Janice Lozano
Students with special needs have a variety of options to continue their education after high school. Some may choose to enter the workforce, while others may pursue a college education. While it is more common for special needs students to attend community colleges, four-year colleges and universities are increasingly accommodating special needs students and providing them with the support they need to succeed. In the US, colleges and universities are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and many institutions go above and beyond the minimum requirements. These accommodations can include academic support, such as tutoring or note-takers for lectures, as well as non-academic support, such as wheelchair-accessible dorm rooms or service dogs. While the application process for accommodations is separate from the college application process, it is important for students to demonstrate their strong desire to learn and meet the admissions criteria. Overall, there are a variety of programs and resources available to help special needs students succeed in higher education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do universities accept special needs students? | Yes, universities do accept special needs students. However, the level of support provided varies across institutions. |
| Number of universities accepting special needs students | Hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer programs, resources, and services tailored to students with special needs. |
| Types of disabilities catered to | Physical, intellectual, learning, psychological, and cognitive disabilities are some of the types of disabilities that universities cater to. |
| Admission process | The admission process for students with special needs varies. Some universities have separate applications for accommodations, while others use assessments to measure skills and place students in appropriate classes. |
| Accommodations | Accommodations may include academic support, such as tutoring and note-takers for lectures, as well as non-academic adjustments, like single dorm rooms or wheelchair-accessible rooms. |
| Legal requirements | Universities are legally required to provide "reasonable accommodations" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal civil rights laws. |
| Additional support | Many universities offer additional support, such as academic coaching, peer mentoring, therapy, and assistance with social and life skills. |
| Notable universities with special needs programs | Notable universities with programs for special needs students include Harvard University, University of the Ozarks, Creighton University, Gallaudet University, University of Southern California, Northeastern University, DePaul University, and RIT. |
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What You'll Learn
Application and enrolment
Students with special needs have a variety of options for continuing their education after high school. Many colleges and universities have created programs to support students with special needs, and hundreds of colleges and universities across the US offer campus resources, programs, and services tailored to students with disabilities. These programs may include academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, study groups, therapy, executive function coaching (such as help with time management skills), career prep, and assistance with social and life skills.
When it comes to the application process, it's important to note that the process of applying for accommodations is separate from the college application process. Students should apply for accommodations after they have been accepted and enrolled in the college. To receive accommodations, students need to register as a student with disabilities with the disability services office, not the admissions office. Simply writing about any issues in the college application does not guarantee that a student will receive accommodations.
To apply for accommodations, students may need to complete a registration or application form and provide evidence of their disability, such as a recent high school evaluation report. During this process, they will work with a disability services officer to determine "reasonable" accommodations, which may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and services. These accommodations might be academic, such as the use of a note-taker for lectures, or non-academic, like having a single dorm room.
Once the accommodations have been determined, the disability services officer will write an "accommodation letter" listing the accommodations the student is entitled to. This letter will be addressed to the faculty in the student's courses, and it will only state that the student has been approved for accommodations without disclosing the specific disability, protecting the student's privacy.
It's important to note that not all colleges and universities provide the same level of support and services. While some institutions meet the minimum standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), others go above and beyond. Therefore, it is crucial for students with special needs to research and find colleges that best align with their unique needs and can provide the necessary accommodations and support.
In addition to traditional colleges and universities, there are other options available for students with special needs. Some students may choose to enrol in community colleges, which often have open admission policies and offer remedial classes for those who are not yet ready for college-level courses. There are also "sheltered workshops" or "work centers" that provide employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Overall, there are a variety of options available for students with special needs who wish to continue their education after high school. By researching and finding the right fit, these students can access the support and accommodations they need to succeed in their educational journey.
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Available resources
There are many colleges and universities in the US that offer resources, programs, and services tailored to students with special needs or disabilities. These programs may include academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, study groups, therapy, executive function coaching (such as help with time management skills), career prep, and assistance with social and life skills. Many of these programs are run by disability specialists who can tailor accommodations and services to the individual student's needs.
