“The Cutting Edge” is an individualized approach to college education and inclusion in college for students with intellectual developmental disabilities. These are individuals who have either traditionally not been able to meet the standard admissions criteria for college, or require additional supports in order to be successful in college.”
COURSES: “The Cutting Edge” is a blended model of education. Students are allowed to take some general undergraduate courses while receiving the service of individualized supports. There are also specialized classes geared towards “Cutting Edge” students only. These classes emphasize learning employment skills, succeeding in an independent living environment, and networking with peer mentors.
HOUSING: “Student Housing integrates a balance of academics, socialization, self-determination, and independent living. “The Cutting Edge” program has mixture of on-campus and off-campus housing available. Each housing arrangement is supported by a housing peer mentor that facilitates the balance of independent living.”
TUITION: Current tuition for the program is the same as regular Edgewood College tuition, totaling about $12,800 per semester (not including housing) for a full-time student.
Link: http://www.edgewood.edu/Prospective-Students/Cutting-Edge
WILC is a private, non-profit college in Waterford, Wisconsin. The college serves adults with Autism who desire continued learning; assisting them in reaching their goals for independence.
They believe that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders are intelligent and valuable members of society. Their mission is to provide each student with necessary supports so that he/she may not only have a successful college experience but also become inspired to achieve their purpose in life. At WILC knowledge is power. They understand that specially trained staff with the heart and vision of that mission is essential to the success of the program. They strive to provide an environment that inspires creativity, encourages individuality and supports young adults affected by Autism to feel safe and free to express their thoughts, feelings and opinions and ultimately realize their dreams.
Each person is unique and will require individualized programming to achieve their highest level of independent functioning. Classes emphasize traditional academic subjects, pre-vocational instruction, and daily living skill practice.
Daily schedules are individualized to meet each student’s abilities and goals.
For admission information and tuition fees, please contact WILC.
Link: http://wisconsinilc.org/
The Hesed program is motivated by a deep-seated belief that every individual can thrive and fulfill their potential. We recognize the unique obstacles faced by our students as they journey toward independence and self-sufficiency, and we are committed to walking alongside our students to provide support and just-right challenges to launch them into the next phase of life after school.
Link: https://www.cuw.edu/admissions/hesed-admissions/index.html
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.
Program Supports:
Comprehensive supports that are designed to prepare them for competitive employment and independent living to the greatest extent possible
Specialized instruction, with an emphasis on skills that students need in order to be successful in personal and professional endeavors
Expansive resident assistant supports designed to help students develop essential skills in non-academic domains
Expose students to a college experience, which spans far beyond traditional academics
Integration with multiple facets of campus life, thereby providing many inclusive opportunities and meaningful networks of support
Dismantles barriers and creates substantive opportunities for students with an intellectual disability
Prepares students to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise and participation in enjoyable leisure activities
Link: https://www.uww.edu/coeps/departments/life-program
Project Success is a remedial program for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities and/or attentional disabilities attending UW Oshkosh. The program was founded in 1979 by Dr. Robert T. Nash and has a strong history of providing individualized, best-practice support to participants. The program also provides remedial mathematics instruction and support for university math classes. For more information on the history of the program and philosophy of instruction, please see the About Us section.
Our program currently serves approximately over 300 students who come mainly from Wisconsin and the Midwest, but also from across the US and some foreign countries. There is no charge for Project Success services, above and beyond the cost of tuition at UWO.
We hope you find our web page easy to use and informative. If you have questions or comments about Project Success or this web page, please contact our office at projectsuccess@uwosh.edu or by calling our office at (920) 424-1033.
Link:https://www.uwosh.edu/projectsuccess/
The Accessibility Resource Center at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is dedicated to providing equal access for disabled students to the University’s academic, social, cultural and recreational programs. We provide comprehensive services and accommodations for disabled students, as well as outreach and support to faculty and staff. The Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible University experience for all students.
Link: https://uwm.edu/arc/about-arc/
Through MATC, you can expand on your current skills in a comprehensive and affordable program. The school offers 200 degree, diploma, certificate and apprentice programs, providing multiple paths to success. Programs are practical, focus on teaching students employable skills, and often include hands-on training. “MATC has the most diverse student population of any college in Wisconsin and serves a wide age group. Recent high school graduates and older adult students learn together in classrooms and labs.” “MATC offers many services to help students at all learning levels reach their goals. These include academic support centers, computer labs, bilingual services and special needs support.” Students that require disability services are welcomed and supported by the Student Accommodation Services Department. “The Student Accommodation Services Department provides reasonable accommodations and academic support to students with disabilities who demonstrate specific educational needs.” $2,792 is the average tuition per semester for a full-time student.
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
The Institute for Achievement and Learning combines cognitive instructional strategies with services such as group and individual tutoring, specialized learning communities, and group activities. This program assists students in understanding their specific course content and helps them develop strategies for planning, organizing, and implementing their studies.
Location: Huntington, West Virginia
For over 40 years, the Marshall University HELP Program has been dedicated to supporting students with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related disorders. Our mission is to provide personalized academic support and comprehensive resources to help students achieve their full potential. We understand the unique challenges faced by each student and offer tailored strategies to foster success in higher education.
Founded in 1981 by Dr. Barbara Guyer, a nationally recognized expert in education, learning disabilities and ADHD, the Marshall University HELP Program has evolved from its modest beginnings in a small university basement to a renowned Center of Excellence. Today, the HELP Center is housed in Myers Hall on Marshall University’s beautiful campus in Huntington, WV.
Whether you’re seeking personalized academic support, diagnostic services, or specialized programs, the Marshall University HELP Center is here to empower you on your educational journey.
Link: https://www.marshall.edu/help/
Location: Springfield, Massachusetts
The Curtis Blake Supportive Learning Services program is a fee-based program and includes one-on-one tutoring assistance and study skills workshops that are tailored to the student’s specific needs. The Supportive Learning Services staff can also work to modify the student’s academic environment by reducing course-loads and providing special materials or testing options.
Location: Milton, Massachusetts
The Program for Advancement of Learning (PAL) is “widely recognized as the country’s first college program of its kind and for its leadership role over the years.” PAL students are fully mainstreamed in all classes and receive additional support. According to the website, students work in a combination of individual and small, “credit-bearing classes” with a PAL faculty member during their first year, where they develop strategies in reading comprehension, written language, speaking, listening, organization, and time management.
SHEPHERDS COLLEGE: Union Grove, WI
“Shepherds College is an accredited, non-degree-granting institution designed specifically for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Throughout the three years at Shepherds College, students will be equipped to reach Appropriate Independence through the development of vocational, social, and life skills. We offer certificates of completion in three immersive occupational majors. Find out which one is right for you "
Link: https://shepherdscollege.edu/
P.A.C.E. at NLU is a three-year post-secondary program which is designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. P.A.C.E. is one of the leading residential-based programs in the country that integrates employment preparation, independent living skills coaching, functional academic courses and social development into a curriculum that prepares students for independent living through experiential learning.
Generally speaking, P.A.C.E. students have more ability and potential than their test scores indicate, and are highly motivated to be successful in life. They want to attend college and with a goal in mind to contribute to society as independent adults.
Students have a range of intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities, most often in areas of language, mathematics, reading comprehension, abstract reasoning, as well as organizational and social difficulties. Student diagnoses include learning and intellectual disabilities, high-functioning autism spectrum disorders, executive function disorder, speech and language impairments, and other similar disabilities that interfere with learning and success in a traditional college program.
https://nl.edu/pace/