Inclusive Higher Ed

The recent interest in postsecondary education, specifically for students with disabilities, is largely due to the practice of including students with disabilities at the elementary and secondary levels over the last two decades (Hart, Grigal, Sax, Martinez, Will, 2006). Fueled by students who have goals to attend college, there is an increased expectation on the part of families to help these young adults continue to develop skills in inclusive settings with same-age peers. As students with intellectual disabilities continue to be included in K-12 education in increasing numbers, it is likely the number of programs and services necessary to support students with disabilities will continue to grow. The ultimate goal is for students to be able to transfer the skills and strategies they acquire in postsecondary education to meaningful employment, economic advancement and community participation, including independent living and social integration outcomes once they exit these programs.

Many colleges and universities provide supports for students with disabilities, but inclusive supports and services vary from university to university. Typical supports may include the following: peer mentors, peer tutoring from university/college classmates, adaptations such as extended time on tests, extended deadlines for assignments, note-takers, and curriculum modifications provided by program staff, program/service staff who meet with university faculty, administrators, and staff for continuing education and to address the dynamic needs of university students with intellectual disabilities, special education teachers, and teaching assistants. Many times colleges and universities will collaborate with local school districts to provide supports and services such as curriculum modifications, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, transportation, transition support, and reviews of IEP objectives. In addition, students may be supported by local service agencies for individuals with disabilities and may receive service coordination, transportation, independent living skill instruction, recreational support, or employment services.

For more information about inclusive higher education visit any of these websites:

• Syracuse University's Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education

• Heath Resources

• Thinkcollege.net

• RIT: Non-Discrimination in Higher Education

• Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee

• OnCampus

• Association on University Centers on Disability

• National Center on Secondary Education and Transition

Inclusive Higher Education Books

Universal design is the concept of designing physical structures and curriculum to meet the needs of the largest numbers of people. Curriculum adaptations such as portfolio assessments are one way to make higher education more accessible to more people. To read more about curriculum adaptation and inclusive higher education click here: read more...

Inclusive Higher Education Articles

Several researchers such as Hart, Hamill, and Schmidt have explored the inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities at institutes of higher education. To read more about this work click here: