College for children with disablities?

Question

My sister is a 21 year old high school senior. 21 is the oldest you can attend high school. She has a learning disability and mild mental retardation. After she leaves high school her teachers recomend that she goes to an agency to "work." because she will not be getting a high school degree(according to state requirements) because of her disability. I would rather see her continue going to school. Are there any collages or universities that offer opportunities for people like her? ofcourse she wont be working towars a regular degree because of her disability but this does not mean she cant take classes. If you know of any support groups or where I can find more information that would be helpful if you are in a similar situation share your expiriance. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think that you need to think about what your sister wants before you sign her up for anything.  What does she want to do after high school?  If she can't earn a regular high school diploma how well will she do in college classes, even if it's not for a degree?  Will she understand what's going on? She may be able to audit some classes, but there are many things she can do without a college degree that might be more beneficial.

If your sister can pass the GED test she will have an easier time getting into college.  Most colleges, including community college, don't accept a special diploma.  She may be able to take some prep or vocational classes, though.

Your local Vocational Rehab office should be able to help.  Goodwill also offers classes and vocational training.  Her school guidance counselor may also be able to help direct you.

Answer 2

here look at this website.

http://media.www.signal-online.net/media...

Answer 3

I understand how you're feeling...

My sister also acts retarded. I always ignore her until she starts being normal. I think you should do the same...sending her to classes won't make her stop acting retarded...

Answer 4

i did hear of a college specifically for students liek this--I can't remember teh name--but I have headr taht more colleges are starting alternative (non degree) programs..

contact vocational rehab

division of developmental disabilities

division of dsability services

Answer 5

I have learning disabilities too. I went to a boarding school for kids with learning disabilities. The college my boarding school recommend are

Beacon College in Leesburg, FL , NYIT in NYC or Old Westbury, NY,

Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL

Good Luck

Answer 6

Good for you and your sister!  God Bless you for wanting to help her.  I have a son who has FAS and is Emotionally Disabled and just seeing the few options that are listed on here gives me such hope.  

I know that in our state we have Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.  They do the independent skills and assist them in getting jobs and apartments but I don't know of college or other options.  Does she have hobbies?  There may be schools for just that.  I'm going to do research....

Do you think that with your help she could get her high school diploma online?  There are many schools that allow kids to do high school online?

Answer 7

Contact Easter Seals they have job training and work programs independint living and so much more.also contact your local Department of mental Retardation and explain the story so they can get her respit or other services in you state or even department Of mental health .Im not sure where here IQ score's fall so try both.

http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServ...

Easter Seals Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence

Answer 8

She could definitely take any courses in any community college or junior college that were non-credit courses!   They are still college courses, and she wouldn't be taking them towards getting her degree!

Answer 9

STRIVE University in Portland, Maine. Students live in apartments on the STRIVE U. campus, work on independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting and public transportation. They take classes at the University of Southern Maine, are employed in the community in competitive jobs and recieve support to transition out of the program and into their own apartments after graduation.

Pretty Great. Only a very limited number of students though, and a very competitive admissions process. So much fun though! Good Luck!