College and Training programs
ILS/TRACE students
College is not the same as high school. There are no school bells to tell you when to go to your next class. You will have to do homework at home, and be responsible for completing homework. You will have to read more, and your teacher will expect that you can complete assignments, attend class, take notes and attend class without reminders.
If you are ready for the challenge, here are some College programs that may be a good fit for you.
CLICK on IMAGES and HEADERS to get directed to the website or for more information.
announcements:
OPEN aPPLICATION AND DEADLINE CALENDAR
DUE APRIL 31, 2023
Foothill College TTW - Tools for Transition and Work Program
(Los Altos Hills)
From Foothill TTW office:
Thank you for expressing interest in the 2023/2024 Tools for Transition cohort. We highly recommend booking a Zoom introduction to the program and Q&A session with instructional staff. This can be scheduled at this link and can be offered individually or to multiple families/groups.
The application is as follows. Please be aware of deadlines!:
Feb 7 - April 1:
Fill out the initial screening application.
Schedule a Zoom Tour or information session by clicking here
March 16 - April 29: Students will be sent an application packet. This consists of:
A written application
A letter of recommendation from school faculty or employer (not family)
A separate sponsor (parent/guardian) questionnaire
April 31: Applications are due!!!
May 1 - May 21: Student and sponsor participate in two separate interviews
May 27 (approximate): Acceptance Letters are sent
June 6 (approximate): Response deadline
June 23 (approximate): Orientation
Students: know this - the number one rule in our program is that growth is necessary! Don't worry if you don't think you are good enough or independent enough or know enough TODAY. Ask yourself if you are capable of growing and taking risks.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all.
Thanks,
Benjamin Kaupp (he/him)
Instructor, Tools for Transition & Work
Disability Resource Center - Foothill College
call/text 408-874-6380
Database and information on college programs in the U.S. specific to students with developmental disabilities
Foothill College TTW - Tools for Transition and Work Program (Los Altos Hills)
Click here for YouTube video of 2015 TTW graduating class (featuring SUHSD alumni)
AbilityPath's CollegePath Program supports adults attending CSM and Skyline College
DeAnza - Hope Program (Cupertino) - a collaboration with Hope Services
College 2 Career Programs - general info about comm college pre-vocational and vocational training programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
College of Adaptive Arts CAA (San Jose, CA)
Unique private college geared to developing artisitic interest and talents for adults with special needs
- Supported Education to Elevate Diversity
(Davis, CA)
Click here to read an article about their program
CSU Fresno State Wayfinders Program
(Fresno, CA)
Transition to Independent Living Information Video
A Day in the life of a TIL student
Money for College
Pro Tip: Make sure you submit your application and forms by the deadline and make sure you don't let your parents complete your scholarship applications for you! Part of being a college student is working on your own paperwork!
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP for individuals with Down Syndrome - Ruby's Rainbow (applications open in Jan, Due April)
Federal Financial Aid for Students with Intellectual Disability
(Think College Plain Language Series)
A Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) is a written plan of action for pursuing and getting a particular type of job. A PASS describes the steps you will take, and the items and services you will need to reach your work goal.
When you have an approved PASS, Social Security does not count the money you set aside to help you reach your work goal, when determining your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
If you receive SSI or can become eligible for SSI, a PASS allows you to set aside income or resources to use for your career goals.
This may include education expenses, including school tuition, books and other supplies. You could also use PASS funds to pay for assistive technology used for work, vocational training, or even costs associated with starting your own business.
More information - Ticket to Work website, Social Security Administration website
Don't forget to tell you DOR counselor what your school plans are!
If you are getting ready for college and have not yet applied to DOR - California Department of Rehabilitation, click on the logo to complete an application.
KEEP IN MIND: At SUHSD, ILS and TRACE students are not typically referred to DOR until a few years before they exit our programs. That is because DOR does not typically provide 1:1 support for students until they leave district programs. Your case manager or transition specialist can help you navigate the application process.