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College for Differently-Abled Students

© ML Arthur

Many individuals who go through life with learning difficulties, mental illnesses, mobility impairments, sensory difficulties, chronic illnesses, or other disabilities worry that they will never be able to have a normal college experience. Nothing could be further from the truth! Many colleges have excellent programs for students with disabilities. This article will serve as your guide to websites that can help you with finding a place where you can excel.

Edinboro University is a state university in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It has the third-largest program for students with disabilities (not counting colleges that serve only students with disabilities). This program focuses on physical disabilities, but also enrolls students with visual and hearing impairments and learning disabilities. More than 200 students are served each year, out of a total student body of over 7,000 certificate, associates, bachelors, and graduate students. Degree programs are offered in a wide variety of subject areas, including liberal arts and sciences, education, fine arts, business, technology, and professional areas. Adapted intramural athletic programs, a full set of academic assistance services, personal care attendants, transportation, and a variety of other assistance is available. A large, specially outfitted adaptive technology computer lab is also available. Special residence halls are outfitted for student's needs. For more information on the University, see http://IIs1.edinboro.edu/welcome.html. Information about disability services is available at http://www.edinboro.edu/cwis/tac/dis_ser...

Gallaudet University is located in Washington, DC. It is primarily focused on educating deaf and hard of hearing students. The University could be described as a bilingual (English and American Sign Language/ASL) community. Degree programs are available in liberal arts and sciences, communications, education, business, human services, and interpreting. Over 2,000 undergraduate, graduate, and sign language studies students are enrolled at Gallaudet. Besides impressive deaf-designed educational programs, the University also has extensive services for students with learning disabilities, low vision, and mobility impairments. However, not more than two percent of any entering class may be made up of hearing students. All students are instructed in ASL to ensure fluency. For more information, visit http://www.gallaudet.edu/.

Beacon College is located in Florida. It offers academic programs specifically for students with learning disabilities. It offers associates and bachelors degrees in liberal arts and sciences, as well as in human services. Class sizes are kept small and students' work to develop learning styles that will help them become self-reliant adults. Students are provided with individual and small-group mentoring services and extensive adaptive technology services. A field placement program is available to help students develop necessary employment skills. Apartment-style living supervised by professional staff offers students the ability to develop skills for independent living while still maintaining a campus atmosphere. Recreational facilities are also provided. For more information, see http://www.beaconcollege.edu.

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