests and study guides
Application process
Typically involves submitting an online application form
Requires official high school transcripts and test scores
May include essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities
Application fees vary, with fee waivers available for eligible students
Early decision and early action options offered by some institutions
Support services for disabilities
Disability resource centers
Centralized offices on campus dedicated to supporting students with disabilities
Assist in coordinating accommodations and services
Provide guidance on self-advocacy and navigating campus resources
Often offer workshops and training on disability-related topics
Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and staff
Accommodations and modifications
Tailored to individual student needs based on documented disabilities
May include extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, or alternative formats for materials
Classroom accommodations such as preferential seating or sign language interpreters
Housing accommodations like accessible dorm rooms or single-occupancy options
Modifications to course requirements while maintaining academic standards
Assistive technology
Includes software and hardware to support various disabilities (screen readers)
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools for reading and writing support
Smartpens and digital recorders for note-taking assistance
Alternative input devices for students with mobility impairments (eye-gaze systems)
Training and support provided for using effectively
Transition planning
IEP goals for postsecondary
Focus on developing skills necessary for success in higher education
Include academic goals aligned with college readiness standards
Incorporate self-advocacy and self-determination objectives
Address independent living skills relevant to campus life
Set goals for exploring and choosing postsecondary options
Self-advocacy skills
Teaching students to articulate their needs and rights
Developing communication skills for interacting with professors and staff
Practicing how to request and negotiate accommodations
Understanding personal strengths, challenges, and learning styles
Encouraging students to take an active role in their education planning
Career exploration
Assessing interests, skills, and aptitudes through various tools (career inventories)
Researching potential career paths and required education levels
Arranging job shadowing or informational interview opportunities
Connecting academic subjects to real-world applications
Exploring internship and volunteer experiences related to career interests
Financial considerations
Scholarships for students with disabilities
Specific scholarships targeted towards students with various disabilities
Merit-based and need-based options available
Offered by disability organizations, foundations, and educational institutions
May cover tuition, books, assistive technology, or living expenses
Application processes often require documentation of disability and essays
Federal and state aid
Free Application for (FAFSA) as the primary gateway
Pell Grants for undergraduate students with financial need
State-specific grant programs vary by location
Subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services can provide financial support for eligible students
Work-study programs
Provide part-time jobs for students with financial need
Allow students to earn money to help pay for education expenses
Often offer on-campus positions or off-campus community service jobs
Can provide valuable work experience related to career goals
Flexible schedules designed to accommodate academic commitments
Legal rights and responsibilities
ADA in higher education
Prohibits discrimination based on disability in postsecondary settings
Requires institutions to provide reasonable accommodations
Covers all programs and services offered by the institution
Protects students from retaliation for exercising their rights
Applies to public and private institutions receiving federal funding
Section 504 protections
Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Ensures equal access to education for students with disabilities
Requires institutions to provide appropriate academic adjustments
Protects against exclusion from participation in school programs
Mandates accessibility in physical spaces and digital environments
Disclosure of disability
Students have the right to choose whether to disclose their disability
Disclosure necessary to receive accommodations and services
Timing of disclosure can impact available supports (before or after admission)
Privacy protections for disability-related information (FERPA)
Strategies for effectively communicating needs to faculty and staff
Alternative postsecondary pathways
Apprenticeships
Combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction
Offer paid work experience while learning a skilled trade
Often lead to industry-recognized credentials or certifications
Available in various fields (construction, healthcare, IT)
Can provide a direct pathway to employment after completion
Online degree programs
Offer flexibility for students who need accommodations for physical attendance
Allow self-paced learning suitable for various learning styles
Provide access to education for students with mobility or health challenges
Often include interactive elements and virtual collaboration tools
Require strong self-motivation and
Certificate programs
Short-term programs focused on specific skills or knowledge areas
Often completed in less time than traditional degree programs
Can lead to professional certifications or licenses
May be stackable, allowing students to build towards a degree
Offered by community colleges, universities, and vocational schools
Campus life considerations
Housing options
On-campus dormitories with varying levels of accessibility
Off-campus apartments or houses, which may offer more independence
Specialized housing for students with specific needs (quiet floors)
Residential advisors trained to support students with disabilities
Considerations for proximity to classes, dining facilities, and support services
Social integration
Student organizations and clubs catering to diverse interests
Disability-specific support groups and social events
Inclusive recreational and fitness programs
to facilitate connections
Orientation activities designed to welcome and integrate all students
Extracurricular activities
Adapted sports programs for students with physical disabilities
Cultural and arts events with accessibility features (audio description)
Leadership opportunities in student government and campus organizations
Community service and volunteer programs
Academic competitions and honors societies
Academic success strategies
Time management skills
Using digital calendars and planners to organize assignments and deadlines
Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
Prioritizing activities based on importance and urgency
Creating structured study schedules with built-in breaks
Utilizing time-tracking apps to analyze and improve productivity
Study techniques
Active reading strategies (SQ3R: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)
Mnemonic devices for memorization (acronyms, visualization)
Concept mapping to visually organize and connect ideas
Spaced repetition for long-term retention of information
Collaborative study groups to reinforce learning through discussion
Tutoring services
One-on-one tutoring sessions with peer or professional tutors
Subject-specific help centers (math lab, writing center)
Supplemental instruction programs for challenging courses
Online tutoring options for flexible scheduling
Study skills workshops and academic coaching
Employment preparation
Internship opportunities
Provide hands-on experience in chosen career fields
Can be paid or unpaid, for credit or non-credit
Often lead to full-time job offers after graduation
Help build professional networks and industry connections
Allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations
Resume building
Tailoring resumes to highlight relevant skills and experiences
Including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work
Emphasizing transferable skills gained through coursework and projects
Using action verbs and quantifiable accomplishments
Considering alternative formats (functional resumes) to showcase strengths
Interview skills
Practicing common interview questions and developing concise responses
Learning about appropriate interview attire and body language
Researching potential employers and preparing thoughtful questions
Discussing disability disclosure and accommodation requests in interviews
Participating in mock interviews for feedback and improvement
Long-term planning
Graduate school options
Exploring advanced degree programs in chosen fields of study
Understanding admission requirements for graduate programs (GRE, GMAT)