Programs for Youth with Significant Disabilities
Programs for students with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities are available at a number of postsecondary institutions in Florida. These programs provide age-appropriate opportunities for learning, employment preparation, recreational and leisure activities, social interactions and developing natural supports.
More information is available on our Inclusive Postsecondary Education webpage.
Resources
Developing a Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program to Support Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (pdf)
Replication Guide Based on Project Achieve at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
This guide, developed by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, is comprised of two sections. The first section, “An Inside Look at Support Postsecondary Career and Technical Program at Florida State College at Jacksonville” provides an overview of Project Achieve, an inclusive program designed to expand access to Postsecondary Career and Technical programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The second section, “Launching a Support Postsecondary Career and Technical Program”, is for those who are interested in replicating a Support Postsecondary Career and Technical Program at a public state college or community college. This section outlines the tasks involved in developing a program that provides a support system that assists students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend classes and earn certification alongside their main Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) program.
Additionally, there are webinars that accompany the Replication Guide Based on Project Achieve at FSCJ. The two webinars explain the replication process and are available on the FSCJ website.
Inclusive Florida Colleges for Students with Intellectual Disability
Provides matrix on postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities in Florida.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs (IPSE)
This webpage describes a variety of Transition Student programs, including Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs. IPSE programs are designed for students with intellectual disabilities to expand their access to postsecondary education. IPSE programs provide age-appropriate opportunities for learning, employment preparation, recreational activities, social interactions and the development of natural supports.
Parents’ Guide: Transitioning Your Student from High School to Colleges (pdf)
Highlights the role of parents in the transition process.
Rethinking College
Explores the growing movement to include students with intellectual disabilities in higher education through a 25-minute film produced by Think College.
Think College! College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Think College is an initiative of the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston, funded by federal grants focused on postsecondary education for people with intellectual disabilities.
Think College! LEARN
Provides self-paced modules using multimedia tools such as videos, publications, interactive learning activities and podcasts to share information on topics related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.
U.S. Department of Education: Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities
Explains the postsecondary student’s responsibilities to identify the need and give adequate notice of the need. Gives examples of Auxiliary Aids that may be requested.