What is the difference between high school and college for people with disabilities?
The biggest difference is that high school offers education and supports in which the person is entitled to. It also provides a clear structure, expectations and structure. College has a fluid structure and provides some accommodations. Students must be more independent, advocate for themselves (as opposed to parents) and education is contingent on grades.
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What's a pre-college
experience program?
Courses taken on college
campuses during high school
to teach you about what is
expected to succeed in college
and see if college is right for you.
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Ideally, pre-college experience
programs include...
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Building school teams to help
match you to a program that is
right for you and based upon
your goals.
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Having a team in universities,
high schools and agencies
that supports your learning and
educational experience.
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Courses to help you learn to
make decisions, manage yourself,
stand up for yourself and ask for
the supports you need.
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Pre-college experience programs result in...
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Helping you learning about the demands of college so that you can develop good organizational habits such as planning and studying.
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Learning about education requirements after high school.
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Developing skills to be independent and get along with others
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Giving you, your family and your team info to help you prepare for college
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Learning how to request and use supports to succeed in educational after high school
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What are college-based transition programs?
Programs that provide you with different post-school experiences including independent living, educational programs, and training to prepare for work.
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Ideally, college based transition programs include...
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A chance to stay overnight in a college dorm where you can learn skills to be on your own.
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Learning in the classroom, as well as on campus.
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Exploring and trying out real jobs on campus to see what you like the most.
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Connecting you with other youth who can help mentor you as you plan for life after high school.
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College-based transition programs result in...
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Positive relationship with others
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Helping you know what you want to do after high school, especially with education and work.
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Helping you learn to be on your own.
Search for colleges with programs for post secondary people with intellectual disabilities.
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Explore great resources for supporting Executive Function for people with Intellectual Disabilities.
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Consider Developing IEP Goals During High School
30 Task Initiation IEP Goals (Task Avoidance)
11 Sample IEP Goals for Focus and Attention
15 IEP Goals for Working Memory (and Auditory Memory)
30 Task Initiation IEP Goals (Task Avoidance)
25 Impulse Control IEP Goals
17 Work Completion IEP Accommodations (Preferred and Non-Preferred Tasks)
Executive Functioning IEP Goals: 100 Practical, Measurable Goals for Special Education
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Book Recommendations
The Parents Guide to College Students on the Autism Spectrum
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Local Colleges with Autism Friendly Programs
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East Stroudsburg Univerity
OASIS provides services for students with documented disabilities, and/or medical conditions on a case by case basis, coordinates academic and housing accommodations, and connects students with appropriate resources both on and off campus.
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Lehigh Carbon Community College SEED Program
SEED stands for Success, Engagement, Education and Determination. In partnership with LVCIL to provide support to seek a 32-Credit Certificate Program in Artistic Design, Administrative, Hospitality, Technology, Educational Support, Public Health & Safety, General Trade Studies and General Science studies.
Where: 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA. 18078
Call: 610-799-1156 or email dss@lccc.edu or educationalsupportservices@lccc.edu
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Millersville University
Online courses offer students the ability to complete courses that may be otherwise out of their reach due to distance and disability.
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Misericordia Announces New Integrated Studies Program
A new, inclusive, post-secondary certificate program designed specifically for students with moderate Autism, with or without co-morbid disorders, and Intellectual Disability. For more program and admission information or to schedule a campus tour, please contact Janine Starinsky, Director of the Autism Center via email jstarinsky@misericordia.edu.
Where: 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612
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West Chester University Aspire Program
It's a two week program where the youth actually live in the dorms for two weeks. They have roommates and the cost is subsidized. For more information about this pilot program, click here.
Where: 700 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19383
Call: 610-436-1000
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Colleges with Autism Friendly Programs Outside Lehigh Valley
Curry College
Where: 1071 Blue Hill Ave, Milton, MA 02186
Call: 617-333-0500
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Dean College
Where: 99 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038
Call: (508) 541-1900
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Landmark College
Where: 19 River Road South, Putney VT 05346
Call: 802-387-6718
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Financing College
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How do we pay for it? Click here for a list of how to apply for funding for college.
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Beware of 5 Myths About Changing a 529 Plan Beneficiary
​What to Do With a 529 College-Savings Plan When a Disabled Child Can’t Attend College
The new tax law enacted on December 22, 2017 allowed families to use 529 money, up to $10,000 per year, to be used for elementary or high school tuition for either public, private, or a religious school. It can also be used towards educational related expenses like books, materials, tutoring and educational therapies for children who are home schooled. Up to $15,000 per year of a 529 account can be rolled into an ABLE account tax free. Before the law, the money would have to be withdrawn then income taxes would be paid and a 10% penalty.
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Another change benefits employees who can now contribute up to $12,060 to their ABLE account without it affecting their eligibility for public benefits. However, they cannot be participating in a 401k or a similar plan.
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​​​​What is ACT 150? Provides supports and services to people living in their own homes. Services include —but are not limited to — bathing, toileting, and dressing. All supports are designed to allow individuals to stay in their own homes instead of living in nursing homes; ensure their safety; and help individuals to live as independently as possible within the community setting. Read more about Act 150.
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