Higher Education

Since 1988, all Universities of Wisconsin have provided a variety of services for students with special needs, including audio textbooks, alternative testing, classroom note takers, priority registration, accessible parking, readers, equipment loan, and advising. 

Students are best served by taking the following steps as a part of the admissions and enrollment processes:

• Proactively disclose the need for accommodations to the campus. It is helpful to remind students that there is no automatic communication between secondary schools and institutions of higher education about an applicant’s Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) or other accommodations.

• Disclose requests for accommodations as early as possible. Applicants are encouraged to get in touch with the campus disability student services office early to get services set up.

The Cutting Edge® Program at Edgewood College was piloted in 2007. It was the first program at a four-year college in Wisconsin to offer a fully inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Since its inception, the program has continued to grow and offers individualized wrap-around services to support students in academics, student housing, social experiences, and practicums/internships. We currently support 30 students per academic year. 

The program has since expanded to include two additional programs: Pre-College and Alumni Program. As part of Edgewood College’s Dominican tradition, students learn the values of justice, compassion, truth, community, and partnership. Through these values, students are given the opportunity to experience civic engagement both on campus and in the Madison community.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) Program provides a complete college experience for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have an intellectual disability. With ample supports, specialized instruction, on-campus residential living, and community integration, the program serves a critical need by providing access and opportunity for students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education. The program has two components, which includes a Basic Program (2 years) and an Advanced Program (2 years) that are designed to facilitate personal growth, independent living, and employment success.