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College options for people with Intellectual Disabilities

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Here you will find curated resources on some of the most critical topics in inclusive postsecondary education. Each page features selected key resources, a link to additional resources we have on the topic in our Resource Library, related external links and Frequently Asked Questions on the topic.

Click any state on the map to see information on activities related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability (ID) in that state. If there are policies and/or legislation related to postsecondary education for students with ID, we provide a link to that policy/legislation. If there is a statewide organization for inclusive PSE in your state, a link to information about that organization is provided. We also include contact information for someone in the state who can talk to you about postsecondary education for students with ID.

Think College is dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. We conduct and extend our work through several specific grant funded projects. Click the project logo to learn more about that project and its key activities, staff and resources.

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Think College is a national initiative dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving research and practice in inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability. It is based at the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston.

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2 Year program for students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

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UCLA Extension Holiday Schedule: Dec 19 - Jan 3. Student services available during limited hours. Learn More

Building paths to brighter futures

We build pathways to friendship, self-confidence, and achievement

Pathway at UCLA Extension is a two-year college program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences. On campus, Pathway students attend classes and participate in the many social, recreational, and cultural activities of a major university.

Living away from home while attending a college program is an important way to learn skills for independent living, and we recommend that all students take advantage of our residential option. However, students may also commute to Pathway as either full-time or part-time students.

Students who successfully complete the program receive an award of completion in Learning and Life Skills, and are invited to attend the annual UCLA Extension graduation ceremony at the historic Royce Hall.

Program Curriculum

At Pathway, our students receive the benefits of a UCLA college experience.

Pathway uses a "learn by doing" approach, and the program features a curriculum of core courses, audit courses on UCLA's main campus, UCLA Extension courses, and internships for our students to choose from. Life skills instruction takes place in the residential setting, as well as in the community.

Our students:

Enhance their academic skills to set the foundation for lifelong learning

Identify career goals and participate in activities that support future employment

Achieve more independence and participation in community activities

Increase social skills by developing personal and work relationships

Practice self-advocacy and self-determination in academic and daily living

Assess one's own needs and engage in a healthy lifestyle

Pursue self-enrichment activities that match personal goals

I was expecting to learn to be independent, and to live on my own. It was about stepping up to the plate and being responsible. I'm proud of myself for doing all those things.

Internships

Internships at Pathway promote positive, real employment experiences for our students to prepare them for the real world.

Our students are required to complete 100 hours during their two years, and are encouraged to try out a new internship each quarter. We work hard to match our students with internships that not only interest and excite them, but that will ultimately help them reach their goals once they graduate from the program.

Past student internships have included:

Pathway opened various doors to internships through the contacts that they knew. These internships helped me grow, develop, and evolve. I can now go into the working world and become a real contributor.

Life Skills

While participating in Pathway, students receive life skills instruction from our partner, Level Up Solutions, a California regional center vendor. An independent living skills assessment will determine the scope and frequency of personalized instruction to accommodate each students' needs. Staff work with students to develop essential living skills to prepare them to live in the least restrictive, most inclusive and safe environment possible. Services are provided in the student apartments, on campus, and throughout the community.

Educational Coach Support

As a part the college experience, Pathway students are paired with a UCLA undergraduate who provides academic support and peer mentorship. We consider this to be one of the highlights of the Pathway program, as it enables further inclusion on UCLA's campus for our students.

Schedule a virtual tour

To ensure that Pathway is the right fit for you, we invite you and your family to learn more about Pathway at UCLA Extension.

A virtual tour includes a presentation of the program's academics, residential life, internships, and independent living support.
Virtual tour dates and times:

Friday, December 11, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Monday, December 14, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Friday, December 18, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

January

Friday, January 8, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 21, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 30, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

February

Friday, February 12, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 20, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 25, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

March

Friday, March 12, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 20, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 22, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Join an upcoming tour
If you are unable to attend one of our scheduled virtual tours, webinars for prospective families and educators are also available by request. Email us to set up a virtual appointment.

