How to Choose the Right College Program for Your Special Needs Student

Across America higher-education doors are being flung wide open, beckoning children with special needs. Programs and modifications are being created or updated in effort to solicit the growing population of disabled students. Physical, intellectual, social, emotional and learning disabilities are all being targeted both at large universities and small colleges.

Federal law requires schools to provide access and modification so students of all abilities can attend. In years past that has generally been more focused on the physically disabled. Thanks to advocacy groups and individuals who have saturated the public with awareness messages, colleges are now actually competing for the privilege to educate your special needs child. Colleges and universities have moved well beyond the government's accessibility requirements and created programs that enhance not just a student's education but his or her life as well. The school's mission statement, campus profile, students they want to attract and the community in which it is nestled in, all play a part in how disability programs are personalized and carried out.

Regardless of the needs of your child he or she can find a program. There are several programs across the country targeting students on the autism spectrum, especially those with asperger's syndrome. Previously, students with intellectual disabilities were not even considered candidates for college. Today, there are programs designed specifically for them. Kids with down's syndrome are also finding their needs catered to in higher education.

Not only are these students able to go to college but they have choices. Parents, students and education officials work together to determine the level of modification students need. Students with mild learning disabilities may need only mentoring, life skills assistance and homework help. For students with impaired social skills, social training isn't just a means of learning how to navigate a party; it's a learning experience that shapes their lives and keeps them learning and living at their greatest potential. When a college recognizes this and feeds the need, the results are undeniable. Slowly, college campuses are beginning to see the asset that is a special needs child.

For students whose needs are as much medical as educational, they will greatly benefit from the College Internship Program (CIP). CIP seeks to meet the needs of college students with ADD/ADHD, non-verbal learning disorders, dyslexia, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) and those on the high end of the autism spectrum. They have centers located in Lee, Massachusetts; Melbourne, Florida; Bloomington, Indiana; Berkley, California and Buffalo, NY. CIP's approach to education earned them this accolade from the author of Autism for Dummies, Dr. Stephan Shore "One of the most comprehensive programs in the world for empowering people with asperger's and learning disabilities to achieve success in higher education, employment and life."

With an on-call 24 hour a day staff functioning as a safety net, students learn to navigate life both in and out of the classroom. Imperative independent skills such as household management and money skills are taught. Regular sessions of health and wellness help students learn to keep themselves in optimal health, while focused therapy groups expand into the specific needs of each disability.

CIP, is somewhat of its own community. Students live in a small apartment complex off campus and have their own social functions. Students travel in groups back and forth to the college and receive help from educational mentors as well as a trained professional staff. While CIP is more separated from the average campus lifestyle, they are not so far removed that students lose the ability to interact with the rest of the student body or the community. An excellent example of how CIP accomplishes this is seen in their ability to secure jobs for their students in local businesses.

CIP's specialized care does come at a price higher than the average college education. However, due to the level of care provided, the cost of CIP can be federally tax-deductible under medical expenses. There are, however, stipulations, so you should seek the advice of trained tax professionals before counting on this option.

Students with a myriad of abilities walk the campus of higher education every day. From Harvard to community college, students with special needs are being educated on the level they choose. At last educators are finally understanding that modification doesn't mean lowering of standards.

Resources:

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Universities_For_Students_Disabilities/

http://www.education.com/topic/college-choice-for-special-needs/

http://www.collegeinternshipprogram.com/contact.html