College Pathways for Students with Disabilities

This chapter explores the many postsecondary options for students with disabilities, including those options that are available to students who leave high school with an individualized education program diploma or high school certificate. Dual enrollment is a college experience in which students can participate while still in high school. A modified version of dual enrollment programs has demonstrated promise for students with intellectual and developmental disability, providing students the opportunity to receive community-based transition services on a college campus with same-age peers in lieu of remaining in high school. Some high school students with disability may know during their junior or senior year that they would like to pursue a postgraduate year and thus choose not to proceed with the college application process. For students who are prepared to leave home and are more interested in learning a trade or technical skill, residential vocational and career colleges can be good options.