Did you attend college? If so, what type of college did you attend? Was it a large or a small school? Technical college or university? Private or public? Two year or four year? Was it located in an urban or rural community? Local or out of state? Were you a resident or did you commute? Were your courses online or on-campus? Did you pursue a certificate, associates or bachelors degree?
 
Chances are, if you enrolled in a post-secondary education (PSE) program, you considered many variables in determining which option was the best fit for you. But imagine what it would have been like if you only had one option, or even worse, no options at all?
 
Historically, students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/D) watched from the sidelines as their siblings and peers transitioned from high school to college, from home to campus life, and from college to career. The good news is that a growing number of diverse, PSE options are emerging for students with ID/D, making a college education and experience more accessible than ever before.
 
Currently there are three primary models of post-secondary education programs for students with ID/D - inclusive, mixed/hybrid and specialized.
 
Inclusive -
In this model, students with learning and/or developmental disabilities receive individualized services in college courses in pursuit of a certificate, associates or bachelor's degree program. A collaborative inter-agency team is available to assist by providing accommodations for students who self-disclose and demonstrate eligibility for such support.
 
Mixed/Hybrid -
In this model, students with ID/D participate in traditional college courses, which they may take for credit (if academically eligible) or audit, as a part of an on-campus, individualized program for students with ID/D. Additionally, students in a mixed/hybrid program participate in specialized courses designed specifically for students with ID/D covering a range of topics such as daily living, social, and career exploration skills, to name a few.
 
Specialized -
The specialized model includes PSE programs designed specifically for students with ID/D. These programs may exist independently on their own campus or be offered as a separate program for students with ID/D on a traditional college or university campus. The curriculum is taught at the learner's level and generally includes training in personal and professional development, social skills, personal finance skills and occupational training. Some specialized programs offer residential housing providing opportunities for students with ID/D who benefit from a higher level of support in their transition to college.
 
Traditional, degree-seeking college students have always had choices, from the more comprehensive liberal arts discipline to the laser-focused associates degree in puppetry (don't believe me? Google it). Options fuel choices, empowering, rather than limiting, students with ID/D to decide for themselves which program aligns with their personal and professional goals. Whether you are an educator, a parent or student, I encourage you to carefully consider and research all options, so that each student with ID/D desiring a PSE can determine which program is the right fit for them.
 
For more resources designed to help you in further exploring PSE Options for students with ID/D go to http://www.shepherdsresources.org/post-secondary.html

As we learned earlier, students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities dream of going to college like their siblings or peers in order to pursue a more independent and meaningful life. Thankfully, today there are many options for students to choose from. While having options is a good thing, knowing which option is the best FIT for your student can be confusing.
 
 At Shepherds College, we’ve developed a FIT process to help you determine which post-secondary option will give your student the results they are looking for.
 
 Let’s review the three primary post-secondary options for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities – Inclusive Individual Support, Mixed Hybrid and Specialized.

Inclusive Individual Support

• In the Inclusive Individual Support program, students with learning disabilities and/or developmental disabilities receive individualized services in college courses, with the option of a certificate and/or degree program.

Mixed Hybrid

• The Mixed Hybrid program gives students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in some social activities and classes with students without disabilities as well as some classes with other students with disabilities.

Specialized

• In the Specialized program option, students participate in classes with other students with disabilities, designed to meet their specific learning needs, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of social activities. Students receive a certificate upon completion of the program.

 
Now that we’ve looked at the options that are available, how do you know which of them is the best FIT for your student? Here are some areas you will want to consider – Functionality, Instructional Readiness, and the program Take-Away.

Functionality: What skills for independence does your student currently have?
Instructional Readiness: What are the academic capabilities of your student?
Take-Away:  What does your student want to take away from the training? 

There are other factors to consider when deciding which post-secondary option is the right FIT for your student. Consider the mission and vision of the organization. What is the cost? Are there financial aid options? Where is it located? What is the success rate of graduates?
 
We realize this is a lot to consider, but finding the right post-secondary FIT for your student takes time. In the end, it’s worth it. You’ll find the right post-secondary option for your student- one that FITS their goals, their abilities and their dream for an appropriately independent life.
 
Want more information? Check out the FIT video and Assessment tool for both the student and the post-secondary option being considered here on Shepherds Resources.