Families Thinking About College

Exiting high school is an exciting and tense time for students and their families. When considering what will happen next, the possibility of college is usually in the mix. As family members of children with intellectual disabilities, we may not know of the possibilities or be hesitant to encourage son and daughters to consider attending college classes, at least initially. We weigh the risks against the benefits and end up with all kinds of questions about safety, supports, funding, transportation, and courses. While these are important questions to ask, such thoughts may create more concern than creativity, leading us to quickly lose sight of the many benefits of going to college.

As with others, the benefits of attending college for students with intellectual disabilities can be measured in their growth in a number of areas, including academic and personal skill building, independence, self-advocacy, and self-confidence. For students with disabilities, this growth is also reflected in increased self-esteem, when they begin to see themselves as more similar to than different from their peers without disabilities. Being part of campus life, taking classes (whether auditing or for credit), and learning to navigate a world of high expectations leads to the development of skills needed for successful adulthood.

We know that students who have had both access to the general curriculum and high expectations are more likely to be employed as adults. Keeping college in the mix of possibilities as our son and daughters explore which steps to take after high school says that we believe in their potential for success.

So, let's begin by saying, "Why not college?" Hearing ourselves say these words may sound awkward at first, but after awhile we will become accustomed to having college as a possibility. Then, when we hear our son and daughters talk about going to college, we will start saying, "Yes, our child will be going to college next year. Let's figure out how to make it happen!"

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