Moon, M. Sherril

This article presents an overview of options that improve access to age appropriate educational and transition experiences for youth with significant disabilities ages 18-21. The article describes two models for providing access to post secondary education: (a) programs that serve public school students in college and community settings, and (b) individual support approaches for serving public school students in college and community settings.

Teachers in 11 public school systems serving students with significant disabilities ages 18-21 in 13 postsecondary settings were surveyed to collect information on students' access to college courses, employment training, activities in the community and on college campuses, and interagency linkages with adult services. In addition, teachers provided input on inclusion and follow-up activities. Results indicated that while students with significant disabilities were successfully engaged in employment training, access to college courses and extracurricular activities was limited.

By providing educational services in postsecondary settings, public schools may engage transition age students with significant disabilities in meaningful, age appropriate learning during their final years of public school special education. This article describes the goals of providing educational services in postsecondary settings and describes the challenges and benefits of providing services across a range of postsecondary settings.

There is little literature that describes the development, implementation, or outcomes of age-appropriate public school programs or individual supports for older students, ages 18-21, with significant disabilities. However, such programs in post-secondary settings such as community and four-year colleges are developing around the country. This article overviews programs based in post-secondary settings in Maryland that serve students ages 18-21 with significant disabilities who are still receiving public school special education services.