Attending a post secondary education in junior or community college or 4 year college/university are wonderful ways to build skills to gain employment and interdependence. There are a variety of programs available to support youth with disabilities in post secondary education.
Student rights in college or university fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act instead of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). Student rights center on access and accommodations vs. reduced levels of learning. In addition, parents do no have rights to gain services for their children in post secondary education. This is a time for youth with disabilities to advocate for the services they NEED to be successful.
Office of Disability Services
If your child is graduating just like every other student without disabilities (graduation option 1 or 2), the process to find a post secondary institution will be the same. Take the SAT/ACT, visit schools, apply online by the deadline, complete a FAFSA, and apply for financial aid or grants.
All colleges and universities have an Office of Disability Services to support students with a variety of disabilities. Each college or university has their own process for gaining accommodations and support at the post secondary level. Most require some sort of testing, evaluations, doctor letters or documentation of disability, as well as the needed accommodations. Check with each office to see what they require for your son or daughter’s disability. One place may require documentation each semester while another may just require documentation upon enrollment. It will be up to your son or daughter to notify the professor of each class of needed accommodations. There may be special forms to complete for extra time on tests or testing within the office of disability services.
Please note that while graduating under the Foundation plan with endorsements or Distinguished Plan requires 26 credits to enter 4 year universities or college in Texas, some universities in other states may not require the same number of credits or course work for entrance. Do not give up on college or university if your child graduates on the Foundation 22 credit program.
Special Programs for Individuals with Disabilities
ThinkCollege.net (https://thinkcollege.net/)
ThinkCollege is an excellent place to find inclusive programs for individuals with IDD/Autism across the United States. These programs may or may not have the same entrance requirements as typical university programs. Often these programs are only for students with disabilities. They may or may not lead to a degree programs. Many offer certficate programs that is often focused on work. ln addition, these programs may or may not be eligible for financial assistance. There are NO free programs. Sometimes the cost can be covered by vocational rehabilitation. In Texas this is called Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation. They often will cover the cost of classes, books, etc. IF the program will lead to employment. Have your son or daughter check with their TWC-VR counselor to understand what is available.
Special Supports for Students with Autism
These programs usually require the same entrance requirements as noted above for the Office of Disability Services. There are additional supports available for studenst that identify as having an autism spectrum disorder. These programs often require an additional fee for the supports provided. To learn more about the variety of programs available across the country, visit (link opens in new tab) College Autism Network.
Certificate of Deafness Tuition Waiver
Students who are deaf can apply to have their tuition waived at state-supported post secondary schools in Texas. It does not cover room, board, or books. Here is the link to the waiver: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/tuition-waiver
Non Credit Courses and Community Education
Don’t forget about non-credit courses on campuses or even look into community education at your local community center or library. Further education after high school doesn’t need to stop because a person is not college eligible. These places often offer classes that may be of interest to your son or daughter and may be a place to find a community connection.