History of postsecondary education for people with intellectual disabilities

Until recently, people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities did not have many education options after they left high school. In fact, in most cases, students with intellectual/developmental disabilities had very few options period. When they prepared to leave high school, they were often given just two choices: attend a day activities program for adults with disabilities or stay home. Most individuals didn’t want to stay at home with nothing to do so they attended a day program. The problem with this option is that day activity programs tend to focus mostly on developing daily living skills and very simple work skills. People who attend these programs do not usually have the opportunity to continue their education to prepare for competitive work.

Several years ago things began to change. As individuals with intellectual disabilities had more inclusive experiences at school and in the community, some began to dream of continuing their education. They wanted to graduate from high school and attend college, just like their classmates, siblings and neighbors.

At first, going to college did not seem like a real option to many people who usually help students plan for their lives after high school. Many teachers, counselors and even some parents thought that colleges would not accept students with intellectual disabilities who needed a lot of special education services in high school. Some people wondered what students with intellectual disabilities would get out of going to college. But not everyone.

Across the country, parents, teachers, disability advocates and students themselves have begun to find ways for people with intellectual disabilities to attend college. Some students decide to first audit a class (see "Getting Started" section) to see just what it’s like to take a class without worrying about a grade. Still other students enroll in fitness and health classes to have fun and to have the opportunity to meet other students. Still other students decide to take the plunge and formally register for classes. Ultimately, students are taking classes because going to college makes a difference in the eyes of future employers as well as other people in the community.

Over these last several years, more and more students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities across the country (and other countries) are going to college. Some need help from disability services to get accommodations (read about this in the “Getting Started” section). Others need assistance from an education coach (see more about this in the “Working with Educational Coaches” section). In every case though, students are taking college classes, hoping that between taking college classes and getting some related work experiences, they will be able to get jobs that pay well and make them happy.

To make sure that even more students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities have these opportunities, the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), which was approved by the US Congress in the summer of 2008, now allows students with intellectual disabilities to qualify for loans and grants to pay for college. The HEOA also has put aside money for more services to be available to students with intellectual disabilities in college. This support from the US Congress demonstrates that college really should be an option for students with intellectual disabilities who want to continue their education and that they qualify for financial assistance, if they need it, just like many other students.