POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
Attending a post-secondary institution – a four-year college or university, a community college or other post-secondary training program – can present new opportunities and challenges. Pursuing post-secondary education allows you to broaden your social horizons while preparing academically for meaningful employment. You have a large array of options when it comes to choosing a post-secondary learning environment.
More and more high school students with disabilities plan to continue their education in post-secondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four- year colleges and universities. You need to be well informed about your rights and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities post-secondary schools have toward you. Being well informed will help ensure you have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the post-secondary education experience without confusion or delay.
“Despise not any man/woman and do not deem anything unworthy of consideration, for there is no man/woman that does not have his/her hour and no thing that does not have its place.”
Helpful Programs
FIU Embrace is a university-wide initiative that promotes health, wellness, and overall functioning for adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities (ID), and other neurodevelopmental disorders (OND). It seeks to help these persons lead healthy lives and maximize their individual potential across their lifespan. Services include health care, legal services, and secondary education.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities: Lists numerous scholarship options for students with disabilities that range from national financial aid opportunities to local opportunities within the United States and Canada.
Going to College: Another website designed for teens with disabilities. Provides information about planning for college, including selecting a college, financial aid and picking a major.
HEATH Resource Center (HEATH): An online clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Answers students’ questions about educational and training options available after high school.
College Information for Students with Disabilities: A website which has information about knowing your rights, preparing for college and how to succeed in college.
Think College Transition Checklist: Gives family members an easy-to-use list of topics that should be considered when discussing the transition from high school to college. This website also includes a database of postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Click here.
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing: A website which lists colleges and universities which deemphasize the use of standardized tests for admissions.
Academic Options provides educational counseling for individuals, ages 15 – 25, with disabilities. Specializes in college counseling and post-secondary placement of students with learning disabilities, spectrum disorders and other special needs.
College Living Experience is a post-secondary program for students who require additional support with academic, social and independent living skills. CLE provides intensive assistance to students of varying abilities. Students with autism, Asperger’s learning disabilities, developmental delays and a host of other special needs receive the support they need to pursue post-secondary education and become independent adults. Participating schools include Broward College, Florida Atlantic University, American InterContinental University, Nova Southeastern University, Sheridan Technical Center, and McFatter Technical Center.
The Dan Marino Foundation (DMF) is a results-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with autism or other developmental disabilities. Using innovative approaches to problem solving and leveraging the latest computer technologies, the DMF is creating unprecedented opportunities for the disability community. At the core of the Foundation’s initiatives is Marino Campus, an intensive 10-month post-secondary educational program to help young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities bridge the gap between high school and employment.
