Post-Secondary Education
AUCD advocates for legislation and policies that increase access to postsecondary education for students with disabilities, such as the Higher Education Opportunity Act.
Legislation
8/14/2008
Higher Education Opportunity Act
Text of the Law
Enacted on August 14, 2008, the HEOA reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.
Resources
3/22/2019
Inclusive Higher Education Committee - Letter & Chart
7/13/2017
Improving Access to Higher Education Act
A bill summary and fact sheet are available for the Improving Access to Higher Education Act, which would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to improve college access and completion for students with disabilities.
4/18/2016
Total and Permanent Disability Discharge for Student Loan Borrowers
The Department of Education and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will collaborate to identify and help individuals with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria for a discharge of their student loans. Individuals who have a total and permanent disability (TPD) are eligible to have their federal loans discharged, and the Department of Education will notify them of how to complete this process.
4/15/2016
Tax & Health Insurance Considerations for Student Loan Discharge

9/9/2014
Higher Education Affordability Act Summary

5/5/2014
Transition Program for Students with Intellectual Disability Appropriations Issue Brief
Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disability (TPSID) promote post-secondary education for students with intellectual disability. The President proposed ending funding for the program in his FY15 budget. This issue brief explains the TPSID program and why it must continue.

10/25/2011
U.S. Department of Education Releases Report on Young Adults with Disabilities After High School

The U.S. Department of Education has released The Post-High School Outcomes of Young Adults with Disabilities up to 6 Years After High School: Key Findings From the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2. The report gives a national picture of what happens to students with disabilities after high school. It includes data on higher education; employment; employment, education, and/or job training activities; living arrangements; parenting status; and social and community involvement.
9/7/2010
Higher Education Opportunity Act - Department of Education Resources

9/12/2008
Webinar on Disability Provisions in the Higher Education Opportunity Act: Materials Archived
8/18/2008
Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008 Analysis
From the Council for Exceptional Children

8/18/2008
Higher Education Opportunity Act Analysis Short Version
From the Council for Exceptional Children

8/6/2008
AUCD Summary of Disability Provisions in Higher Education Act
A summary of disability provisions within the Higher Education Act Conference Report that passed Congress

Related Links
Think College Publications
Newsletters, Fact Sheets and Policy Briefs
Think College Publications Think College! is an initiative of the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston to conduct research, training, and technical assistance for professionals, families, and students related to postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities
The Postsecondary Education Research Center Project (PERC)
Information and Resources on College Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Transition and Post-School Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities: Closing the Gaps to Post-Secondary Education and Employment

National Council on Disability Report
Research to Practice: Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Institute for Community Inclusion Brief
The George Washington University HEATH Resource Center
Online Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities
The Next Step
Streaming video, also available for order.
The 19-minute video, "The Next Step," from the Texas DD Council presents personal stories of five Texans with disabilities who enrolled in colleges, universities or technical schools. See the videos on line; videos can also be ordered in DVD and VHS format.