Like their peers, many teens with disabilities dream about going to college. They want to experience living on campus, taking courses that interest them and being more independent—And they CAN.

Wisconsin has both fully inclusive programs and programs specifically for those with intellectual disabilities. Across the U.S. there are approximately 300 post-secondary programs for students with disabilities, with some outstanding programs in neighboring states. One example is the University of Iowa’s REACH Program. See the Think College¹ website for a complete list.  

Wisconsin-based Programs

• • • Cutting Edge at Edgewood College, in Madison, 2-to-6-year program
    • Life and Career Studies, Lakeland University, in Plymouth, 4-year program
    • Shepards College, in Union Grove, 3-year program
    • UW-Whitewater’s LIFE Program, in Whitewater 2-to-4-year program  

Academic pathways can include longer degree programs or shorter non-degree programs. These programs offer a variety of supports for campus living and academics. Most include peer supports, course coaches, independent living mentors, support for community engagement/friendships, and health and wellness.  

Accommodations Can be Made

Schools of higher education, which include Colleges and Universities, do not have to follow IDEA requirements so a youth’s IEP will no longer apply. For those who are ready and able to attend a 4-year college or university, but need accommodations to be successful, most campuses have an Office of Disability Services. Keep in mind, your student, with support from your family, is responsible to apply for the specific accommodations they need. Examples might include additional time for exams, having the help of a note taker, or requesting a single person dorm room. Students can also work one-on-one with their professors or academic program staff to get needed modifications to class requirements.   

Try Staying Closer to Home

Many community colleges and technical schools offer options for students with disabilities. These programs allow a student to take one or two classes at a time with lower teacher-to-student ratios. Your youth can continue to live at home, with the benefit of being closer to their medical or mental health providers. Students may also be able to “audit” a class as a non-degree student to gain confidence and stamina before living on a college campus. These community programs have the added benefit of being more affordable.    

Experience from the Field

At this year’s Circles of Life Conference, Kaitlyn Aceto from Edgewood College’s Cutting Edge Program and Sue Kemp, a mom and Down Syndrome Advocate, presented a session called, Off to College – Yes, Really! Their session offered the following recommendations for families:

To help decide if your teen is ready for college, consider registering them for pre-college summer programs, have them participate in their high school’s transition program for one or more years, or have your child enroll in a few classes at their local community college. During this time, parents and community supporters can help your teen focus on independent living and self-advocacy skills. 

They also spoke about challenges a teen with disabilities may experience while living away from home for the first time, including the need to develop money management and other independent living skill-building, personal relationships and dating, as well as learning to take care of their own medical and mental health needs. 

Paying for Higher Education

The cost of attending college is a barrier for many families, including those who have teens with disabilities. Ms. Aceto and Ms. Kemp suggested looking into the following:

• • • Scholarships
    • IRIS – Depending on your child’s goals in their service plan, their long-term support program may help pay for higher education. However, IRIS will not pay for out-of-state tuition.
    • Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is an option if your child is pursuing a degree program.
    • Private Pay – Your family can use funds from ABLE Accounts or 529 college saving accounts.

What We Heard from One Family

Parents whose children attended these programs shared that the time their children spent away at college was truly remarkable. Their children grew and matured in ways they did not think were possible, they gained life-long skills, and became stronger self-advocates. They also made new friends and community connections that made a real difference in their lives.     

“Going away to college is a huge opportunity for growth for any young adult INCLUDING our kids with disabilities. The UI Reach program gave our daughter so many opportunities to learn, to navigate new friendships and gain independence. You have to be willing for your son or daughter to make mistakes, to have drama…just like typical kids do at college. While nerve-wracking, this is where the most growth took place (for our daughter and us).  There is support there, lots of it, but it’s a college program not your family home.”  (Dane County parent whose daughter attended University of Iowa REACH program)

1. Think College provides resources, technical assistance (TA) and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. They are a national TA, research, and evaluation center dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving higher education options for students with intellectual disability.