Inclusive Academics

Students with intellectual disability (ID) are a new kind of college student, as there was no clear path for these students to enter college until recently. Changes to the Higher Education Act in 2008 created a new type of college program that offers alternative admission to those students with ID that wish to continue their education after high school. Close to 300 colleges and universities in the United States offer such a program, and faculty at those colleges are experiencing students with these kinds of disabilities in their classes.

This webinar focuses on how faculty support students with intellectual disability enrolled in their college courses. Two professors share their experiences in supporting students with intellectual disability enrolled in college success and leadership classes, and the importance of having a support system in place to aid students in- and outside the classroom. Adjusted assignments and assessments will be discussed that support students’ development. 

This channel features video resources and recorded webinars on topics related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability, produced by Think College National Coordinating Center. Topics include academic support, credentials, campus housing, family engagement, program development, and more. 

In this short video, students talk about being enrolled in a college program and how different college life is from high school.  Produced by Colorado Inclusive Higher Education.

The knowledge and attitudes of faculty and instructors greatly influence the experiences of all college students, including college students with ID. As the number of institutions of higher education enrolling students with ID grows, faculty and staff must be prepared to support the learning needs of all of these college students. We conducted qualitative interviews with 10 college faculty teaching inclusive courses at 7 colleges and universities across the U.S.

This resource provides three examples of forms that are used at college programs for students with ID that outline course modifications for courses that are audited.  The use of a form like this ensures that there are meaningful learning goals for the student in the class and the faculty are clear on the modifications allowed.

Course Modification agreement from Tallahassee Community College, which allows goals to be personalized for students auditing courses.