College Options and More for Individuals with Disabilities
There are thousands of colleges and universities across the United States. Each is unique, but all public schools have something in common: they cannot discriminate against anyone due to his or her disability. This includes physical access to college buildings, transportation, housing, and other facilities. Public colleges are also required to provide reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities to access their education. The campus Disability Resource Center usually provides these services and can include classes, tests, and school-sponsored events and activities. Some students can be extremely successful just by attending classes at a slower pace, it is not a race.
Here are a few examples of accommodations or resources that can be provided through a campus Disability Resource Center. Again, every college is different and some private colleges may not provide them as they are not required to do so. The key is to share what supports will help you succeed and then work with your Disability Resource Center to find the best solution.
- Accessible on-campus classrooms, labs, libraries, cafeterias, housing, and transportation
- How to request disability-related accommodations, such as sign language interpreters, note-takers, readers, alternative formats, quiet space for testing, additional time for testing, etc.
- Referrals for community services they do not provide such as personal assistants, sighted guides, or personal aids/equipment
- How to access and use assistive technology, adaptive equipment, or software.
- Adaptive sports, recreation, and other on-campus activities
- How to seek counseling services for stress, anxiety, or depression, or tutoring services for learning challenges
- How to join clubs or support groups for students with disabilities and their friends
- Academic advisor assistance
Here are a few options for specific disability programs located throughout the state.
Aggies Elevated USU Logan:
https://cehs.usu.edu/aggieselevated/index
- Utah’s original inclusive college program is located on USU’s main campus in Logan
- 2-year, On-campus residential housing
- 86% post-grad employment
- 34% of graduates continue in Associate or Bachelor programs
- Priority Application Deadline: December 3rd
Sue Reeves
Logan Program Director
Phone: 435-797-1977
Email: sue.reeves@usu.edu
Office Location: IDRPP 017
Aggies Elevated USU Eastern Price:
https://cehs.usu.edu/aggieselevated/index
- 3-year, fully inclusive residential program
- Regional campus in Eastern Utah
- Industry-recognized certificate programs available
- Focus on employment opportunities
- Check for priority application dates
Elizabeth Dimond
Price Program Director
Phone: (435) 613-5613
Email: elizabeth.dimond@usu.edu
Wolverines Elevated UVU Orem:
https://www.uvu.edu/wolverineselevated/
- 3-year, fully inclusive program
- Commuter program located on-campus at UVU
- Industry-recognized certificate programs available
- Job sampling, on-campus internships, and community employment opportunities
- Priority Application Deadline: December 10th
Morgan Jacobs, Ed.M., MSW
UVU Program Director
morgan.jacobs@uvu.edu
801-863-5517
UVU’s Passages Program Orem:
Series of experience classes and activities held on the UVU campus for those on the autism spectrum.
Laurie Bowen
801-863-8759
Southern Utah University Cedar City/Online
The cost is $75 a credit hour. All classes are online, and for the most part, students can work at their own pace during the semester. Could your loved one do something like this with support?
Mt. San Antonio College
Mt. San Antonio’s IMPACT Program for those with intellectual disabilities, allows you to select from a variety of courses and pathways to achieve your goals. The program provides education for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and other developmental disabilities (DD). The classes provide students with the skills they need to transition into more independent living and working environments in the community and to prepare for other college courses.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation can also support your college goals. Ask your VR Counselor what support is available for college or a vocational school for you and within your VR plan. Make sure you write a clear plan that includes your college goals with specific support. Or, would a local Vocational training center be a good fit for your situation?
https://jobs.utah.gov/usor/vr/index.html
Auditing Classes, Social Opportunities, and Volunteering
If you are auditing a college class or taking a class with a pass or fail grade, you are still a student on campus. For social opportunities, look at campus clubs, organizations, or volunteer opportunities. Getting involved on campus may be a great way to meet people your age, get involved in campus life, community events, and activities, and find friends who have a similar interest as you.
