There are numerous pathways available for students with disabilities to continue their education after completing high school. These opportunities are designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to higher education and vocational training. Additionally, certain retailers offer discounts and special services for individuals with disabilities, making shopping more accessible and affordable. By integrating these practical skills and resources into their routines, students with disabilities can navigate daily tasks more effectively, complementing their educational pursuits. Below, you will find a list of resources and services that will assist students with disabilities to further their education for an affordable price.
Transitioning from high school to college can be a significant life change for anyone, but it presents unique challenges and opportunities for students with disabilities. The shift often involves adapting to a new environment, increased academic demands, and greater personal responsibility. It's crucial for students with disabilities to begin preparing for independence and higher education while still in high school, as this preparation can help ease the transition and promote greater confidence and self-advocacy.
ADD and ADHD are classified as disorders that affect a person's ability to maintain attention, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. Students with ADD or ADHD may have difficulty paying attention in class or staying on task. The diagnosis of ADD or ADHD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified professionals such as behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, or clinical psychologists. This process often includes interviews with the individual and their family members, standardized behavior rating scales, and observations of the individual's behavior in various settings.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that's classified as a learning disability due to the significant impact it can have on educational performance and social functioning. Students with autism may experience difficulties that can hinder their ability to engage fully in classroom activities, such as as trouble paying attention during lessons, difficulty answering questions posed by teachers, and problems communicating with peers. Some characteristics of this condition can include:
Cognitive disabilities encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that affect an individual's mental processes, including thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving. These disabilities can arise from genetic predispositions, neurological conditions, or traumatic brain injuries. Cognitive disabilities can make pursuing higher education difficult, but it's not impossible, especially with the proper supports in place. Technological tools can help make a college education easier to attain, as can specialized programs created for these students.
Hearing impairment affects around 15 percent of American adults, who may experience partial or complete hearing loss. For individuals with hearing impairments, attending postsecondary school lectures can present significant challenges. Traditional lecture formats may not accommodate their needs effectively, leading to difficulties in understanding spoken content and participating in discussions. However, advances in technology have greatly improved accessibility within educational settings.
Learning disabilities are defined as a group of disorders that affect the brain's ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information. These conditions can significantly interfere with skills essential for academic success and everyday functioning, including reading, writing, understanding directions, and performing mathematical calculations. But with the proper accommodations, plenty of students with learning disabilities go on to complete a college degree.
Physical disabilities include a range of conditions that significantly impair an individual's ability to move, walk, or perform daily activities without assistance. These disabilities can have a variety of causes, including congenital conditions, injuries, illnesses, or degenerative diseases. Examples include amputations, paralysis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and severe arthritis. The impact of these disabilities can vary widely among individuals. Federal law requires colleges to be accessible to those with physical disabilities, requiring things like ramps and wheelchair-accessible parking spaces.
Psychiatric disabilities encompass a range of mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These disorders can significantly interfere with a person's daily functioning and ability to carry out routine activities. Many of these conditions can be treated to help people manage their symptoms, but students with mental health issues may have a harder time adjusting to the stresses of college.
Speech and language impairments encompass a range of conditions that can impact an individual's ability to communicate effectively. These impairments can vary widely in severity, from mild difficulties that may not be immediately noticeable to profound challenges that severely limit communication abilities. Students with speech and language difficulties may need accommodations to help them participate in class and complete exams.
Visual impairments are most common in older adults, but they can occur in people at any age. These conditions include blindness, glaucoma, and more mild forms of vision loss. Visually impaired students should request accommodations from their school to help them learn, such as large-print textbooks or devices that translate printed documents into speech or Braille.