Program Descriptions

Increasing numbers of students with disabilities are pursuing post-secondary education. Many campuses are not yet equipped to meet the unique and diverse needs of students with disabilities. This article examines programs, services and programs aimed at promoting student choice, independence, social participation, and supports needed for academic success. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has developed and implemented a comprehensive disability services program using a decentralized disability services model.

In Canada, the struggle for people with intellectual disabilities to gain recognition as citizens and to be included in the mainstream has gone on for more than 30 years (Wolfsenberger, 1980; Brown & Smith, 1992). For the past 10 years, the Canadian government and advocates for persons with intellectual disabilities have shifted their efforts from appeals and legislation on the basis of human rights in favour of an emphasis on full citizenship for members of this systemically excluded segment of the population.

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.