 | By Tracy Terrill, |
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
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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