“Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help you choose a program that’s a good fit”

“Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help you choose a program that’s a good fit”

When a bachelor’s or associate’s degree is not your goal, students on the spectrum seeking a college experience, have a range of options. As of April 2022, just over 300 college-affiliated programs across the country offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences, resulting in a certificate. Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help you choose a program that’s a good fit.

When a bachelor’s or associate’s degree is not your goal, students on the spectrum seeking a college experience, have a range of options. As of April 2022, just over 300 college-affiliated programs across the country offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences, resulting in a certificate. Figuring out what your goals are and what you want to learn can help you choose a program that’s a good fit.

“This is not a one-size-fits-all situation.”

“This is not a one-size-fits-all situation.”

An increasing number of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs affiliated with various institutions of higher education are now available around the country.

For many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), general certificates offer an alternative route to college. These programs are often designed for students who are looking for a college experience, and combine academic coursework with social opportunities, independent living skills and employment skill development, but do not meet admissions requirements (certain SAT/ACT scores, minimum Grade Point Average, Standard or Advanced Diploma). These IPSE programs typically have a different admissions process and different application deadlines.

These programs may offer the option to audit classes in the college (which means credit is not awarded) or take classes for credit while accessing accommodations. Deciding to audit a class is something to discuss with program staff. Depending on the program and support offered, auditing may mean attending classes and participating in all of the course activities as designed, or there might be the option to adjust learning objectives or assignments. Programs and support services vary, so contact the schools you are interested in.

An increasing number of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) programs affiliated with various institutions of higher education are now available around the country.

For many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), general certificates offer an alternative route to college. These programs are often designed for students who are looking for a college experience, and combine academic coursework with social opportunities, independent living skills and employment skill development, but do not meet admissions requirements (certain SAT/ACT scores, minimum Grade Point Average, Standard or Advanced Diploma). These IPSE programs typically have a different admissions process and different application deadlines.

These programs may offer the option to audit classes in the college (which means credit is not awarded) or take classes for credit while accessing accommodations. Deciding to audit a class is something to discuss with program staff. Depending on the program and support offered, auditing may mean attending classes and participating in all of the course activities as designed, or there might be the option to adjust learning objectives or assignments. Programs and support services vary, so contact the schools you are interested in.