Get Started today

Applications are now being considered for Fall 2021
Apply Now

Eligible students will meet the following criteria:

18 to 25 years old when starting Pathway

Ready to live independently

Have completed high school with a diploma, certificate of completion, or equivalent

Be able to safely get around campus independently after initial orientation

Be able to actively participate in completing the Pathway application and interview process

Have basic safety skills in unsupervised settings

Have family support and a personal desire to be successful in all aspects of Pathway

Have academic, vocational, and social experiences that contribute to success in Pathway

Meet eligibility criteria for Regional Center services or have the ability to purchase services privately

Corporate Education

Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

Learn More

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UCLA Extension Holiday Schedule: Dec 19 - Jan 3. Student services available during limited hours. Learn More Building paths to brighter futures We build pathways to friendship, self-confidence, and achievement Pathway at UCLA Extension is a two-year college program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, offering a blend of educational, social, and vocational experiences.

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Autism, Aspergers, & LD Transition Programs

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CIP focuses on real-life skills in areas of social thinking, banking and budgeting, executive functioning strategies, sensory processing, and wellness

Residential apartment living support prepares students for independent living

Each student's vision and goals are explored by a team of staff that is dedicated to each student's personal success

CIP's person-centered and strength-based approach helps students on their individual path to success - whether that's getting a college degree, finding a job, making friends, or learning to live more independently.

CIP Long Beach's academic team provides a comprehensive support system for college-age students on the Autism Spectrum and with Learning Differences to achieve academic success while pursuing studies at a local college, university, or vocational school.

Students have the option of enrolling in several college and university locations; the closest and most accessible are Long Beach City College and the California State University Long Beach (CSULB), which has the longest-established and largest Disabled Student Services department in the CSU system.

CIP Long Beach assists students in career preparation and in building valuable employment skills. Each student's interests are explored and developed through volunteering, internships and job placements. Job and internship examples include Disneyland Resorts, Long Beach City College Child Development Center, and American Red Cross.

CIP provides individualized residential supports in areas such as menu planning, cooking instruction, grocery shopping, facilitated weekly roommate meetings, and executive functioning (EF) support. Students practice and develop independent living skills while living in apartments with other students. As skills are developed, each student transitions to higher levels of independence.

Students reside in fully furnished two-bedroom apartments located at The Landing, adjacent to the CIP Long Beach Center. Each student has his or her own bedroom and shares a bathroom, kitchen, and living room with their apartment-mate. Amenities include a swimming pool, parking, and laundry facilities.

CIP Long Beach has an experienced, professional staff, led by Regional Director, Michael Noel, and Program Director, Jennifer Kilby. Michael brings eight years of experience in human services combined with twelve years of higher education leadership and a background in training and organizational development. Jennifer has nearly ten years of experience assisting students with special needs. Her background in education includes teaching students how to access resources in a post-secondary environment.

The CIP Long Beach Center is ideally situated near Long Beach City College and California State University Long Beach, and less than two miles away from Long Beach Airport and 30 miles south of Los Angeles. There is an abundance of neighborhood amenities that include: grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, retail stores, and restaurants that are located only a short walking distance away.

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CIP Long Beach | Aspergers & LD Transition Programs

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CIP focuses on real-life skills in areas of social thinking, banking and budgeting, executive functioning strategies, sensory processing, and wellness Residential apartment living support prepares students for independent living Each student's vision and goals are explored by a team of staff that is dedicated to each student's personal success CIP's person-centered and strength-based approach helps students on their individual path to success - whether that's getting a college degree, finding a job, making friends, or learning to live more independently.

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Post-Secondary Education for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

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Post-Secondary Education for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

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An employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities.

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The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource for people with disabilities...

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Apply for Services - California Department of Rehabilitation

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Mission - to assist Californians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment and maximizing their ability to live independently in their communities.