- The University of the Ozarks: The Jones Learning Center (JLC) offers two tracks based on the level of support the student needs. Students work with an academic program coordinator on learning strategies and have access to writing specialists, tutors, small group study/lab sessions, and testing accommodations.
- Creighton University: The Office of Disability Accommodations (ODA) provides special education, accessible housing, and counseling needs.
- Gallaudet University: The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD) provides various accommodations from Braille textbooks to guide dogs and wheelchair repair services.
- Northeastern University: The Disability Resource Center offers a comprehensive Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) with basic accommodations within its 150+ majors.
- DePaul University: The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) provides accommodations and other services to students with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, medical conditions, chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and physical and sensory impairments.
- RIT: Offers LD and ADD students access to a learning development center and disability and learning support services, with workshops teaching skills such as test-taking and time management.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Students registered with Disability and Educational Services (DRES) are assigned an access specialist who works with faculty to ensure the student's needs are met.
- Bellevue College: The OLS program gives adults with cognitive disabilities the opportunity to earn an accredited college degree with an occupational and life skills-based curriculum.
Additionally, all 34 of Washington's community and technical colleges are "open admission," accepting all students who apply. These colleges often provide remedial classes for students who are not yet ready for college-level courses, and a community college degree can serve as a stepping stone to a four-year college.
It is important to note that the process of applying for accommodations at a college is separate from the college application process. Students must register with the disability services office, providing evidence of their disability, and then work with the office to determine "reasonable" accommodations. These accommodations can be academic, such as the use of a note-taker for lectures, or non-academic, like having a single dorm room.
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Academic and non-academic accommodations
Students with special needs have a variety of post-secondary options, including two-year and four-year degree programs, as well as transition programs that teach life skills and prepare them for independent living. Many colleges and universities have created programs to help students with special needs transition to independent living and functioning in society. These programs are typically designed for 18- to 20-year-olds and can be a great resource for students who need additional support.
Additionally, most colleges and universities are required by law to provide certain accommodations and services to students with special needs or disabilities. These accommodations can be academic or non-academic and are designed to ensure equal access and protection against discrimination for students with disabilities. Here are some examples of academic and non-academic accommodations that may be provided:
Academic Accommodations:
- Extended time on exams and papers: Students with special needs may be granted additional time to complete exams and assignments, helping them manage their workload and accommodate their learning pace.
- Permission to audio-record classes: Recording lectures can be beneficial for students who may need to review the material at their own pace or have difficulty taking written notes.
- Reduced course load: In some cases, students with special needs may be allowed to take a reduced number of courses to better manage their academic workload. However, this may impact their financial aid eligibility.
- Alternative exam formats: While not commonly granted, some colleges may offer alternative exam formats, such as oral exams instead of written ones, to accommodate students with special needs.
- Note-takers for lectures: Providing a note-taker during lectures ensures that students with special needs can access the lecture content effectively and have comprehensive notes for review.
Non-Academic Accommodations:
- Accessible facilities and services: Colleges are required to provide basic disability access, such as wheelchair-accessible dorm rooms and facilities.
- Single dorm room: In some cases, a single dorm room may be provided as a non-academic accommodation to ensure privacy and a quiet living environment.
- Service animal registration: Students with service animals, such as guide dogs, can register their animals with the disability services office to ensure they can live and navigate the campus with their assistance animals.
It is important to note that the process of applying for accommodations is separate from the college application process. Students usually register for disability services after being accepted and enrolled in the college. They will need to provide evidence of their disability and work with the disability services office to determine the appropriate accommodations. Additionally, students should be proactive in communicating their needs to their professors and instructors, who can be a valuable resource in accessing essential services.
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Legal rights and requirements
In the US, federal civil rights laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensure equal access to education for people with disabilities and protect them against discrimination. Title II of the ADA covers publicly-funded universities, community colleges, and vocational schools, while Title III covers privately-funded schools.
