Open the Doors to College

2010

Students with developmental disabilities (DD) are significantly less likely than their peers without disabilities to go to college. Currently there are nearly 25,939 students? ages 14-22 who receive special education services in the categories of mental retardation, traumatic brain injury or autism in California, and 36, 910 consumers of regional center services ages 14-21. Typically these youth transition into segregated life skills or community based programs with the poorest post-school outcomes. Yet recent studies show that students with DD with any postsecondary education experience (PSE) are more likely to obtain competitive employment, require fewer supports, earn higher wages, and have increased self esteem and expanded social networks. Whether it is auditing, taking a few classes or full-time attendance, college is a desirable transition for youth to gain the capacity, knowledge and skills for adult living and working in the community. OPEN THE DOORS TO COLLEGE will empower the choice and self determination of students with DD who want to go to college; however would find the typical college experience difficult without necessary services and supports. There is a need to expand PSE options for youth with DD as there are only a few colleges in California with comprehensive practices or programs. The overall goals of OPEN THE DOORS TO COLLEGE are to: 1) provide awareness, information and resources on transition to PSE for students with DD; 2) increase the available PSE options in California; and 3) to expand and promote access to PSE for students with DD. The major activities are: to create an online clearinghouse with information about PSE in California for students with DD and their families; provide intensive technical assistance to 6 colleges, create a replicable and efficient tool kit for establishing a PSE program, and to create and distribute an issue brief to influence policy and practices in PSE for students with DD. OPEN THE DOORS TO COLLEGE is a collaboration between the Tarjan Center, a University Center for Excellence in DD, Kern County Regional Center, a frequent innovator of new ideas and programs for individuals with DD, Taft College, that has the only 2-year certificated community college program for students with DD, the State Center Community College District that has the largest number of students with DD enrolled in classes, and the California Consortium for Postsecondary Education Opportunities for People with DD.

Post secondary education, college, individuals with disabilities

Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention, Housing-Related Activities

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Specific Groups

Single-County, Mulit-County, State

N/A