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Home Page for the California Department of Developmental Services

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Home Page for the California Department of Developmental Services

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A guide to help young people achieve competitive, integrated employment.

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PPT file

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What Is Customized Employment? - Office of Disability Employment Policy - United States Department of Labor

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Less common - though becoming more established throughout the country - is self-employment as a form of Customized Employment. Self-employment allows for an individual to receive assistance in the creation of an independently owned small business (typically a micro enterprise, under five employees) based on the strengths and dreams of an individual and the unmet needs of a local market while incorporating the individualized planning and support strategies needed for success.

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Mission: Open the Doors to College provides information about California’s higher education options for students with intellectual disabilities and autism.

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Opendoors | Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

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© 2024 UCLA Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior

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Access to Resources for Students with Disabilities

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Access to Resources for Students with Disabilities

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Searchable guide

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Access to Resources for Students with Disabilities.doc

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I can do this - BTS & PSA  Inclusion Film .wmv

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Youth Transition Toolkit - Self-Advocacy

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Youth Transition Toolkit - Self-Advocacy

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Transition Toolkit | Health Care | Ready. Set. Take Charge

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Tips for teens with disabilities on learning to manage their health.

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Check out this video with six youth with disabilities giving you tips about how they made the successful transition into adulthood. If you don't have time to watch the entire video, you can also watch videos separated by topic by going to the colored tabs at the top of this page.
17 minutes. Opens in new window.
View larger

Every day comes with some kind of change. Sometimes it's a little change, sometimes it's a big one. And, because growing up with a disability can come with certain challenges, the better prepared you are to meet them, the more likely you'll be to reach your goals.

You now get to make choices you've never had to make before - choices on things like health care, education, employment, finances, independent living, and even new social and recreational choices. These new choices come with new ways of doing things, so knowing where to find resources that can help you is a good thing. This information guide will help you and your family make plans that will help you become the successful adult you have the potential to be. It offers you tips and work sheets to help you learn how to take a more active role in your own life decisions.

Even though there will be challenges along the way, the choices that you are about to make for your future are very exciting! All of the resources that you need to make the right decisions as you transition into adulthood are right here in this guide, including "Tips for Parents" sections. These sections will give you the opportunity to work together with your parents as you transition into independence. You can share this website with them or even print out the "Tips for Parents" sections to help start a conversation about how you can begin doing things on your own. Using the resources in this guide and working together with your family, you can do anything you dream of because... Talent Knows No Limits.

General Resources

The disability.gov website can provide you with information on your benefits, employment, housing, education, civil rights, community life and much more. www.disability.gov/

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth website can provide tips and resources covering a number of topics, including education, youth development, disability, employment, workforce development, family issues and much more. http://www.ncwd-youth.info/

Check out this Youth Resources Wiki site that includes a number of activities and resources on number of topics including disability history, independent living, youth networking opportunities and much more: www.wiki.ilru.net/index.php/Youthresources

Talent Knows No Limits is a website where you can find resources on how to build job skills, land a new job, or perform well in an existing job-while taking into account your health needs and particular financial situation: talentknowsnolimits.info

If you are unable to see the navigation on this page, please update your browser.

Funded by a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, grant number 11-P-92399-9/03.

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Youth Transition Toolkit | A Guide for Young People in California with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

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A comprehensive guide for young people in California with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

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Stories of Customized Employment by GriffinHammis

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Stories of Customized Employment by GriffinHammis

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Customized Employment Stories - Griffin & Hammis.pdf

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Community College - Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)

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Community College - Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)

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2 year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities

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The program includes:

2-year program for individuals between the ages of 18-28 who are identified with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Enrollment through Extended Learning.

Take two (two) classes each semester with CSUN undergraduate students.

Participate in clubs, and other activities on the campus.

Peer Mentor will be identified in each academic course and

Peer will be identified in each club.

