College Is Possible for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

I agree with Spedteacher that many, if not most students, to whatever degree, receive accommodations. The assistance can help students to reach their academic goals. But HPDrew has a valid point. I am an instructor at a community college and a number of my students qualify for many forma of assistance, mostly in the form of tutoring, class note taking help, extended test time, and more. Students do benefit from each. Yet accountability, as well as accommodation, is a key to the success of any student, and the integrity of a degree or diploma, which is what I interpret HPDREW to be suggesting. The problem is one regularly discussed within academia.

lbw of MI 10:15AM October 19, 2011

I am a special education teacher who's wonderful students include those with 'low-functioning' autism, Down Syndrome, and various cognitive impairments. Currently, I am researching college options for some students so that I can plan for their transition while in middle school. I just read a comment that truly ticked me off. This 'person' eluded that students w/disabilities should not have accommodations/modifications in college that may 'weaken the integrity of the degree.' Really??? Who are you to judge which individuals deserve opportunities to succeed? Don't you realize that ALL students use accommodations/modifications at some point in life. For example, those who wear glasses/contacts(...this is an accommodation due to sight issues), a student on crutches, using highlighters for notes, hearing aids, gloves when its cold outside, and this list goes on. So, before you make such a harsh, rude, and hollow comment... look at yourself in the mirror. If you can honestly say that you have NEVER had assistance in your ENTIRE life, then maybe your statement holds some validity.

SPEDteacher of OH 9:07PM May 07, 2011

This will be hard to comment on. I have been involved in this subject since my nephew was born in 1975! I thought he was fortunate to be born into an enlightened era of progress and hope for people with disabilities. I was cruelly disappointed. People with money might have found progress. I found school districts willing to support 'gifted' students but lagging behind in implementing useful special education programs. My nephew travelled hours to and from BOCES classes for education right up to high school.

The major problem (as I experienced it) was the lack of organization and passion on the part of the families to advocate for their children. All students need appropriate teaching in order to successfully for the future. All students deserve to experience as much independence as they are capable of and meaningful work as part of their life.

College may not be the name necessary, but continuing education should and must be available for learners of all kinds--especially those who benefit from more time and practice. Amen

Anne W Hess of NY 11:47AM October 23, 2010

I work with students with disabilities and I am so torn on this issue. I know how much of an effort it is for my office, instructors, and other supportive services to help these students. I am 100% for accessibility and opportunity, but sometimes I wonder where the college education ceases to be such. The concept is to equal the playing field. In doing so, the person has to intellectually capable. I believe there are students who are challenged, but are still capable of earning a degree -- then there are some for whom it takes too much modification to the point that the expectations are not college level. Plus -- there are some instances where I feel some parents use our services as a sitting service. They are not open to discuss realistic expectations (just as I do with other students) or a plan of action to help the student become self-sufficient (just as I do with other sudents as well). I think there needs to be some clarification on what intellectually challenged means in terms of postsecondary students. Just because you have Downs or another disabilty doesn't mean you can't learn at the college level.

This is my last rant: I believe much more needs to be done with students overall at the k-12 level. All students would have a much much much better transition to the university if they are taught more self sufficiency and better core skills before they get here. Counselors must make it clear how the students with disabilities act is different in postsecondary education and how to navigate the system.

Ms. Baxter of AL 1:18PM October 06, 2010