Did you know that college can be an effective pathway to employment for people with intellectual disability? Your involvement as a vocational rehabilitation (VR) professional supporting people with intellectual disability to pursue college is essential for successful employment experiences.
On this page, you will learn about the field of inclusive postsecondary education, or IPSE, and learn more about college options for students with intellectual disability.
To enhance success for college students with intellectual disability, collaboration is needed between VR and postsecondary education professionals so each understands the others’ role. In this video, you will hear from two VR professionals about their experiences working with students with intellectual disability.
Getting started
- VR can help students by providing access to Pre-ETS, career counseling and guidance, job coaching and more. Learn about other ways VR can support students in this helpful one-pager.
- A quick, easy-to-read overview of how VR helps students with intellectual disability go to college is available on this Think Higher. Think College. webpage.
- Have more questions? Check out this handy resource: Top 10 Questions VR Counselors Have.
VR / IPSE Partnerships
- Hear from VR professionals about their state-level partnerships in Oklahoma and Colorado.
- Learn what contributes to cross-system employment partnerships to enhance paid employment opportunities for students with intellectual disability.
- Read about how VR, Workforce Innovation boards, and other partners can work together to enhance the college experience and outcomes for students with intellectual disability in this conference presentation from experienced Oklahoma partners.
Data & Policy
- Do you know about the most recent guidance from the Department of Education on IDEA and VR funding? Read it here.
- This presentation highlights the impact VR support for postsecondary education has on employment outcomes.
- There are multiple publications that use RSA data to show the benefits that higher education and VR supports had on post-school outcomes for students with intellectual disability; here’s a summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
A college or university program where students enroll in courses (for audit or for credit), complete career development activities, and participate in campus life activities while earning a certificate or credential at a 4-year or 2-year institute of higher education.
Students with intellectual disability gain increased skills and career preparedness from college just like any other students. They learn workplace readiness skills, independence, decision making skills, social skills, and personal responsibility throughout their college experiences. Postsecondary education programs support students as they work toward credentials and give students the knowledge, skills, and experience to get a job or career.
College prepares students for employment by giving them hands-on work experiences that allow them to explore their interests through work-based learning, internships, or paid employment. The college campus setting holds students to a higher standard and encourages student growth.
The Credential Pathways Stories series highlights the critical role that higher education can play in the lives of students with intellectual disability, particularly with regard to employment. One of the most tangible outcomes of higher education for students with intellectual disability is the earning of industry-recognized or college-issued credentials. These credentials help students gain valuable skills that are directly aligned with workforce needs. Even more importantly, they enable students with intellectual disability to access meaningful employment after graduation.
Yes. Students are prepared for competitive integrated employment post-graduation. The college experience provides students with intellectual disability with opportunities in resume building, career fairs, mock interviews, and professional networking, alongside their peers, preparing them for the ever-changing career areas. Students receive individualized planning and supports to foster career preparation. Most students have work-based learning experiences and internships, and many engage in paid employment while enrolled.
While the types of comparable benefits might vary across programs and states, here are some examples of available supports and services:
- Federal financial aid: If a program is designated as a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP), financially eligible students may access federal aid options such as Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Federal Work-Study. Not all programs carry the CTP designation, so this benefit varies.
Campus disability services: Disability Resource Offices provide accommodations and supports to enrolled students with documented disabilities. These may include classroom accommodations (e.g., extended test time, note-taking support), assistive technology, and development of advocacy skills.
Community and state supports: Students may access additional financial or other supports through state agencies such as Community Services Boards or other Medicaid waiver facilitators. These can sometimes help cover tuition, coaching, or independent living supports, though availability differs by state and program.
Other funding sources: Some institutions and states also offer scholarships or grants specifically for enrolled student
An approved CTP program is one that has been approved by the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office to offer eligible students access to grants and work study funds. A list of approved CTP programs is available here on the Student Federal Aid website.
An accredited program means the program has met the standards outlined by the The Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC) regarding program quality, including the level of inclusion, employment-focus, and individualized supports. Accreditation is a newer process, so just because a program is not yet accredited does not mean that it is not of high quality.
Support for your clients could include:
Sharing available college program information
Offer counseling on available PreETS programs in your state
Connect with program leaders in your state or region to learn more about IPSE networks
Talk with other counselors with experience in supporting college students
Share current guidance on use of VR funds
Your expertise and guidance are some of the most important resources to support students in higher education programs. Being part of the team, attending meetings, and providing suggestions and resources for additional services like assistive technology, transportation support, benefits planning, and other VR services is invaluable. You can also explore what financial support you can provide in your state, such as tuition and program fees, meal plans, books, and other college supplies funding.
To get a complete list of relevant resources for Vocational Rehabilitation professionals, you may view and download this curated list of resources or visit the Think College Resource Library. If you have additional questions or would like to talk with someone about vocational rehabilitation and inclusive postsecondary education, please email our Help Desk at ThinkCollegeTA@umb.edu.