College & Career Readiness
4 Year Colleges
Universities
Four-year universities for students seeking bachelor's degrees and beyond are becoming more accessible to a variety of learners. Each college and university has a department for students with learning differences that can provide some accommodations and support student success. Once your student is accepted and chooses a college, they need to register with this department if they would like to receive additional supports and accommodations. Check each college's website for details regarding the type of support they can provide students based on their specific needs.
Some important elements to consider when choosing an option that is right for your student and your family:
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Student to teacher ratio-class size can determine the level of support students are provided
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Location
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Financial aid
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Extracurricluar offerings based on preferences and interests
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Areas of academics/schools of study offered
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Social activities
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Student support services offered
SPECIALIZED COLLEGES/PROGRAMS
There are a few colleges and college programs across the country that were explicitly created for students with special needs and on IEP's. They specialize in supporting students with special needs that are interested in earning bachelor's degrees and beyond. See each college's website for details on acceptance requirements and the type of support they offer. (See table below)
● First college in the nation accredited to award bachelor’s degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD ● Higher education in the arts, sciences, business, and technology ● Hands-on career experiences ● Summer for success program for high school students ● Hands-on learning and one-to-one coaching ● 9 bachelor degree majors and 17 minors offered
Leesburg,
Florida
Putney,
Vermont
● Designed exclusively for students who learn differently, including students with a learning disability (such as dyslexia), ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges ● Courses are designed to integrate skills and strategy development. ● Classes are small, ranging from eight to sixteen students. ● Professors are accessible and highly supportive. ● Students focus on understanding themselves as learners. ● Student develop personal learning strategies.
New London,
Connecticut
● Holistic program designed to help students ease into life after high school with supportive faculty and a strong social network. ● Build executive functioning skills ● Earn up to 15 college credits ● Benefit from regular one-on-one advising ● Learn strategies for success ● Participate in social events and activities ● Experience living away from home
Thames Program
Public California State Colleges And Universities:
There are currently 158 public colleges and universities in California. You can use this SEARCH TOOL to filter through all of the available options.
Independent California Colleges And Universities:
There are over 85 independent and non-profit colleges in California. These colleges tend to be smaller and therefore have smaller class sizes for students. Use this SEARCH TOOLto see a list of independent colleges across California.
Articles And Information:
*Disclaimer: The information and links included on this webpage include a non-exhausive list of programs in California and around the United States known to the author. Please use this as a resource library for your information. They are not meant to be recommendations.