Second year will be involved in internships on campus or in the community.

Eligibility Criteria

Explorers at California State University, Northridge is an inclusive, postsecondary, two-year program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Support CSUN Explorers

Please write "CSUN Explorers" in Special Instructions to direct your gift to the Explorers.

You may also contact Sarah Oesterle, sarah.oesterle@csun.edu or 818.677.3063 to make your gift.

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The program includes: 2-year program for individuals between the ages of 18-28 who are identified with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Enrollment through Extended Learning. Take two (two) classes each semester with CSUN undergraduate students. Participate in clubs, and other activities on the campus. Peer Mentor will be identified in each academic course and Peer will be identified in each club.

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4 year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities

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The UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create an inclusive, four-year college program for students with intellectual disabilities.

The Supported Education to Elevate Diversity, or SEED, Scholar program will be the first of its kind in California, and the goal is to create a model that could be used by other universities in the state.

"It's a game-changer. It's the only thing like it in the west," said Beth Foraker, an instructor in the UC Davis School of Education who will be the co-director of the SEED Scholar program.

The first group of 12 students is expected to begin classes in the fall of 2021 at UC Davis, and will likely include people with autism, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Foraker, whose 21-year-old son Patrick has Down syndrome, has been working toward this goal for years.

"Ninety-seven percent of adults with intellectual disabilities are living in poverty," she said, noting that post-secondary options are severely limited, with only a handful of four-year inclusive programs in the country. "This is a chance for them to go on to make a living wage, to live an authentic life of true freedom."

The students will live in campus housing, attend classes and take part in extracurricular activities. An internship component is also planned, with options for placement within UC Davis Health, on campus and in legislative offices at the State Capitol.

"This really is about diversity, equity and inclusion," said Leonard Abbeduto, director of the MIND Institute. "People with intellectual disabilities should have the same rights to post-secondary education options as everyone else."

The MIND Institute and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will jointly run the program, which will be fully integrated into the campus community.

"I am excited about partnering with the MIND Institute to expand inclusive education and excellence," said Renetta Garrison Tull, vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. "Having support from the Department of Education for this new initiative to welcome students with intellectual disabilities into the UC Davis Aggie family is a reason to celebrate!"

SEED scholars will have a support system, including undergraduate students who will serve as peer mentors, helping with academics as well as social activities, health and wellness and oversight of internships. A curriculum that includes regular UC Davis courses, as well as some special courses focused on relevant issues such as independent living, will also be designed. The goal is to create a program that will culminate in a meaningful credential for the graduates.

The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education falls under the Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, or TPSID, which was created in 2010. UC Davis is the first university in California to receive a TPSID for a four-year inclusive, residential program. The grant will cover about 80% of the cost of creating the program, with the remainder being covered largely by philanthropy.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for UC Davis to be on the forefront of offering college experiences for young people with disabilities," said School of Education Dean Lauren E. Lindstrom, who's also a MIND Institute faculty member. "The partnership between the MIND Institute and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is very innovative."

The goal is to expand that partnership far beyond UC Davis, with the program serving as a model for other UC and CSU schools.

"We should be able to replicate our program across every UC and every CSU, which is unreal and amazing," said Beth Foraker.

The MIND Institute and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be hiring new staff members in the coming months to design the curriculum, housing options and peer mentor program, as well as a system for outreach to local schools to attract applicants.

"Even though we were motivated originally by the benefit to the students with intellectual disabilities, I think there's going to be a great benefit to UC Davis undergraduate students in general," Abbeduto said. "This is why we encourage diversity in all of its forms. We want people to understand the world from everyone else's perspective because there's great value in that."

To receive notifications about the program, sign up for the SEED Scholar email list.

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UC Davis Health, Public Affairs and Marketing

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New four-year residential program for students with intellectual disabilities at UC Davis

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The UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create an inclusive, four-year college program for students with intellectual disabilities.