Mentally challenged and wants to go to college?

Question

My daughter is mentally delayed. She is not severe and it is not visably noticeable. She can learn but complex subjects like algebra are out of her reach. She is gentle and naive, quiet and introverted but she wants to be apart. She does truly have a concept of her limitations and what the demands of dreams are....and I see both sides to that situation. My question is to those who have real experience in this situation. I know since the mid 70's legally mentally handicapped children have the right to free education until they are 21 years old. Does that include college, do they have programs to assist these challenges and is there a real source of good information on this topic available. I would appreciate thoughtful and respectful answers.

Answer 1

ive got scizophrenia but i managed to get a degree even if it did take 7 years instead of 3. i would suggest selecting the place carefully main stream uni's are a tough place to fit in but are usually very kind if your not afriad of asking for help and admitting your , what shall i call it , difference if we don't all have one that is. don't underestimate your daughters ability.

after all being childlike gets you into heaven and i believe naivity is a wonderful thing its just that us mature grown ups are afraid to try!!

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Answer 2

always push success.  talk to her school counselor and the local community college.  she will someday need to be independent from you, so give her the opportunity to learn all that she can.

Answer 3

There is so much help avaliable for your daughter, you would be crazy not to take advantage of it.  Your daughter has a genuine need to be normal and accepted and in a higher learning atmosphere she would be.

Answer 4

I am an instructor at a Community College.  

Our college has a 'special populations' coordinator to help students with special needs.  We often make accomodations.  That includes note takers, tutors, extra time on tests, specialized equipment or whatever it takes within reason.

I don't know about the financial part.  I'm inclined to say that it does not include college.  There are, however, a lot of scholarships and grants to help with the expenses.

I'd like to make a suggestion that is only 'kinda' related to your question.  Go to the college and talk with the Special Populations coordinator.  Maybe speak with some instructors.  Some campuses only have this type of thing because it is required by the ADA.  Other campuses truly want to make these students successful in life.  If you find that the people at the college immediately start trying to guide you to 'easy' programs or talking down to you or your daughter - run.  They should be talking about your daughters strengths and interests, not about what she can't do.  

Good luck to you and her.

Answer 5

technology book and training-

http://rampant-book.com/

Answer 6

A person with a disability is covered throughout their lifetime under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitiation Act.  Most colleges and universities have a 504 or other disability/accomodations office.  Most colleges and universities adhere to these federal laws and make various accomodations for there students.  Accomodations can range from a designated note taker being provided, tape recording classes, open book testing, extra tutoring, extra time on tests (typically 1 1/2 or double time), taking tests online, etc.  

Specific information can be found on the websites of the schools your are looking at.  There are programs for severely mentally-disabled individuals, so I am sure whatever schools you are looking at can accomodate your daughter.  If you give me your location (you can email me directly), I can do some research and give you more specific information.  Ine the meantime, check out http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.co... and http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/08/nl.031... .  

You and your daughter sound like very capable and level-headed people.  I am sure she will have a successful college experience!

Answer 7

Taft Community College has a program for mentally delayed individuals. The program is called TIL. Transitions to Independent Living. Some of the students attend Taft College some of them do not.

Answer 8

I can't say for sure, but I believe that the "free education' you are referring to includes K thru 12.  Sometimes it mentally challenged children a bit onger to get thru those grades.  You could contact any mental help group and they could give more specifics on an advanced education for her, but I really don't think it's going to be 'free".  Colleges and Universities require a tuition for the student.  Someone has to pay that, whether it's you, your parents or grants/loans.

Answer 9

It depends on the nature of her mental delay.  Sometimes people use that term to refer to those that are mentally retarded while others use that term to describe those who are learning disabled.

If Algebra is out of her reach, I am going to answer the question as if you were using delay as referring to mental retardation.   The quick answer is no.  Colleges are not required to see that she receives free and appropriate education until she is 21.  If you have any specific questions, contact your local public community college.  

Do seek out job training for your daughter through week or day long training programs at your community college, JobCorp, and/or Vocational Rehab.  In each of these environments, your daughter will be with other adults and  expected to perform as a responsible adult BUT will be with other adults with some sort of learning issues, socio-economic problem, etc.

I would also ask your child's case managers these questions.  Hopefully, they are well-versed in local options for your daughter and knowledgeable about your daughters abilities.

Answer 10

once she gets a high school diploma the right to free education ends....it does not extend to college.......

There are a few college programs that are modified for students with cognitive impairments that have alternative programs--i don't know what they are off hand..

I went to a state college---the math clas I was required to take was 8th grade level with only pre algebra topics...it may be possible.....people with cognitive impairments have graduated from college.

Answer 11

Let's put you in advanced astrophysics math class, see how you do. If something is beyond reach, it is a cruelty to subject the person to it. The 21 year age limit refers to high school.

What is wrong with a Votech, practical education? You are 19. You are earning $50K a year. You have employers chasing you with $5000 signing bonuses.

By 30, you have made $500K. The doc has made nothing and owes $300K. You are $800K ahead of the doctor.

If you love the subjects taught in college, take some at night, part-time for pleasure, while raking it in.

What is wrong with that?