Flickr user Alan Kotok
Students with special needs might not have considered continuing into post-secondary education after high school. College can be a daunting process for any student, and it can also be tough to figure out how to advocate for yourself to ensure your needs are met. Luckily, disability resources on campuses help students with various physical, intellectual, and learning disabilities. There are also a handful of great disability resources programs and colleges designed specifically to help students with learning disabilities. Keep reading for colleges with great disability resources!
The University of Iowa—Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa is home to the REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) Program, with the vision stating to “empower young adults to become independent, self-determined individuals whose lives are personally rewarding.”
REACH works to give students the opportunity to experience life on a Big Ten university campus while gaining independence. As a two-year program designed for students with multiple intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities, it helps them reach their full potential. Students take classes, intern on campus and in the community, job shadow, and also attend events on campus as any other student would. Additionally, the university offers limited need-based scholarships for UI REACH students to help cover the cost of tuition.
Learn more about the University of Iowa’s REACH Program
Beacon College—Leesburg, FL
Beacon College is designed to offer bachelor and associate degrees for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and more. The college offers a variety of majors and minors, including human services, business management, psychology, and also studio arts.
The school boasts small class sizes, individual mentoring for students, and a wide variety of support services. Beacon realizes that students with learning disabilities have different needs, and works to cater to those needs while also empowering students.
Learn more about Beacon College
Mercyhurst University—Erie, PA
Mercyhurst has a program called AIM (Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst) that is specifically designed to support students on the autism spectrum as they navigate college life. AIM helps students develop as advocates for themselves and also grow in their independence.
AIM students live together on campus and have a resident assistant and housing coordinator. Assistants and coordinators specifically train to assist with the AIM program. Students can partake in peer mentoring, individualized course planning, and also a career path program to help them gain career-related skills.
Learn more about Mercyhurst University’s AIM Program
Landmark College—Putney, VT
Landmark College is similar to Beacon College. The college offers two- and four-year degrees for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students also have access to academic, educational technology, counseling, and coaching services created specifically for students like them.
Landmark College values helping students with their education through the classes and resources offered. Landmark also emphasizes preparing these students for their future careers. Students involve themselves on campus in multiple ways. Even better, Landmark faculty and staff encourage them.
Learn more about Landmark College
Marshall University—Huntington, VT
The College Program for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome is for accepted students with Asperger’s. Keep in mind, students apply to this program through a separate application. The College Program helps students gain self-advocacy and also executive functioning skills.
Students receive individualized assistance with involvement on campus to gain more skills. There are individual and small group mentoring sessions to attend, as well as course recommendations by professional faculty and staff members.
Learn more about The College Program for Students with Asperger’s Syndrome
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