College Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
College programs designed for students with intellectual disabilities are growing in popularity. Although the programs state they are designed for students with intellectual disabilities, many programs will accept students with other disabilities as well.
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Please note: Blue Valley School District #229 does not necessarily recommend or endorse providers included in this or any subsequent notices. All information provided on the following links is for information purposes only and should not be considered as an endorsement.
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disability, and manages the only national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disability in the United States.
We are dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.
The THRIVE Program at the University of Central Missouri expands opportunities for students with disabilities so they can live a more independent life.
Through the THRIVE Program, the University of Central Missouri prepares students with disabilities to transition to independent living and find employment that fits their individual goals and abilities. During the two-year program, students are required to live on the UCM campus. They work on improving their academic abilities and peer interactions while learning computer and job skills. They also participate in career-focused internships. THRIVE graduates earn a Certificate of Success along with a personal portfolio. Some students may go on to earn a degree at UCM with the proper student support services in place for their success.
KU Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) is an inclusive postsecondary education program for KU students with intellectual disabilities. TPE is a two-year program that leads to the KU Transition to Postsecondary Education Certificate through the School of Education and Human Sciences. Students take regular KU courses for credit, participate in student clubs and activities, can live in KU Housing, and engage in career internships.
CONNECT is a two-year transition program for young adults with mild intellectual/ developmental disabilities. It bridges the gap between high school and adulthood.
Get the full college experience as a JCCC Cavalier!
CONNECT includes:
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Program-specific courses in life planning, career development and independent living
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On-campus internship opportunities
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Credit courses (for credit or audit)
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Continuing education courses
Earn a Bear POWER certificate of completion from Missouri State. Start in the fall and graduate with your certificate in an area of emphasis that you choose based on your career interest. You will have a combination of college coursework, Bear POWER Academic Support Sessions, and internship experiences. Audit your courses as noncredit or take them for credit – this flexible program allows options for students and supports are individualized based on your specific needs.
UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is a comprehensive transition program for students ages 18-25 years old with intellectual, cognitive and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment.
SUCCEED is a post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 through 25 years. Program participants can earn a Chancellor’s Certificate by completing the two-year residential or commuter program.
EMPOWER offers a four-year, non-degree college experience program for students with cognitive disabilities that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.
CLEAR (College Learning Experiences, Activities and Resources) provides non-credit continuing education classes for adults with mild developmental disabilities or other cognitive disabilities.
The Barnabas Prep program is designed to equip students to continue their personal growth. By focusing on nine major areas of growth, students leave Barnabas Prep with all the tools they need to live as independently as possible. Our program structure allows students to take advantage of personalized learning opportunities to further develop the student's knowledge and skills in the area they need it most
Prosper Academy is a two-year post-secondary on campus educational program designed to promote independent living, self-sufficiency, and social skills for young adults with autism. Prosper Academy instructors teach courses designed to increase independent living skills and social interactions in and outside the classroom. Classroom instruction follows Learn4Independence®, a licensed curriculum used in similar transition programs across the country.
The goal and mission at Ruby’s Rainbow is to grant scholarships to students with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, including enrichment or vocational classes, and helping them achieve their dreams of higher education while spreading awareness of their capabilities and general awesomeness.