Recently, Chelsea and Danie were at Brunswick Community College, in Bolivia, North Carolina, where they provided professional development for staff from the 15 community college campuses in North Carolina that have programs to support students with intellectual disability. Read more about their experience and their thoughts on what community college has to offer students with intellectual disability....
First, it’s Community College Month! Did you know April was Community College Month?
That makes it the perfect time to share about our recent trip to North Carolina to support the staff of FIFTEEN new postsecondary education programs serving students with intellectual disability through Access to Achievement (an initiative of the North Carolina Community College System).
We are excited about the overall growth and benefit of developing intentional supports for students with intellectual disability at community colleges across the country.
Over the past two decades, we have seen significant growth in postsecondary programs serving students with intellectual disability, giving access to higher education for a broader range of students. While these programs have traditionally been associated with four-year universities, community colleges are realizing they are uniquely positioned to provide outstanding educational and employment opportunities for students.
Programs at community colleges often include vocational training and internships, which allow students to build real-world skills and gain meaningful employment experience. With smaller class sizes, lower tuition costs, hands-on learning experiences, and strong ties to local employers, community colleges are able facilitate the transition to competitive, integrated employment.
Funding and policy changes, as well as statewide initiatives like the Access to Achievement program in the North Carolina Community College System, have played a role in this growth of community college programs for students with intellectual disability. Currently, 128 (about 35%) of the 359 programs listed in our College Search Directory are housed at community or technical colleges, and we expect to see that number grow.
While providing professional development for Access to Achievement staff, it was exciting to hear about how program staff are building relationships across college offices and departments to ensure that their students are accessing all the existing supports available on their campuses. But we also heard about the barriers that still exist, such as the need to inform and educate instructors, families, and the community about the potential of students with intellectual disability, as well as gaining access to mental health supports for these students.
Looking ahead, prospects for students with intellectual disability attending community colleges are promising. Developing postsecondary education programs and supports for students with intellectual disability is not just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution in ensuring that students with intellectual disability can access basic skills training, apprenticeships, workforce development, and industry-recognized credentials. Community colleges, with their mission to serve all learners, are leading the way in ensuring that every student can learn, grow, and succeed in jobs that are in high demand for their communities.
Learn more about developing programs at community colleges, finding a program at a community college, and more by emailing our help desk at ThinkCollegeTA@umb.edu!