Welcome to Your Future: You can Include College in your plans!
Embarking on the journey from high school to college opens doors to endless possibilities. From making friends to embarking on a career path, here are some things you can consider when including college in your future.
Inclusive post secondary education (IPSE) creates opportunities for students with and without intellectual disability go to college together. Through IPSE , students with intellectual disabilities become a part of a vibrant community, in and out of the classroom. From learning in classrooms with peers who may or may not have an ID to joining clubs and engaging in extracurricular activities, students leave with memorable experiences and life long connections.
Employment is a key goal for IPSE students. Through IPSE, students learn skills from internship opportunities that prepare them for life long success and increased potential for lifetime earnings. Students work with job coaches and are connected to employers that provide real experience and resume-building.
In college, students meet and build friendships and support systems with their peers. Most Georgia programs offer peer mentoring and opportunities for extracurricular activities to have the full college experience. With the support of peer mentors, students can identify extracurricular activities of interest; determine how to balance social and academic life; and foster lasting friendships.
Through IPSE, students learn how to identify their needs and advocate for themselves in the classroom, workplace, and in social settings. For a full resource guide on self-advocacy, visit the SARTAC website.
Students with disabilities from kindergarten through high school may have either an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or a 504 Plan through the Section 504 civil rights statute. Although the IEP and 504 Plan have differences, both require schools to provide supports and accommodations that help the student to be able to participate in classes. IEPs and 504 plans end once the student graduates from high school. In college, you have to self-report your disability and advocate for the supports and accommodations you need. IPSE can help with this part.
