by Yes, there are indeed post secondary school options for people with intellectual disabilities!!
These programs all vary greatly, but the fact is that there are options, and the right program for each individual will vary based on their needs and desires.
Some programs are fully inclusive – where students attend the same classes and live in the same dorms. In order for the programs to be funded, at least half of the time has to be in inclusive classes or work experiences.
In some places classes may be taken at an “audit” level – where the student participated but may not be able to ultimately complete the college level coursework, or they may be taken as full college credit classes. In order to receive college credit, the student will have to complete all assignments and tests.
Programs range from 2 year community colleges up to a full 4 year university experience. Most offer internships and job placement assistance.
Once upon a time, there were NO options. Families were responsible for teaching their children all of these things. Now there are places where kids like AJ can go to learn to be more independent, much like many of us did when we went to college.
If you’d like more information on the college programs available, I recommend checking out thinkcollege.net – or look at your own local colleges to see what they offer.
Ex: University Of Iowa – https://education.uiowa.edu/services/reach
