College Considerations for Parents of Teens with Disabilities

College can be liberating, defining and fun. It's a scary time for parents and wonderful time for youngsters. It can open doors, but create unexpected challenges. In the past, college may not have been a likely option for children with disabilities, but many of today's college offer certificate and degree programs that disabled students can find success. When helping a teenager with disabilities pick a college, parents should consider several things. Here are some tips that will help parents and students with disabilities find the college that works best for them.

Check Out the Resources
Choosing a college does not have to be a journey into darkness. Believe it or not, there are number of books and resources which are a compilation of colleges which offer services to disabled students. For example, The Princeton Review's K & W Guide to Colleges for the Learning Disabled: A Resource Book for Students, Parents, and Professionals offers a list of accredited colleges and universities which offer programs for disabled students. There are a number of websites and organizations which can be helpful with course information, scholarships, and even confirmation of ADA compliance.

Check the Supports
Many colleges now have Departments for helping students improve academic performance; however, for parents of students with disabilities, their children may need more than a student mentor or tutor. A college with an Office for Students with Disabilities or Academic Resource Centers are generally the better options for your child. These departments generally oversea structured academic support programs and offer guidance to those students with special academic needs. Students are assigned advisors, who advocate for and encourage those students with special needs.

Certificate v. Degrees
Not everyone is great at math, science, composition, the humanities and political science; however, there are some students who are wonderful at photography, organization, or even video work. Many colleges have programs and supports geared to students who may have academic challenges, but specialized talents to interests. While degree programs may be offered, some colleges offer certifications as well. Students with disabilities who may not be successful attempting four year degree coursework may find greater benefit and satisfaction from a one-year or two-year certification program. Most colleges offer information on degree and certificate programs on their websites. Parents and their teens can check the information to find a program that interests them.

Remember though that certificate programs are not the same as "college experience" programs (CE programs.) Under CE programs, students with severe academic limitations gain the experience of attending college by attending classes and having modified assignments. In certificate programs, student expectations are to satisfy the general course curriculum.

A person's college years can be some of the most amazing times of his or her life. In college, futures are planned and relationships made and identities forged. Students with mild to moderate disabilities don't have to dismiss college as an option. With the help of a parent (and great resources), a disabled teen can find a college which meets his or her personal needs and equips him or her for a successful tomorrow.