Think College: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

As the Higher Education Opportunity Act opens the door to more options and supports, more and more students with intellectual disabilities are thinking college. That means high schools, colleges, and universities must be fully prepared to meet the needs of students. This book is a critical resource for education professionals to read and share with families of students with ID. It will help readers understand the three current models for postsecondary education (PSE): 1) inclusive individual supports; 2) substantially separate, noninclusive classes; and 3) hybrid approaches. It focuses on helping students overcome the common challenges and barriers to PSE, from low expectations to lack of adequate funding, and on how to plan effective, person centered transition services for high school students as they pursue PSE. The book shows how to support students as they manage the practical aspects of a positive PSE experience, connects students PSE experiences directly to employment and their other individual life goals, and shows how new legislation and policy changes will affect future PSE options. Help students, access college coursework, request accommodations, work well with faculty, set educational goals, assess progress, develop social relationships, evaluate employment opportunities, participate in work based learning experiences, paid employment, and more. Create effective programs and ease students transition to PSE, including a self advocacy checklist, a program evaluation tool, sample student schedules, and a college planning checklist for students and families. With this thorough guide to today s PSE options and tomorrows possibilities, professionals will help students with intellectual disabilities take full advantage of their educational opportunities and set the stage for a successful, fulfilling community life.  more