Under these laws, colleges and universities must provide equal access to education for students with disabilities. This includes access to extracurricular activities and residential facilities. Accommodations and modifications should be tailored to meet the individual needs of the student and can include auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters, Braille, or assistive listening devices. Architectural access, such as providing ramps for wheelchair users, is also required.
Students with disabilities have the right to request reasonable modifications from their school. The request should explain the connection between the modification and the student's disability-related needs, although a diagnosis is not required. Schools cannot deny requests based on the belief that modifications give disabled students an unfair advantage or that students who cannot succeed without modifications do not deserve to be there. These attitudes are ableist and contradict the ADA's purpose.
However, schools are not required to provide modifications that would fundamentally alter the nature of their programs or cause undue financial or administrative burdens. For example, while a school may be required to provide extended time for testing, it is not required to change the substantive content of the test.
Students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college should also be aware of some key differences in their rights and the responsibilities of the educational institution. While in high school, parents are typically involved in the process and have legal access to information, in college, privacy laws protect the student's information, and parents cannot play a direct role without the student's permission. Additionally, while high schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under Section 504, post-secondary institutions are not bound by this requirement.
To receive accommodations in college, students must register with the disability services office and provide evidence of their disability and the need for specific accommodations. While colleges are not required to provide the same level of support and services as high schools, they must still ensure equal access and protect students from discrimination.
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Post-secondary options
Transition Programs at Universities: Some universities offer transition programs specifically designed for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These programs typically cover essential life skills and academic subjects to prepare students for independent living and, in some cases, continued education. For example, my public university offers a four-year transition program that includes classes on reading, writing, math, banking, independent living, and sexuality and relationships.
Community Colleges: Community colleges often provide an inclusive pathway to post-secondary education. Many community colleges have open admission policies, accepting all applicants and placing them in appropriate courses based on assessments. This flexibility allows students with special needs to access remedial classes and build a solid academic foundation before transferring to a four-year college or starting their careers. Community college certification programs can also lead to well-paying jobs.
Specialized Programs at Mainstream Universities: Many universities across the United States have specialized programs and resources for students with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, learning, psychological, and cognitive disabilities. These programs may offer academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, study groups, therapy, executive function coaching, career preparation, and assistance with social and life skills. Examples of universities with such programs include Harvard University, University of the Ozarks, Creighton University, Gallaudet University, Northeastern University, DePaul University, and RIT.
Direct Entry into Workforce: Some students with special needs may choose to enter the workforce directly after secondary school. They may seek employment in various sectors, including janitorial services, food service, retail, or sheltered workshops. For those with moderate intellectual disabilities, there are supported employment options, such as assembling furniture or sorting items, that provide a non-competitive work environment.
Continuing Education at High School: In some states, students with severe disabilities that cannot be accommodated in a typical college setting may remain in high school until the ages of 21 or 23. During this time, they receive extensive life skills training to prepare them for greater independence. After this period, they may transition to living with family members or in group homes, with periodic support from social workers.
When considering post-secondary options, it is essential to research and choose institutions that have a strong track record of accommodating students with special needs. This ensures that students receive the support and resources they need to succeed in their chosen path.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, universities do accept special needs students. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 protects students with special needs from discrimination on any campus, and requires universities to provide "reasonable accommodations" for students with disabilities.
Accommodations can be academic, such as the use of a note-taker for lectures, or non-academic, like having a single dorm room. Other examples include academic coaching, tutoring, peer mentoring, study groups, therapy, and executive function coaching.
The process of applying for accommodations is separate from the college application process. It usually begins after a student has been accepted and enrolled in the college. Students need to register as a student with disabilities with the disability services office, and provide evidence of their disability.
Hundreds of universities and colleges across the US offer great options for students with various disabilities. Some examples include the University of Michigan, Northeastern University, Creighton University, DePaul University, and the University of the Ozarks.
